The Nopal cactus plant is a prickly pear cactus that grows in the southern areas of North America. The plant is harvested and dried as a natural supplement used to help clear the digestive tract, prevent the absorption of insulin into the blood stream, and promote heart and liver health. It is also used as a diet pill to curb hunger pangs.
Nopal Cactus Plant
Nopal is a cactus plant, more accurately known as Nopal verde, or green Nopal, a type of prickly pear cactus. Nopal can also refer to a dish made from the cactus, which is created by stripping away the tough skin and spine to expose the vegetable matter beneath. It is claimed to have a variety of beneficial effects on the body's digestive system.
Location
The Nopal prickly pear cactus is found primarily in the southern United States, Mexico and some parts of Central America. There is some vagueness in the definition of Nopal cactus and whether it refers to a particular variety of cactus, or in fact any prickly pear cactus that is used for medicinal or nutrient purposes.
Nopal Medicinal Supplement
Nopal cactus extract is used as a supplement for a variety of purported health benefits. It is a common treatment for hyperglycemia in Latin America, since studies have linked Nopal with reduced absorption of insulin after meals. Since too much insulin in the bloodstream causes hyperglycemia, Nopal effectively treats the condition. Others use the plant extract to treat high cholesterol, inflammation of the blood vessels near the heart, and colon cleansing. The Nopal cactus is seen as an excellent source of healthy fiber and is available to those who may be allergic to other diet choices.
Benefits as a Diet Pill
Others use Nopal cactus as a diet pill. Extracted, dried and ingested, the Nopal fibers can swell up to 50 times their dried size, according to some sources. This produces a temporary feeling of being full, and so helps those on a diet to eat less without resorting to chemicals that may have unpleasant side effects.
Production
Nopal cactus is harvested by SeaGate, a distributor of natural supplements and remedies. The company gathers the leaves from cactus farms in Baja, California, where they are taken to a nearby plant to be cleaned and de-spined. The leaves are then ground into small pieces and freeze-dried to preserve the plant's nutrients. The dried Nopal can then be put in a pill or used as a powder, the two most common methods of ingestion.
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