Prickly Pear
Common Name: Prickly Pear
Botanical Name: Opuntia phaeacantha
Other Names:Other Names: Nopal, Paddle cactus, Tulip Prickly Pear, Desert Prickly Pear
Growing Area: USA, Mexico, China
Premium Prickly Pear Products:
- Prickly Pear 20:1 Extract
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General Info:
A member of the Cactus family, Prickly Pear is made up of paddle shaped “pads” with many protruding spines. The spines can be reddish brown to gray in color and often are an inch and half or more in length. The cactus also bears bright yellow colored flowers, often with reddish centers. The fruits of the plant, known as “tunas,” are round in shape, reddish purple in color, and also bear spines. The fruits and pads also bear glochids, which are tiny prickles that can easily embed themselves in human skin. Although Prickly Pear is native to the Western Hemisphere, it has been introduced to many other parts of the world.
Nutrients & Applications:
Although it may look uninviting, Prickly Pear is a very good source of Vitamin C and Magnesium, which is an important factor in contributing to bone health. It also contains the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6, as well as numerous betalains and phenols which are known to possess some antioxidant properties. Prickly Pear contains specific polysaccharides that may be helpful in maintaining normal blood sugar levels in some individuals. It also contains several flavonoids that may act as neuroprotectants. This spiny cactus is also a good source of fiber, including pectin, which studies have shown to be helpful in maintaining normal cholesterol levels.*
