Here’s a solution. Prickly pear benefits include: providing essential minerals, carotenoids and antioxidants; fighting inflammation and free radical damage; treating skin burns and wounds; soothing the digestive system; helping to fight diabetes and cardiovascular disease … They were shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the lab and mice models. What kind of cactus is edible? The genus Opuntia consists of different species of cacti that are edible. Be careful of the spines when you are handling the fruit initially and the seeds when you are eating it. The seeds of this fruit are cold pressed to prepare a beauty oil. Once you have located a plant, follow these steps: Cactus pear fruits remain ripe for about a week. A Moroccan oil, like Argan Oil, Prickly Pear contains the most Vitamin E of any beauty oil on the market (150 % more than Argan Oil), and the highest percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (88 %) – making it an incredibly powerful oil for skin health. What can reduce the skin irritation caused by prickly pear contact? It is also referred to as Nagfani in Hindi, Nagajemudu in Telugu, Kallimullpazham in Malayalam, and Dindla in Gujarati. As these levels are reduced in the body, the risk of stroke or heart attack goes down (24, 25). Starting off as green before turning reddish-pink, the prickly pear is a highly nutritious fruit that is thought of as a superfood. Phytosterols and Polyphenols: From helping to retain moisture to assisting in collagen production to preventing and treating sun damage (wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, loose skin, red and uneven skin tone, etc. This is not seen when raw stems or ripe fruit are eaten. Are They Good For You? However, there is no clinical proof for this. The prickly pear cactus is an edible cactus with a great number of nutritional benefits. It also protects the skin from UV radiation (31). Being a cactus, the prickly pear plant can survive in dry weather conditions. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of compounds found in cactus pear are also responsible for aiding stomach health and soothing it (12). Prickly pear neutralizes the free radicals that cause premature aging signs, while also reducing and preventing wrinkles. The many health benefits of this fruit are discussed below. According to Akram, it helps calm the skin and restore balance to its protective barrier. Swirl them around gently while doing this to get rid of the spines. Lack of sleep, dehydration, and oxidative stress are the major factors that can cause your under eye area to become dull and get a bluish-purplish tinge. The younger plants are edible and often part of the Mexican diet. The other edible parts of the prickly pear cactus are the flowers, stems, and the leaves. It also claims to prevent keloids and stretch marks and tone the skin. Make sure no residue remains in your hair. Those were the best benefits of prickly pear for your skin, hair and health. See the next section to know how to make prickly pear a wonderful addition to your diet. Prickly pear fruit contains fiber that will make you feel full for longer and reduce hunger pangs. If you cannot find them there, try the Mexican or Middle Eastern vegetable markets. It’s also a critical habitat and food for wildlife. Small concentrations of other fatty acids are also found (30). Softens the skin. This means that the ingestion of this fruit or its extract can lower high blood glucose levels as well as maintain normal levels. It contains plenty of antioxidants that can reduce the oxidative stress caused by such compounds on the liver. These compounds also have the ability to remove free radicals and improve the activities of pro-oxidant enzymes. Vitamin K helps lighten dark … These usually subside within an hour or so. Prickly pear has anti-inflammatory properties that are similar to aloe vera. Widely known as “cactus pear”, prickly pear by different names in different countries and regions like Tuna, Nopal, Nopales, Barberry figs, Indian figs. Prickly pear cactus fruit’s fiber and pectin content are considered responsible for this activity. It is said to contain 150% of the vitamin E contained in argan oil and is more sustainable. This xerophytic plant’s oil has great inflammation-fighting capabilities because of the presence of anti-inflammatory compounds. Click here for additional information . Prickly pear seed oil can be used to moisturize dry and damaged nails and restore the health of the nails and cuticles. Freeze the ice cream overnight or for at least six hours. Digestive benefits. 3. Irrespective of this, excessive intake can actually cause constipation because of the high amount of fiber blocking the intestines. Even the pads of this plant are edible. 8 Fascinating Uses Of Papaya Leaf Juice For Glowing Skin And Well-being, 4 Side Effects Of Indian Gooseberry That Can Make You Think Twice About Consuming It, 18 Best Benefits Of Green Almonds For Skin, Hair And Health. If you do not have access to a store where you can purchase this fruit from, there are extracts available in the market. Prickly pear is known to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, thus alleviating PMS symptoms (27). Prickly pear juice reduces the production of inflammatory mediators that induce the uncomfortable feeling during alcohol hangovers. While she is an expert in experimenting, she also holds an exceptional talent in juggling words and churning out content with just the right amount of sass added to it. Having one cup of this fruit can be a good source of a considerable part of the daily intake value of many vitamins and minerals. The Benefits of Prickly Pear for Skin & Hair As a skincare ingredient, it’s a powerhouse, according to Jennifer L. MacGregor, MD, a board certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology. It can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain medications due to its diuretic properties. Phenolic compounds are also found in good concentrations in prickly pear oil, which exert antioxidant effects on the skin and help repair damaged skin (32). Do not be intimidated by its look as the fruit pulp is delicious, more than you’d expect it to be. 10 Best Health Benefits Of Prickly/Thorny Pear. Let us look at this fruit’s nutrition facts now. This oil is also often used for its skin brightening properties. It should come off easily. The dosage of these extracts would depend on the concentration, and it is best if the manufacturer’s recommendation is followed. Cut lengthwise to peel off the skin, similar to how you would peel an orange with a knife. In this article, we are exploring the benefits of the prickly pear for the skin and hair. The antioxidants present in prickly pear eliminate the free radicals and inflammation-inducing compounds, thus cleansing and protecting the colon (11). These prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, thus making prickly pear oil a good anti-aging agent (30). Interested in a prickly pear product for your cosmetic line? Linoleic, oleic, and palmitic fatty acids, all found in prickly pear oil, help nourish the skin, eliminate dullness, and supply the skin with the oils it lacks to help hydrate dry and dull skin. Prickly Pear’s hydrating and antibacterial properties means the ingredient is also ideal for acne-prone skin. Prickly pear oil benefits. Using protective hand gear and clothing, carefully trim the pads at their bases. Pruning is best done in spring or late summer to remove damaged, poorly formed, or excessive cactus pads. Instead of resorting to extreme measures like harmful medications or surgery, a simple solution to this problem could be consuming plenty of dietary fiber. Single doses of prickly pear cactus can decrease blood sugar levels by 17% to 48% in some people. When not saving the world with her articles, she likes to hang around with her Siberian Husky (because, aren't dogs the best?). The fatty acids and protein in the oil restore hair’s natural shine, making it smooth and glossy, and improving overall hair health. However, it is absolutely safe to consume. You can identify these plants by their oval, flattened, green, and spine covered pads. It also helps in the elimination of dietary fat by binding it and excreting it from the system. All of these properties make prickly pear seed oil an excellent choice for mature, aging, and/or damaged skin. 5. Let us now look at the benefits of prickly pear for your hair. The pad of the cactus, which is often referred to as the nopal, is used as a vegetable in Mexican dishes. Hence, herbal doctors often recommend consuming prickly pear for alleviating cardiovascular disease. Benefits of Prickly Pear. If you are unsure about pruning the plant yourself or the cactus has grown out too much, get professional help. If you ask her, she would say,"My cup of sanity - an extra large mug of coffee!". Uses & Effectiveness? All rights reserved. A self-described “girl with severely dry skin, eczema, rosacea, and mild acne,” she relies on the ingredient herself to soothe and hydrate. 2. It is also useful to protect your hair from the scorching sun and rejuvenate heat-damaged hair. Benefits Of Prickly Pear Fruit For Skin, Hair Health. Home » Health and Wellness » Ingredients. This also gives the immune system a boost (15, 16). Dice this into small squares and add chopped cucumber to it. The flavonoid compounds in prickly pear lower the risk of breast, prostate, stomach, pancreatic, ovarian, cervical, and lung cancers. One reason Prickly Pear has so many health benefits is that it has a wealth of antioxidants. This cactus pear hair mask will make your hair healthy, silky, and soft. Prickly pear oil is renowned for its intensive anti-ageing benefits and, in fact, contains high amounts of Vitamin E compared to most other natural seed oils used in cosmetics today. Pregnant or women who are breastfeeding should not intake prickly pear in any form as it can interfere with the fetus’ or child’s development. Prickly pear cactus — or also known as nopal, opuntia and other names — is promoted for treating diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and hangovers. You can also use it to achieve a more even or shiny skin tone. Read on to know more. They can also be refrigerated for 3-4 days in a plastic bag. Eating the prickly pear fruit is not a difficult process. These act as antioxidant compounds and neutralize free radicals before they cause healthy cells to mutate. Continuing on the weight loss tangent, prickly pear can also help reduce the cholesterol levels in the blood. Bear in mind that the calcium found in this traditional desert plant may not be present in its biologically active form. With increasing popularity, prickly pear cacti are now cultivated in Europe and Australia too. How To Incorporate Prickly Pear Into Your Diet? Prickly pear contains various types of antioxidants like flavonoids, quercetins, gallic acid, phenolic compounds, betacyanins, etc. You can use prickly pear oil to make your hair glossy. A special mention is required for prickly pear’s vitamin E content that can deeply condition the hair. It can be eaten raw, boiled, or grilled. The juice, by itself, can be very tart. 4. Benefits of prickly pear This plant is edible and a good source of important minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, along with antioxidants are plentiful in this superfood like ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and flavonoids. So, what gives her the energy to do all this? The betalains and phenolic compounds exert this effect when the oil is applied topically on the skin. Its fiber (pectin) content can be held responsible for this as it helps eliminate LDL cholesterol from the body. Nasal inflammation or asthma can be caused due to an allergy to it. The antioxidant activity of these was tested against colon cancer cell lines, and the viability of these cells was greatly affected by them (17). Skin benefits from using Prickly Pear Seed Oil: Packed with antioxidants & essential fatty acids Shown to moisturise and soften wrinkles, stimulate new cell growth, calm inflammation, help restore elasticity, and brighten skin, Prickly Pear Seed Oil is extremely rich in vitamins E and K, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. This supplement is available usually in a powder or a pill form. ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition, She is a Biotechnologist, what we in normal English would call Scientist. This oil helps to heal wounds, cuts and blemishes. [ Read: Home Remedies for High Blood Pressue ]. It increases the production of white blood cells that undertake the process of killing and eliminating infectious microorganisms from the body. The body obviously cannot synthesize calcium by itself. Swelling and irritation due to insect bites, scrapes, or inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis can be reduced by the application of this oil. 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