Opuntia, commonly called prickly pear, is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae. It is part of the diet in Mexican and Mexican-American cultures and is also used for medicine. Prickly pear cactus is a plant. Opuntia ficus-indica, the prickly pear, is a species of cactus that has long been a domesticated crop plant grown in agricultural economies throughout arid and semiarid parts of the world.

Likely having originated in Mexico, O. The opuntia, or prickly pear cactus, is known for its flat, oval-shaped pads and delicious fruits. It is considered a healthy part of the Mexican diet. People eat the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. Some preliminary evidence shows that prickly pear cactus can decrease blood sugar levels in people with type diabetes.

The prickly pear plant has. Plant the prickly pear at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot. Some exterior support may be necessary for larger specimens while it establishes. Planting prickly pear cactus requires careful handling to avoid damaging the plant and you.

The health benefits of prickly pear include its ability to lower cholesterol levels, improve the digestive process, decrease the risk of diabetes, boost the immune system, and stimulate bone growth. The antioxidant-rich fruit also helps strengthen blood vessels, aid in weight loss, and reduce inflammation. Cactus fruit have a significant level of dietary fiber like most fruits and vegetables, so these spiny fruits can help you regulate your digestive process.

Fiber bulks up the stool to help food pass through the digestive tract easily, thereby eliminating constipation, bloating, and serious gastrointestinal issues such as gastric ulcers. There are a number of components of prickly pears that make it very good for heart health. First of all, the levels of fiber in the fruit can help lower the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body.

Secondly, the significant levels of potassium can help lower blood pressure, by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing stress on the cardiovascular system. Finally, the betalains found in prickly pear, have been directly connected to strengthening the endothelial walls of blood vessels, thereby reducing the chances of weakening the circulatory system.

Overall the cactus fruit can prevent atherosclerosis, coronary heart diseases, and stroke. The antioxidants in prickly pears protect the skin, lower the chances of premature aging, improve vision, prevent macular degeneration, and increase the strength and functionality of your brain.

Studies conducted in Germany showed high levels of tocopherol and beta-carotene in the prickly fruit, both of which are very beneficial for skin and eye health. Free radicals are partially responsible for the oxidation of neural cells that lead to various diseases. Polyphenolic compounds have been linked to increased cognitive activity.

See full list on organicfacts. Spread throughout North and South America, about 2different species of Nopales (Opuntia) cacti are foun all of which have some form of this prickly pear fruit, although not all varieties are edible. The most commonly used species in terms of eating and cooking are O. Indian Fig Opuntia.

The most interesting thing about this fruit is that it grows at the very edge of the spiny leaves of these imposing cacti, which are some of the hardiest lowland cacti in the worl a trait inherited by its fruit. The fruits are oval in shape and their color can range from yellow and light green to orange, pink, and re depending on their variety and ripeness.

Although all cacti are technically native to the Americas, prickly pears and its fruits have spread across the world to Egypt, Morocco, Europe, and the Middle East. In terms of organic compounds, cactus fruit has high levels of flavonoids, polyphenols, and betalains, all of which have a positive impact on health. Research by Luisa Tesoriere et al.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition emphasizes that eating cactus pear fruit is positively linked to toxin removal and antioxidant activity due to its high levels of vitamins C and E. Also known as ascorbic aci vitamin C plays a major role in boosting the immune system, stimulating the production of white blood cells, and acting as an antioxidant in the body. By ensuring you have enough calcium in your system, you can prevent various dental issues, as well as age-related bone disorders like osteoporosis.

With high fiber and nutrient density, low calories, and saturated fat, prickly pears can keep your body in a healthy form without adding any extra weight. Also, the fiber and carbohydrates prevent you from overeating! These act as antioxidant compounds and neutralize free radicals before they cause healthy cells to mutate.

In traditional medicine, the cactus fruit was mashed and applied topically to parts of the body that were inflamed. When consume the antioxidants and minerals in prickly pears can lower inflammation, particularly in conditions like arthritis, gout, or muscle strain. A Seoul National University study confirmed its anti-inflammatory properties.

It can also be topically applied to eliminate the swelling of bug bites, which in fact is a method in use for hundreds of years. Word of Caution: Before eating a prickly pear, it is very important to remove the skin and peel it off so all of the spines are removed. If they arent, the glochids can lodge themselves in your lips, gums, and throat, which can be very painful.

The cactus is home to the vastness of Mexico and some areas of both Americas. In addition to its remarkable appearance, the plant has a number of useful properties and can produce tasty fruits. Caring for prickly pear prickly pear is very simple, so many flower growers will gladly settle this exotic beauty from the Cactus family in their home.

Eastern prickly pear is an easy-to-care-for cactus, favored by desert dwellers and cool-weather. While you can grow prickly pear from seeds, it can take up to three years to have a. Pests and Diseases.

Plant prickly pear cactus in spring or early summer, and water it well after planting to encourage a strong root system. It rarely needs fertilizer when planted outside.

If the green pads become dull or stunte apply an all-purpose fertilizer. Fruit colors can also vary in shades of re green and yellow-orange. Other: Because of their spiny nature, prickly pear cactus are deer resistant.

Refrain from watering your prickly pear to get the soil completely dry. Once you’re sure that the soil is dry, shake the prickly pear out of the soil while holding the base.

Put fungicide on any wound that the prickly pear has and then put it in the new pot and then put in the cactus soil mix. A nearby gardener will watch over the growing prickly pear cactus at the cost of jangerberries. Harvesting prickly pears gives Defence. Most prickly pear cactus have yellow, red or purple flowers, even among the same species.

Pads can vary in width, length, shape and color. Christine Benlafquih.

The other part of the nopal cactus that is edible is the fruit called the tuna in Spanish, and the " prickly pear " in English. They can also be found canned or bottled as nopalitos, and less often drie especially for export. She fell in love with succulents and cacti while growing up in Phoenix, Arizona and is excited to bring these specialty plants to Sacramento.

Mona is dedicated to community and creativity. She looks forward to meeting you soon!