I have been eating this fruit for decades. My father and I would pick this fruit in Greece wearing gardening gloves because of the cactus needles. We would bring them home, clean them up and enjoy them for weeks. This is a very sweet fruit, and the prickly pear has small, hard seeds that you cannot bite through, but they are safe to swallow if you prefer ❤
The prickly pear fruit is known for its many fantastic healing properties. It contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This fruit is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, yet good calcium, potassium, fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium sources.
It is a healthy addition to a balanced diet and may help decrease blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol. It’s also touted for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to a class of rare and potent nutrients called bioflavonoids. These flavonoids help your body function more efficiently while protecting it against everyday toxins and stressors.
Kaempferol is a polyphenol antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables. Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between kaempferol intake and cancer. Kaempferol may help by augmenting the body’s antioxidant defense against free radicals.
Quercetin is the most abundant dietary flavonoid. It has been linked to improved exercise performance, reduced inflammation, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Plus, it may have brain-protective, anti-allergy, and anticancer properties.
