HEALTH BENEFITS OF NOPAL Research has found that the natural phytochemical ingredients found in Nopal act synergistically and simultaneously in positively impacting several human body systems. For example, Hospital-based clinical studies have consistently found that Nopal has a clear hypoglycemic effect on obese, insulin-resistant Type 2 Diabetic patients, while simultaneously lowering serum levels of triglycerides and low-density cholesterol. Nopal is rich in pectin (a soluble fiber), but in addition to fiber-related inhibition of glucose absorption, fasting glucose is also significantly lowered, indicating that Nopal also has the highly beneficial effect of increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Similar effects on reduced serum levels of low-density cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides not entirely explained by fiber absorption were found, indicating that Nopal has a simultaneous and highly beneficial effect on hepatic function. Consequently, it appears that the natural ingredients in Nopal simultaneously affect several major body systems in a synergistic way. Among the body systems that have been reported to be most affected by the phytochemicals found in the Nopal plant are the glandular, digestive, immune, circulatory, urinary and nervous systems. ..:: Glandular System ::.. In comparison with other plants, Nopal is rich in nutrients that strengthen the liver and the pancreas. The health of these two organs is vitally important to the production of insulin and the conversion of carbohydrate sugars into glycogen (stored in the liver and body cells) useable as energy by the body. Vitamins found in Nopal (A, B1, B2, B3, and C), minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Iron) and Fibers (Lignin, Cellulose, Hemicelluloses, Pectin, Mucilages, and Gum), along with the 18 amino acids also found in Nopal help to strengthen, detoxify and support the function of the liver and pancreas. ..:: Digestive System ::.. The active ingredients found in Nopal aid in preventing the digestive system from absorbing excess dietary fat and carbohydrate sugars, thereby helping to maintain proper blood sugar balance and control obesity. Additionally, the amino acids (precursors of protein) found in Nopal help the body pull fluid from body tissues back into the bloodstream thereby diminishing cellulite and fluid retention. Fat build up is prevented while fat break down and excretion is increased. This also helps control obesity. ..:: Immune System ::.. Phytochemicals are powerful allies of the body’s immune system allowing it to defend the body against pathogens. Recent studies have found that among the phytochemicals found in Nopal are the types that inhibit cancerous cell growth and may even help prevent cancer from developing. Animal studies corroborate this showing that dosages of Nopal juice increase immune system efficiency in controlling tumor growth, Epstein-Barr virus and suppressed immune response. ..:: Circulatory System ::.. Nopal acts in several ways that have been found to reduce the risk of heart disease. First, the fiber found in Nopal acts to absorb and excrete cholesterol in the digestive system. Second, the amino acids, fiber and B3 (niacin) found in Nopal prevent excess sugar conversions into fats, while reducing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels, by metabolizing fat and fatty acids and eliminating excess bile acids that would eventually convert into cholesterol. Third, the B3 (niacin) in Nopal acts to convert LDL (bad) cholesterol to HDL (good) cholesterol. ..:: Urinary System ::.. The juice of Nopal is used (particularly in Mexico) as an anti-inflammatory diuretic and to decrease pain on or following urination. These effects derive from the bioflavonoids, amino acids and fiber found in Nopal. ..:: Nervous System ::.. Nopal helps prevent Diabetic Neuropathy. The Amino Acids found in Nopal (including Alanine, Aspartic Acid, Phenylalanine and Serine) play a role in maintaining healthy nervous system cells and aid in the balancing the nervous system, which creates a sense of well being.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 02:30:31 +0000
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