Nopal
Nopal is the genus Opuntia from the Cactaceae family, or what is commonly known as the Prickly Pear Cactus. Nopal means cactus in Spanish and Nopales is term for "cactus stem". The term Nopalitos refers to the cactus pads once they are cut up and prepared for eating. Some of the constituents in Nopal include water, fat, mucopolysaccharide soluble fibers, carbohydrate, protein, saponins, glycosides, a flavonoid (quercetin), minerals and large amounts of B1, B6, niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid.
APPEARANCE
Nopal is a large cactus with a woody trunk and large top, many oblong joints, small, yellow barbed spines, bright yellow flowers and red fruit with a juicy, white, sweet flesh and numerous black seeds.
HISTORY
Nopal is native to Mexico, where it is considered the symbol of identity of the Mexican people and even included on the Mexican flag. Twenty thousand years ago Nopal was considered the lifeblood of ancient indigenous cultures, particularly in times of drought. In Pre-Columbian times, Nopal was considered an important staple food for both humans and livestock, as well as a beverage and a therapeutic agent. Indigenous peoples frequently included Nopal in religious and magical rites. During the Spanish Colonial Period, Nopal gained further importance as forage for cattle following depletion of grasslands. Its beneficial uses as a tonic and healthful beverage were also gaining in reputation during this period. The De la Cruz-Badiano Codex of 1552, for example, noted that Nopal was widely used by indigenous peoples to nutritionally support healthy skin, a healthy digestive system and a healthy immune system as well. Friar Motolinia remarked, "The Indians, from a land so sterile that they lack water, drink the juice of these leaves of nopal." Nopal received its botanical name, Opuntia, from Tournefot, who thought the plant was similar to a thorny plant that grew in the town of Opus, in Greece. After the Spanish conquest, Nopal spread from Mexico to practically all the Americas, and may now be found in tropical and arid regions throughout the world, including the southwestern United States.
STUDIES
Over the last several years, there has been increasing interest in Nopal and its therapeutic properties. This is partially evidenced by the large numbers of scientific studies published on this topic.
For further information on the benefits of Nopal, please refer to the studies listed below. The below studies indicate that you can use Nopal to maintain good health.
DISCLAIMER: These references are for general information only and are not to be used to cure or treat any diseases. Any information regarding treatments for disease is not adopted or endorsed by Dr. Clark Store. We do not offer Nopal for sale with the intent that be used to treat disease, but rather for its beneficial effect on the normal functioning of the body. We provide as much information as we can on Nopal so that you may make a fully informed decision.
- Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels (Please See Disclaimer)
Reference: "Dietary Cactus Reduces Blood Glucose Levels in a Hispanic Man," Faldmo D, Stephan M, et al, JAAPA, November 2004;17(11):35-36.
http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/33395
- Supports Antioxidant Action (Please See Disclaimer)
Reference: "Absorption, Excretion, and Distribution of Dietary Antioxidant Betalains in LDLs: Potential Health Effects of Betalains in Humans," Tesoriere L, Livrea MA, et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2004;80:941-945. (Address: Maria A. Livrea, E-mail: mal96@unipa.it) http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/33126
The forgoing statements concerning the above herb and its properties are provided for the purpose of education and information only. The herb itself has not been subjected to the testing required by the US Government and is not clinically proven to cure or treat a disease of any kind.
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