Interesting Health Facts On Prickly pears

Botanical name of Prickly pears: Opuntia is Botanically named as prickly pear or pear cactus.pear cactus, is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae. Opuntioideae is a subfamily of the cactus family Cactaceae.

Origin of Prickly pears: Prickly pears found in North and South America,also originated from British Columbia and Alberta southward.

Appearances of Prickly pears: Prickly pears typically grow with flat, rounded cladodes also called platyclades containing large, smooth, fixed spines and small, hair like prickles.

Taste of Prickly pears
The flavor of a cactus pear is sweet, but somewhat bland, similar in flavor to a melon.

Variety of Prickly pears
Some of the most common types of cacti include
1. The Golden Barrel Cactus
2. Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia)
3. Rhipsalis
4. The Saguaro Cactus

Nutrition Values of Prickly pears
Prickly pears nutrition(cactus fruit)  value per 100 g.
Energy 41 Kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 9.57 g 7%
Protein 0.73 g 1%
Total Fat 0.51 g 2.5%
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Dietary Fiber 3.6 g 9%
Vitamins
Folates 6 μg 1.5%
Niacin 0.460 mg 3%
Pyridoxine 0.060 mg 4.5%
Riboflavin 0.060 mg 4.5%
Thiamin 0.014 mg 1%
Vitamin A 43 IU 1.5%
Vitamin C 14 mg 23%
Electrolytes
Sodium 5 mg <1%
Potassium 220 mg 5%
Minerals
Calcium 56 mg 6%
Copper 0.080 mg 10%
Iron 0.30 mg 4%
Magnesium 85 mg 21%
Phosphorus 24 mg 3.5%
Zinc 0.12 mg 1%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-β 25 μg
Isorhamnetin 0.7 μg
Quercetin 4.9 μg

Interesting Health Facts On Cactus Fruit

Cactus fruit also considered as Superfood that provide overall nutrients to fulfil our day-to-day lifestyle.

Cactus fruit hold about 24 percent of vitamin C along with calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, vitamin A, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, iron and selenium and also with 42 percent of calories that our daily recommended nutrients for a day.

Cactus fruit or prickly pear is quite low in carbs, low-fat diet for about 9.9 grams of carbohydrates, including 3.7 grams of fiber with less than one gram of fat per serving.

cactus can reduce body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of diseases like stroke, coronary heart diseases, peripheral vascular diseases.

Manages cholesterol
Eating prickly pears helps lower the bad cholesterol in your bloodstream.Cactus also reduce blood triglycerides,body fat,blood pressure and cholesterol levels.Cactus give immunity against health issue like stroke,coronary heart diseases and peripheral vascular diseases.

Controlling Blood Sugar
Prickly pears prevent Blood sugar and insulin spikes.If blood sugar in the body is higher than normal, it can indicate the presence of several diseases, like diabetes, heart disease or stroke.Cactus supplies low glycemic index and absorb into the blood stream more slowly hence cactus in diet showed a remarkable reduction in blood sugar.

Strengthening Immune System
Prickly pears fruits, is loaded with vitamin C, fighting infections, inflammations, and cell-damages.Vitamin C present in cactus fruit is one of the best immune boosters that increases the production of white blood cells.Prickly pears act as anti-inflammatory which reduce a sore throat and inflammatory illnesses and reduces the risk of catching infection.

Weight Control
Prickly pears can lower risk of metabolic syndrome, and lower body weights.Prickly pears
keep your body in healthy and help you stay hydrated.Cactus fruit is with high fiber and nutrient density, low calories, and saturated fat.

Reduces Inflammation
Prickly pears antioxidants and minerals lower inflammation in conditions like arthritis, gout, or muscle strain,swelling of bug bites.Prickly pears Antioxidants fight cell damage in your body.Prickly pears prevent cancer growth by suppressing inflammatory factors that promote cell mutation and metastasis.

Prevents Cancer
Prickly pears have high levels of flavonoids, polyphenols and betalains antioxidant compounds and neutralize free radicals before they cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells.Prickly pears helps to fight cancer, reduces DNA damage in mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach and colon.

Strengthens Bones & Teeth
prickly pears contain prevent various dental issues and age-related bone disorders like osteoporosis.Calcium in Prickly pears plays an integral part in the creation of bone tissue and strong teeth.

Aids in Digestion
Dietary fiber in Cactus fruit regulate and promote healthy digestive function.Fiber help through the digestive tract easily, thereby eliminating constipation, bloating,gastrointestinal issues such as colon cancer or gastric ulcers and help you better absorb the nutrients.