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Nopal is commonly known as
prickly pear and is native to
Mexico and the Southwest. It
has also been naturalised in
semi-tropical areas throughout
the world. The inside flesh
is soft and gel like and a very
good source of Vitamin C along
with many other nutrients and
minerals. It contains pectins
and mucilage that are beneficial
to the digestive system and
is a low-glycemic-index food
that is commonly consumed for
its nutrient content. Several
human studies show that nopal
provides nutritional support
for blood sugar and blood lipid
levels that are already in the
normal range.
The liver and pancreas work
together to regulate the body’s
blood sugar and cholesterol.
Nopal has been known to help
strengthen the liver and the
pancreas, thus assisting the
performance of insulin to move
glucose from the blood into
the body cells, where it is
used as energy.
It is said that Native American
Indian traditions included the
use of nopal to help the heart,
lungs, the flow of urine the
immune system and inflammation.
So it is a good all rounder.
NSP’s Nopal combination includes
both Opuntia ficus-indica and
Opuntia streptacantha. It contains
pectin, mucilage and gums which
may help to reduce the amount
of dietary fat that can be absorbed
by the intestines and enter
the bloodstream. It may also
give a feeling of fullness thus
helping appetite.
Nopals are very rich in
insoluble, and more so soluble
dietary fibre. They are rich
in vitamins A, C and K, riboflavin
(B2) and B6 - and rich
in minerals magnesium, potassium,
and manganese, also iron and
copper.
See precautions below please
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