Studies looking at the fatty acid profile of prickly pear seed oil show that it’s also rich in essential unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid (61.01%), followed by oleic acid (25.52%) and palmitic acid (12.23%). These essential minerals serve as electrolytes and are needed for many functions, including bone, heart, nerve and muscle health.
The pods and fruit of this cactus provide important minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium. Records indicate that during the “tuna harvest” in Latin America and the Southwest U.S., prickly pear was likely the most important food available in the region for many years (along with pecans and buffalo). Provides Essential Minerals and Fatty Acids
#CACTUS FRUIT FREE#
There’s some evidence that prickly pear cactus also has anti-clastogenic abilities, meaning it protects DNA from damage.Īdditionally, juice from the cactus, which has a high antioxidant content, has been found to have the capacity to capture free radicals and reduce oxidative stress related to exercise.
#CACTUS FRUIT SKIN#
There’s evidence that these phytochemicals can support the immune system, help to protect skin health, and ward off free radical damage and inflammation that contribute to aging and disease. In certain studies, compounds that have been identified in this plant include: gallic acid, vanillic acid, catechins, betalain, betanin and indicaxanthin. Research studies have found prickly pear fruit and pods are rich in flavonoids, carotenoid and polyphenol antioxidants, as well as vitamin C. Has Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects 220 milligrams potassium (5 percent DV)īenefits 1.0.1 milligram vitamin B6 (8 percent DV).0.1 milligram riboflavin/vitamin B2(8 percent DV).14 milligrams vitamin C (17 percent DV).85 milligrams magnesium (24 percent DV).Nutrition FactsĪccording to the USDA, 100 grams/3.5 ounces of prickly pear cactus contains about: The deep purple juice that the fruit holds is especially tasty, which is why it’s added to a variety of beverages and cocktails in certain countries. What does prickly pear taste like? These small fruits are described as being very sweet. ficus-indica), which is considered “an important food for many peoples in tropical and subtropical countries.” While there are at least a dozen opuntia species in existence, the type most widely grown for edible purposes is called Indian fig ( O. Technically the pads are types of succulents, or evergreen stems. “Tuna” and “pears” describe the spiky fruits themselves, while the cactus’s branches are known as pads or nopales. This cactus goes by several names, including tuna, sabra, nopal and paddle cactus. It produces yellow, red or purple flowers and bright pink/red, spiky fruits. This cactus, which is native to the Western Hemisphere but now grows around the world, can grow up to 18 feet high. Prickly pear, which has the scientific name opuntia, is a member of the cactus (Cactaceae) plant family.
Why are prickly pears good for you? Some research shows this fruit has immune-boosting effects, a rich supply of antioxidants, and compounds that help defend against diabetes, high cholesterol, and digestive issues like diarrhea and ulcers. Today, prickly pear is grown for a variety of purposes, such as to make juice, oil extract, supplements and beauty products. It has a long history of use in folklore medicine and according to historians, was relied upon by Native Americans who used the fruit not only for food, but also as medicine, a source of water, and as a construction material. If you’ve ever visited Mexico or the Southwest United States, you may have come across a type of pink cactus fruit called prickly pear.
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