Prickly pear or fig opuntia is a fruit that grows on a tree of the same name and belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. It is native to America but was later introduced to other regions of the world. It provides many health and beauty benefits due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc.
# Boost ImmunityAntioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in prickly pears protect our immune cells or the white blood cells from free radical damage and thus strengthens our immune system.
The immune system is the defense mechanism of our body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, diseases, and as well as injuries, and wounds. Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells, and further strengthens our immunity.
# Strengthens Bones And TeethPrickly pears make our bones and teeth stronger due to bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, etc.
Calcium is a vital mineral for the growth and development of the bones, and lack of this mineral may increase the risk of bone disorders like osteoporosis.Potassium neutralizes acid load, reduces loss of calcium from the bones, and thus improves bone density.
# Maintains Cholesterol LevelDietary fibers in prickly pears reduce LDL cholesterol in the body and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.
This minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls, and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
# Good For StomachPrickly pears are good for the stomach and improve our digestive health.Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in prickly pears protect our digestive system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, and stomach cancer, etc.
The laxative properties of dietary fibers in prickly pears improve bowel movement, aids in stool elimination, and thus relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.
# Regulates HypertensionPotassium present in the prickly pears is a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from high blood pressure or hypertension.
Hypertension is a silent killer that affects millions of people around the world and gives rise to various health problems like severe headaches, nose bleed, chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, vision problems, and blood in urine, etc.
Zinc and magnesium in prickly pears also aid in regulating high blood pressure.Consume prickly pears in moderation as over-intake of potassium may lower the blood pressure to an abnormally low level giving rise to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, dehydration, lack of concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc.
# Promotes Cardiovascular HealthPrickly pears improve our cardiovascular health.Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in prickly pears protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage and improves its efficiency.
Dietary fibers in prickly pears reduce LDL cholesterol and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.Potassium in prickly pears relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and controls hypertension or high blood pressure which is a major cause of several cardiovascular and other health problems.