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Search Term: " Nopal "
Benefits Of A Super Fruit Juice Blend   
Date:
March 12, 2013 03:12 PM
We've all heard about super fruits, but not all fruits qualify as a super fruit. Those fruits that are deemed to be "super" aren't necessarily considered to be the best fruits, as a super fruit must be packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and basically all sorts or phyto-nutrients as well. The nutrients that are in super fruits have shown to help you live a much longer and healthier life, as they will prevent all sorts of illnesses. There are many fruits that are so high in sugar, causing them to no longer be the greatest choice when looking in your fruit stand. Benefits Of A Super Fruit Juice Blend One of the main benefits to drinking super fruit juice blends would have to be the fact that they store your entire body with all sorts of vitamins and minerals. By simply drinking a super fruit juice once a day, you will be able to detox your body and fasten your metabolism all at the same time. Making a super fruit blend is also very easy and simple as long as you have the right blender or juicer. Top Super Fruits To Add In Your Juices
Although there are many types of fruits that are said to be super fruits, it doesn't mean all are really super fruits. Some of the best fruits that are truly "SUPER" are moringa oleifera, acai, goji, mangosteen, noni, Nopal, and maqui juice. All of these fruits are hi in antioxidants, low in sugar, and are also packed with so many nutrients. These super fruits are also considered to help prevent all sorts of conditions like cardiovascular disease, heart disease, diabetes, and so on. When you store your body with the right nutrients, you will certainly be able to live a much healthier life. However, since the fruits are very beneficial to the body on their own, they become a lot more healthier when you combine them together. Why The Combination Of These Super Fruits Are Highly Beneficial The main reason why these fruits are best to be combined together is because since they all offer individual benefits, combining them will allow you to attain all their health benefits in a single drink. Super fruits are proven to help reduce the chances of infection, enhance vision, minimize inflammation, lower blood clots, enhance digestion, and regulate bowel system. There have even been claims stating that some of the fruits above can help cure certain cancers and diseases as well. Plus, some of these fruits contain anti-microbial properties which could help prevent intestinal issues allowing it to reduce cancer. If you want to receive the right amount of nutrients in your body daily, then you must consider to start drinking a super fruit drink daily. When you start to store your body with all the needed super fruits, you will then start to live a much healthier life. The benefits of super fruits cannot be attained with regular fruits because they don't really offer the same nutrients of a true super fruit.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2830) How Does Prickly Pear Leaf Help with Blood Sugar Control? 
Date:
August 02, 2011 02:02 PM
Also known as Nopales in its place of origin, all plant species referred to as prickly pear belong to the genus Opuntia. This genus comprises more than 200 species, but only a few are noted for their culinary uses. In Mexico and most of Latin America, it is consumed as a vegetable in general. The juice extracted from the prickly pear leaf is utilized in different niches of many industries. In food and drug industries, it is highly valued for its alkaloids and polyphenols that exhibit bioactive properties. Many health problems recorded in the past few decades have been linked to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates present in the human diet are broken down into simple sugars. In particular, glucose refers to the sugar that enters the systemic circulation. Glucose takes on a central role at the cellular level. It fuels the physiological functions of all cells and tissues, including the brain and the heart. That being said, diets high in simple sugars have been tied to elevated blood sugar. Researchers and medical professionals have noted several factors that lead to metabolic disorders. Genetic abnormalities are something we don’t have control of. On the other hand, lifestyle factors are quite the opposite. It has been reported that sedentary lifestyle and food choices play a major part in the development of illnesses related to glucose metabolism. Experts are convinced that some foods are detrimental to health, but there are sources of nutrition that help maintain healthy glucose levels. Prickly pear leaf belongs to the group of foods that are good for blood sugar. Glycemic index measures how carbohydrates present in our diet influence blood sugar concentration. Simple sugars are always considered unhealthy forms of carbohydrates in that all of them possess a high glycemic index, which means glucose is released into the bloodstream at a very rapid rate. Foods that are easily digested to simple sugars, such as white bread and sweetened beverages, affect blood sugar in the same manner. Organic compounds that occur naturally in prickly pear leaf have a twofold effect. First, it helps lower the glycemic index of carbohydrates in our diet, and thus promotes a gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. Second, it improves the hormone activity of insulin and fights its functional decline that results in insulin resistance, a common medical condition that precedes type 2 diabetes mellitus. Grab some prickly pear leaf and take control of your life.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2384) Bad Cholesterol, High Blood Sugar ? - Try Prickly Pear!
Date:
March 29, 2011 04:27 PM
Prickly Pear Cactus And Your HealthPrickly pear refers to a large genus of cactuses known for their culinary and medicinal uses. It is also known as Nopal, a popular vegetable from the young pad segments with the spines removed that originated from Central America. Nopales are sold fresh in Mexico and neighboring countries and largely derived from the species Opuntia ficus-indica. This edible cactus is rich in fiber and flavonoids, making it not only a healthy source of but also a potent medicinal herb. In recent years it has enjoyed a much-publicized association with the therapeutic treatment of diabetes and high cholesterol. Also, its age-old preparations for indigestion and other digestive problems remain in wide use. Cleanses the Digestive Tract Prickly pear has long been used as a digestive and an herbal remedy for illnesses of the gastrointestinal tract. In certain regions of Central America, eating Nopales is considered the most viable treatment for indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation simple because it works, not to mention Nopales are delicious. Of course it is now common knowledge that its high fiber content is the reason why it aids digestion and allays digestive problems. Furthermore, the phytochemical it contains serves as natural cleansers of the entire alimentary canal. Lowers Blood Lipid Levels Bad cholesterol is notoriously named so because of the fact that they are a reliable indicator of cardiovascular diseases, notably atherosclerosis. Recent studies have linked prickly pear, especially Opuntia ficus-indica, to better management of high cholesterol. The exact mechanism of action is still under scrutiny, but it is postulated that it interferes with the conversion of very-low-density lipoproteins into low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol, in the liver. It is also suggested that prickly pear may promote the releases of high-density lipoproteins, or good cholesterol. Enhances Insulin Sensitivity Among all the health benefits of prickly pear, its effect on diabetes may well be the best studied. Type 2 diabetes results from a metabolic disorder that impairs the capacity of cells to respond to the hormone insulin. Cells that have become resistance to the physiological effects of insulin significantly contribute to escalating levels of sugar in the blood, which often leads to diabetes. Prickly pear works on the principle of reversing this metabolic disorder by promoting the uptake of glucose. Neutralizes Free Radicals Free radicals are by-products of oxygen metabolism that damage cells and tissues, the reason why cells have endogenous antioxidants to fight them off. When there is an imbalance between endogenous antioxidants and free radicals, the body needs help in the form of exogenous antioxidant in our diet to contain the damage free radicals cause. There have been numerous reports about the antioxidant properties of the herb prickly pear. In fact, Opuntia species contain a diverse variety of polyphenols that are not present in a single plant species. Nopales are particularly rich in betalains and flavonoids, both of which are organic compounds naturally occurring in nature that have been well investigated due to their active antioxidant properties inside the human body.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2262) Nopal Prickly Pear And Your Health
Date:
August 18, 2009 12:41 PM
Nopal is also referred to as the prickly pear cactus. The broad, thick, succulent leaves of the cactus are used for medicinal purposes. The Nopal prickly pear herb is the most commonly found in the southwestern United States. The Nopal prickly pear is a vegetable that is made from the young cladophyll, pad-like, segments of the prickly pear plant. These are carefully peeled to remove the spines. The Nopal prickly pear is extremely common in its native Mexico. Although the pads of almost all Opuntia species are edible, farmed Nopales are most often of the species Opuntia ficus-indica. Generally, a Nopal is sold fresh, bottled, or canned. Less often, it is sold dried. It is used to prepare Nopalitos. The Nopal has a light, slightly tart flavor, and a crisp, mucilaginous texture. This herb is commonly used in Mexican cuisine dishes include huevos con Nopales, which is eggs with Nopal; carne con Nopales, also known as meat with Nopal; or tacos de Nopales. Nopales are also an important ingredient in New Mexican cuisine. Currently, the Nopal is gaining popularity elsewhere in the United States. De-thorned Nopal stems are used as food in Mexico and among Native Americans. Early settlers used the stems in wound dressing after they had been peeled. The gel that comes from the cactus pads was used to soften the skin. This lessened tension against the wound and alleviated pain. Nopal juice is valued as an anti-inflammatory diuretic. Practitioners of folk medicine recommend this herb fore use against painful urination. The mashed pulp of the cactus was traditionally eaten by the West Coast Indians in order to ease childbirth. Additionally, the pulp was used as a lung remedy and as a cardiac aid. The Nopal prickly pear herb contains a variety of phytochemicals. Among these components are pectin, mucilage, and gums that assist the digestive system. This herb also contains nutrients which inhibit bowel absorption of dietary fat and excess sugars. Nopal is responsible for fortifying the liver and pancreas. This enhances insulin’s ability to move glucose from the blood into the cells, where it is able to produce energy. Research has determined that Nopal prickly pear has hypoglycemic benefits as well. This could be extremely helpful for those people suffereing from diabetes. Other studies have determined that Nopal lowers serum levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally, it may inhibit cancer growth and prevent cancer development. Laboratory animals that were treated with cactus juice showed an increase immune response regarding tumor growth, Epstein-Barr virus, and suppressed immune function. The leaves of the Nopal plant are used to provide antiasthmatic, astringent, laxative, pectoral, and vemrifuge properties. The primary nutrients found in this herb are mucilage, pectin, and phytochemicals. Primarily, Nopal is extremely beneficial in dealing with cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, and immune function. This herb also acts as a great digestive aid. In order to obtain the best results when supplementing with this, or any herb, it is important to consult your health care provider before beginning any regimen while on medications. For more information on the many beneficial effects provided by Nopal prickly pear, please feel free to consult a representative from your local health food store with questions.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2058) Nopal Enducance
Date:
October 31, 2006 03:37 PM
Nopal Endurance Prickly Pear Extract for Endurance and Stamina
• Contains Tex-OE™, a patented extract from the Nopal cactus. Source Naturals opal contains Tex-OE™, a patented standardized extract from the prickly pear or Nopal cactus that helps support endurance and stamina by priming the body for athletic activity and physical exertion. Preliminary evidence suggests that Tex-OE™ may support the accelerated formation of Heat Shock Proteins (HSTs), stress recovery proteins synthesized by the body to endure physiological extremes. This early response helps to minimize cellular damage as a result of extreme physical exertion. Source NaturalsNopal Endurance is a critical step toward achieving maximum potential. 1 capsule contains: Prickly Pear Fruit Standardized Extract 40 mg (Tex-OE™ a patented extract of Opuntia ficus) Suggested Use: 1 capsule per 130 lbs of body weight, with water, at least 2 hours before stress activity, once every three days. Fiber interferes with absorption. For best results, do not eat or drink foods or beverages containing fiber 2 hours before and 2 hours after taking.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1413) The Perfect Pick: "Prickly Pear" Opuntia Streptacantha 
Date:
May 07, 2005 10:03 AM
Protect - Provide - Prevent Prickly Pear was used for centuries by Native American populations in there traditional medicine practices. Also known as "Nopal" or "Opuntia", the prickly pear cactus protects its self against the most hostile conditions with spines and a tough waxy flexh. This robust desert plant is intended to provide nutritive support for normal, healthy blood glucose levels, as well as blood lipid levels. Prickly Pear naturally contains pectin and can be consumed for antioxidant support. Each vegetarian capsule contains 500mg of whole Prickly Pear (Opuntia Strepacantha) Leaf.
Darrell -- VitaNet ® VitaNet Staff
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prickly pear leaf is obtained from a group of cacti known for their positive effect on blood sugar. It is an important source of food and medication for Native Americans since prehistory. It contains unique compounds that display potent antioxidant activity. Studies have shown that its phytochemical content displays potential in the management of 
