Does Nopal have any Nutritional Value?
For over 12,000 years fresh Nopal cactus has been consumed for its legendary qualities.
Only recently, in the last 20 years, has modern science truly been interested in the investigation
of Nopal's nutritional properties.

Nopal Verde is the prickly pear cactus 'vegetable' variety of the Nopal Opuntia ficusindica species. Known as green Nopal and the traditionally consumed ancient variety, Nopal cactus is the modern name used for consumption as a food and a supplement. This original and authentic variety of the Nopal prickly pear; requires the climate and soil type that is unique to its birthplace - the high volcanic mountains of Mexico – where the ground is rich in nutrients. The ancient Mexican cultures, living in the high mountain volcanic regions, originally adopted the Nopal prickly pear cactus as a holistic food and
treasured this high mountain variety and they believed that Nopal cactus was a supreme plant and food among its kings and warriors.

There are many theories of Nopal's beneficial properties, yet a simple assessment of its nutritional content shows that Nopal could be a source to obtain additional dietary fiber and calcium in your diet .

Fiber in Your Diet:
Experts suggest that men get about 38 grams of fiber a day, and women about 25 grams.
Unfortunately, in the United States the average daily intake is about 14 grams of fiber each
day.

• Fiber in the intestines can slow the absorption of sugar,
• High-fiber foods generally make you feel fuller for longer.
• Fiber maintains bowel regularity

Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are the best sources of fiber in your diet. These foods are also packed with vitamins and other nutrients, so experts recommend that you get most of your fiber from these natural sources.

Calcium in Your Diet
Calcium is an essential dietary mineral commonly found in milk, yogurt, cheese, and dark green vegetables. It also is found in certain grains, legumes (including peas, beans, lentils, and peanuts), and nuts. Calcium is a major component of bones and teeth. It also is required for the clotting of blood to stop bleeding and for normal functioning of the nerves, muscles, and heart. Calcium is an important part of a healthy diet. The recommended intake differs according to age.

Incorporating Nopal into your Diet
Dehydrated Nopal Powder Nopal Powder has rapidly become one of the principal forms for consuming Nopal in many countries around the world. The reason for this is four fold.

• The ever-increasing international demand no longer makes it feasible to transport vast quantities of fresh Nopal by air or sea.
• Wide range of Nopal powder MESH size allows for broad formulation flexibility.
• Powdered form is the customer's preferred form of Nopal for consumption.
• Nopal's shelf life and nutritional value are not compromised through the gentle dehydration
  process.

Disclaimer. The information contained in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to convey medical advice or to substitute for advice from your own physician.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult a physician before taking any nutritional supplement.