The beneficial properties of the prickly pear for body and mind are countless. Let us discover together how to use it for our health. The prickly pear is par excellence the fruit of which all parts should be eaten, and nothing is thrown away, so say dieticians.
According to the National Research Institute for Food and Nutrition 100 grams of the fruit supply our bodies with about 55 calories.
Eighty per cent of the prickly pear is water, the remainder fibre, vitamins (vitamin C and those of the B group, especially B5 and B6) and minerals (sodium, potassium, iron, manganese and calcium).
The beneficial properties of the prickly pear are many, let us try to list the main ones:
- is an excellent natural ally against fatigue and stress;
- helps cells to regenerate;
- is suitable for regaining concentration and attention, especially if you suffer from nervous hyper-excitability, insomnia and depression;
- prevents muscle relaxation, preventing tremors, especially in the elderly;
- increases the body's immune defences;
- gives the skin a certain harmony, preventing the appearance of rashes and warts;
- facilitates the regrowth of hair and nails;
- promotes digestion;
- has a beneficial influence on mood.
We can say that this fruit is a natural antioxidant whose effects range from anti-inflammatory to neuro-modulatory and anti-cancer.
Recent studies, carried out by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Malta, have found that flavonoids contained in prickly pears are helpful in protecting the brain.
It also has a positive impact on degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
In the last decade, attention has focused on the use of prickly pear, for the treatment of metabolic syndrome, a clinical situation related to the development of diabetes.
In the peasant culture of the south, the direct application of the 'pulp' of shovels on wounds or sores is still practised today.
It is an excellent reconstructive and healing remedy, while prickly pear seed oil is used as a soothing agent for induced skin burns.
Prickly pear has been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal effects, against skin moulds (Aspergillus and Candida)
Due to the presence of mineral salts, prickly pear is an excellent adjuvant for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Its depurative and laxative functions are remarkable. In fact, the fibres contained in the fruit have a beneficial action on the intestine, favouring intestinal transit and the sense of satiety, which is also useful for those on a low-calorie diet.
The high percentage of water promotes diuresis and hydration, preventing the risk of kidney stone formation. It also acts on water retention and is an effective natural anti-cellulite agent.
Eating prickly pear can provide relief in cases of headaches and toothache, and it also helps lower cholesterol, fight coughs and get rid of alcohol hangovers.
The prickly pear has few contraindications: taking too much of this fruit may cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
In the most drastic way, one could experience intestinal blockage due to the seeds, so it is not recommended for people suffering from diverticulosis; furthermore, cases of hypersensitivity to the fruit and the plant, especially in the form of dermatitis, have been reported.
Otherwise, from what we have said, it really could be 'the fruit of health'.
If you want to know more about the prickly pear,also read the other articles on our blog.
