The prickly pear has a slew of health and beauty benefits. Its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties are just the beginning of the many amazing benefits. Its key components are magnesium, amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins C and B, beta carotene, iron, calcium and potassium just to name a few. This strange fruit baring cactus offers up its flowers, stems, leaves and fruits as edible parts. Many have found that it tastes great eaten raw, boiled and grilled. Here are some of the best benefits of the prickly pear:
Weight loss
Trying to lose weight? Well eat up! The prickly pear is full of fiber and will keep an empty stomach feeling full while feeding your body many of its needed nutrients.
Constipation remedy
That same fiber that keeps you feeling full will also help to keep your bowels regulated.
No more hangovers
The juice of the prickly pear contains many anti-inflammatory agents that reduce the induction of the hangover effect. Now isn’t that nice, you can drink up and not worry about nausea and headaches!
Shiny hair
The oil from a prickly pair has many fatty acids. When used on the hair it gives it a shine like no other and keeps the hair feeling moisturized and healthy.
Disease inhibitor
The antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of this fruit are through the roof! The regular consumption of the prickly pear have proven to assist with joint issues caused by arthritis, exercise, fibromyalgia and allergies.
Cancer fighter
The flavonoid compounds found in the prickly pear are said to lower the risk of certain types of cancer such as breast, prostate, stomach, pancreatic and lung. The fruit is also said to help remove free radicals from the body, and increase the activity of pro-oxidant enzymes.
What Is Prickly Pear? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
