Nopalea
Nopalea more commonly known as Nopal is a genus of the cactus family. It produces purple flowers in the winter and is pollinated by hummingbirds. The plant thrives in subtropical and tropical regions and can be found in the south-western desert regions of the United States and Mexico. This amazing Nopalea Cactus (sometimes referred to as the prickly pear) is also known and grown for its beautiful bloom, bright red fruit and paddle-like leaves.
Nopalea is also plentiful in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. The Sonoran Desert is the most fruitful desert in the world and is visited by millions of people yearly. It is one of the least polluted areas on this planet and Nopalea plants that originate from the Sonoran Desert are organic. The Nopal cactus or prickly pear cactus is found in many arid and semi-arid environments around the world. The people from some countries of North Africa call cactus pear “the bridge of life”, because it is the only feeding and watering resource for animals during drought seasons.
Sonoran Desert dwellers have enjoyed the nutritional benefits of the Nopal cactus for centuries. When the spines are removed from the cactus pads they can be used as a vegetable in a salad or as a tasty treat on the barbeque. The fruit of the Nopal cactus is a naturally sweet, succulent fruit that is enjoyed by both desert dwelling people and animals.
The Nopal fruit contains 18 amino acids, all of the B vitamins as well as minerals and bioactive phytonutrients. It is undoubtedly a super food that has been found to have a whole range of health benefits.
The scientific community has been interested in the potential health promoting benefits of the Nopal cactus for decades. Scientific studies have increased interest in cactus-pear cultivation and the number of possible uses and application of cactus-pear fruits. Anecdotal testimonials from people who have enjoyed Nopalea, a health promoting nutritional juice, is mounting.
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Ref:
Banos, G., et al. (2008). Medicinal agents in the metabolic syndrome.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/6mh181q470l20751/
Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali Agrarie e Biotecnologie Agro-Alimentari
Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
http://www.jpacd.org/V6/Piga_PF2fnl.pdf
Cactus stems (Opuntia spp.): A review on their chemistry, technology, and uses Florian C. Stintzing *, Reinhold Carle Hohenheim University, Institute of Food Technology, Plant Foodstuff Technology, Stuttgart, Germany. Fax: +49-711-459-4110
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/chamc/2008/00000006/00000004/art00002
http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=1
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