By Frank Yaconis
The Prickly Pear Cactus has been around for centuries in the Sonoran desert used as both a food and a medicine. It was traditionally eaten as a vegetable, but now it is even used to make treats.
Now that the native North American plant has skyrocketed in popularity, we are seeing it used to make ice cream, pies, jelly, candy, marmalade and even to add flavor to margaritas.
It is so nice to balance these yummy treats with such a healthy food.
The Prickly Pear Cactus, also known as the Nopal Cactus, has spawned a giant industry in the juice sector. Sales of Nopalea Juice have skyrocketed in the past few years as people realize what a healthy drink it is. It is not only healthy for your body now, with its abundance of vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants, but it can stave off serious disease in your future.
Because the plant is being looked at as a natural anti-inflammatory, it may be able to help with a variety of serious diseases and ailments. It has long been a food and now may also be an all-natural medicine.
Nearly a decade ago, a cover story by Time told readers how scientists are now finding a link between chronic inflammation and everything ranging from Alzheimer s to cancer. The theory is that while inflammation is the way our body fights invaders, it doesn t always disappear when the fight is over. When this happens, the body is still in combat, but with itself. This chronic inflammation might be the underlying or root cause of many, many diseases. It could be why people develop arthritis, asthma, heart disease and even eczema. Researchers are looking at whether by tackling the chronic inflammation, the incidence of the other serious diseases and ailments can be reduced.
In addition, the plant is being looked at as a natural cure for diabetes. The infamous Dr. Oz talked about its connection to diabetes. It seems that the plant is so high in fiber that it can actually act as a method to slow down the rate sugar enters the body. By doing this, the blood sugar levels are regulated.
In addition, prickly pear cactus is believed to help lower or reduce cholesterol levels in the body and is also a natural aid to fight the symptoms of a hangover.
Jimmy Fallon, the comedian, came onto Dr. Oz s show one episode and asked how he could drink without the ill side effects. Dr. Oz spoke about hydration and drinking clear alcohols to lessen the effects, but also said Fallon should try some prickly pear cactus. In fact, Dr. Oz told Fallon he d send some of the plant his way.
With a plant this beneficial to our health, it is amazing that it is also prepared as a treat in so many different ways. It is eaten as a sweet, but also as a meat. People use it as a filling for tacos or fry it up with some eggs. I think I would prefer it in my margarita.
About the Author: Frank Yocanis has been researching and writing about the health benefits of
Nopalea Juice
for the past decade. He has even traveled to the Sonoran desert half a dozen times to study the
Nopalea Reviews
in the plant s homeland. He is excited to share how this antioxidant-rich drink can change your life.
Source:
isnare.com
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