Prickly Pears
Prickly Pears (Opuntia ficus-indica) aka: Nopal, Nopales, Barberry Figs, and Indian Figs, are cylindrical shaped fruits with a thorny outer skin, firm to mushy inner flesh, and many small seeds at their center. Prickly Pears come in a variety of colors and can be red, green, yellow, or purple.
Health benefits of Prickly Pears
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Prickly Pears
Look for vibrantly colored prickly pears that yield lightly to pressure, avoid any pears that are too mushy, or wrinkled.
Climate and origin
Prickly Pears originated in the Americas and can now be found in almost every hot dry climate across the world.
Taste
Prickly pears have a subtle sweet taste that is lightly fragrant. They have a firm to mushy texture, and there are many seeds in the middle to contend with. It is important not to eat any of the skin of a prickly pear due to thorns and glochids which can cause a lot of discomfort.
Miscellaneous information
Prickly pears can be found distilled into the form of alcoholic beverages, most notably Bajtra Liqueur and Tungi Spirit.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 41 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.51g | 1% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.07g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 5mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 9.6g | 3% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 3.6g | 13% | ||
| Total Sugars --g | --% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 0.73g | 1% | ||
| Vitamin C 14mg | 16% | ||
| Vitamin D --mcg | --% | ||
| Iron 0.3mg | 2% | ||
| Calcium 56mg | 4% | ||
| Potassium 220mg | 5% | ||
| Phosphorus 24mg | 2% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||