Prickly pear fruit, enjoyed with glee by a round bear named Baloo in Disney's "Jungle Book" movie, may give dieters reason to smile. Cacti-nea, an extract of prickly pear, may help you shed water weight and actual fat as well. Evidence of cacti-nea's weight loss properties, though promising, remains slight. And before trying cacti-nea products or any dietary supplements, you should first consult a health professional.
History
Cacti-nea, derived from prickly pear fruit found on cacti, has been used for more than 5,000 years in Mexico for the treatment of diarrhea, muscular inflammation, indigestion and heart disease and as a remedy for colds and flu. Cacti-nea, scientifically known as Opuntia Ficus Indica, has a modern-day reputation as a weight management tool with diuretic and antioxidant properties. Limited research suggests cacti-nea may also possess fat-binding properties similar to those in some prescription weight loss medications.
Clinical Trials
Diuretic and antioxidant effects of cacti-nea were found by J.F. Bisson and other researchers at the Center Rech Pharmacology Cancerol & Pathology Humaines in France. Rats injected with cacti-nea produced more urine than rats not given the supplement, according to the report published in the June 18, 2010 issue of "Phytotherapy Research." Prickly pear extract may also assist weight loss by binding itself to fat, according to unpublished research led by Christian Diehl, a professor at the University of Lyon in France. In Diehl's trial, 40 overweight patients who took prickly pear extract while also following a calorie-restricted lost more fat than patients who dieted without taking the supplement, according to an article in London's Daily Telegraph.
Safety
Although prickly pear cactus is not recommended to consume as a plant, the natural extracts, such as cacti-nea, apper safe to consume when taken in appropriate amounts. The most common side effects of supplements containing cacti-nea include diarrhea, headache, bloating, nausea, bloating and more frequent bowel movements. The risks associated with cacti-nea may outweigh the benefits for pregnant women, diabetics and anyone recovering from surgery. Given the limited amount of clinical studies about cacti-nea, other side effects may remain undiscovered.
Considerations
Products containing cacti-nea provide slimming qualities more successfully to women than men but do not replace diet and exercise for either sex. The diuretic properties of cacti-nea will last only as long as you take the supplement, but its quick-acting effects may motivate you to stick with a weight loss plan that includes eating less and working out more. You could lose 1 lb per week by reducing your calorie intake by 500 calories a day and another 1/2 lb. weekly by walking an hour a day.
References
- Insider: Cacti-Nea's New Clinical Study Results
- Nutrition Horizon: Cacti-Nea Shown to Refine the Silhouette and Regains Body's Tone
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Diuretic and Antioxidant Effects of Cacti-Nea®, a Dehydrated Water Extract from Prickly Pear Fruit, in Rats; J.F. Bisson et al; June 2010
- "Arch Invest Med"; The Effect of Various Doses of Nopal on the Glucose Tolerance Test in Healthy Individuals; A.C. Munari Frati et al; June 1988
- The Daily Telegraph; Prickly Fat Fighter; Sarah Lonsdale; March 30 2001
- MayoClinic.com: Weight Loss
Member Comments