Benefits of Cactus Pear
The cactus pear grows on the cactus fruit and sometimes it is referred to a berry. Its pulp is moist and sweet with the flavor and aroma that is similar to various combined tasty tropical and subtropical fruits. The Cactus also known as Opuntia ficus-indica is a plant that grows wildly in the American Southwest and Mexico. The cactus pear has been part of their diet for a very long time, the fruit having two edible sections; the vegetable and fruit. The following are its benefits explained;
1. Natural antioxidantCactus pear extracts have some very powerful antioxidants which can be helpful in preventing gastric ulcer. It also has a potential to lower blood lipid and cholesterol. The antioxidant factor can also prove useful when taken by people with hangovers because it helps to ease the feeling. Further its antioxidant action protects organ and cells and hypothetically slows down the aging process as well as preventing diseases and illnesses.
2. Cures and prevents diabetesThe cactus pear contains a lot of fiber. For this reason, it treats diabetes which is surprising since it contains sugar. However the fiber in the cactus pear is both insoluble and soluble. The insoluble fiber helps to slow down the process where sugar is released into the blood stream and system consecutively.
3. Natural supplementConsuming the pear cactus also works towards increasing vitamin E levels in the body. Taking the cactus pear fruit supplements the body with high levels of vitamin E. Overall, the cactus pair is generally rich in vitamins and other minerals such as manganese, potassium, copper and iron all which are important to the body.
However, the cactus pear can affect blood sugar levels making it difficult to control during and after a surgery. Therefore anybody consuming it prior to having a surgery should cease taking it two weeks before.