Prickly Pear Cactus Tea Benefits (with Scientific Evidence)

Prickly Pear Cactus Tea Benefits

Cactus tea, also sometimes called nopal tea or prickly pear tea is made from dehydrated prickly pear. They are also frequently made into juices or teas, which also yield health benefits. 

Nine (9) Benefits of Prickly Pear Tea  ( Buy from amazon.com)

  1. Anti-inflammatory.
  2. Anti-oxidant (Anticancer benefit).
  3. Supports good heart health ( blood pressure, heart rhythm).
  4. Anti-aging ( healthy skin, healthy bones, and help prevent UTI).
  5. Helps with weight management.
  6. Destroys free radicals ( anti-cancer).
  7. Regulates Diabetes 2.
  8. Helps to boost your immune system.
  9. Packed with so many nutrients and vitamins.

1. Anti-Inflammatory

In vitro and in vivo studies are convergent to conclude that Opuntia ficus indica extracts exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Researchers have discovered the anti-inflammatory properties of nopal on human cancerous cells of the epithelium of the intestine.

Another study has demonstrated the neuroprotective power of the nopal. It does this by inhibiting the production of Nitric oxide (NO) by activated microglial cells after stimulation with a pyrogenic endotoxin and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Based on these experiments Nopal can be used to reduce inflammation.

 “Ficus-Indica extracts may lower cholesterol level and convey antiulcer and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and the water extract remarkably improves wound healing.”

2. Rich in Antioxidants

A study that was published in 2003 within Brain Research, evaluated the antioxidant potential of 3 flavonoids extracted from Opuntia-ficus-indica. They all inhibit the peroxidation of lipids and aid in fighting against the effects of oxidative stress.

 “Opuntia ficus Indica is known for its high content in polyphenols exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.”

3. Supports Good Heart Health ( Blood Pressure, Heart Rhythm)

The prickly pear has an abundance of insoluble and soluble fiber. They help to absorb water and aid in the flow of food particles through the digestive tract. This may reduce the number of potentially cancerous cells in the intestine, and reduce the chance of cancer. Cholesterol and triglyceride are significantly diminished. Bile juices that can transform into cholesterol are removed.

4. Anti-aging 

A rich source of vitamin E polyunsaturated fatty acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids as well Sterols, the prickly pear is used extensively in cosmetics to provide antioxidant and wrinkle-fighting properties. Prickly Pear Tea is not just good for tonicity but also combats premature aging of the skin. 

5. Helps with Weight Management

An animal study that was published in the edition of “Phytotherapy Research” discovered that prickly pears were a natural diuretic. Because of its diuretic effect, the prickly-pear supplement rats consumed – — 240 milligrams for each kilogram of body weight every day—- was also a caused the rats to lose weight by the end of the study.

A typical prickly pear fruit contains more than three grams of fiber and is relatively low in calories, so you may see similar weight loss benefits. However, more research is needed to understand how eating prickly pear may play a role in weight management.

6. Potential Anti-Cancer Benefits

Oxidative stress is initially generated by free radicals which make electrons to paired with biological macromolecules in cells of healthy humans and induces DNA and protein damage.

In this research, Cactus Pear was selected for the purpose of analyzing the phytoconstituents with an aqueous extract. The phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenols alkaloids, tannins glycosides, and saponin were detected in the aqueous extracts that were extracted from Cactus pears. The effectiveness of antioxidants and radical scavenging was determined by the reducing power assay and the hydroxyl radical scavenging test.

Excellent reducing potential and radical scavenging activity were observed in the aqueous extract of Cactus pear.

7. Improved Blood Glucose and Cholesterol Levels

A 2010 US study on the clinical effects of prediabetes in overweight women and men suggests that the nopal is able to control blood sugar levels after meals.

8. Helps to Boost Your Immune System

The prickly pear has several vitamins (especially B, A, and C) it helps strengthen the immune system.

The tea made from prickly pear has an uplifting effect and can improve the mental state. It can therefore be utilized to treat depression and emotional stress.

9. Packed with So Many Nutrients and Vitamins

Pears are especially rich in folate, vitamin C, copper, and potassium. They’re also a good source of polyphenol antioxidants.

Prickly Pear Green Tea recipe

It doesn’t matter if you’re brewing for yourself or for the masses, this green tea and prickly pear beverage adds a healthy twist to any drink menu.

Green tea is enjoyed by so many people all over the world, and Prickly Pear brings a very unique twist with its blended version. Aside from providing health benefits typically associated with green tea, this beverage also helps to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Servings: 1 Drink

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Prickly Pear Nectar
  • 8 oz. Your Favorite Green Tea
  • 2 tsp Lemon Juice

Instructions
In a 10oz. glass mix: 

  • 1 tbsp. Arizona Cactus Ranch Prickly Pear Nectar,
  •  8 oz. of your favorite green tea, 
  • Juice 1 lemon and ice. 
  • Stir and enjoy!

Nutrition Of Prickly Pear Tea

Prickly pear is a cactus-like plant that grows in thorny pads, whose nutrient count varies whether it’s the variety and climate. However, its general nutrition includes fiber to promote bowel health and vitamin C with many other vitamins and minerals.

One cup (149 grams) of  prickly pear tea contains 

  • Calories: 61
  • Protein: 1 gram
  • Fat: 1 gram
  • Carbohydrates: 14 grams
  • Fiber: 5 grams
  • Magnesium: 30% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 23% of the DV
  • Potassium: 7% of the DV
  • Calcium: 6% of the DV

The prickly pear fruit also contains antioxidant properties, in addition to phenolic acids, flavonoids, and other pigments.

Antioxidants help to prevent oxidative stress that’s caused by biological reactive molecules called free radicals and can lead to degenerative illness.

What Does Prickly Pear Tea Taste Like?

Prickly Pear, a cactus fruit native to the American Southwest, has a delicate, soft flavor that blends perfectly with the fruity, tart Hibiscus Flower base. This tea serves wonderfully hot and creates a beautiful iced tea to sip on those warm, summer afternoons.

  • Hibiscus Flower, Prickly Pear, and natural flavors blended together in a delicious drink.
  • Available in a variety of flavors.
  • Organic and natural.
  • Widely distributed.
  • Sold in large retail stores.
  • Convenient packaging.
  • Cactus fruit and Hibiscus flower are both rich in antioxidants and health benefits.
  • 100% natural and organic, no preservatives or flavorings added.
  • All-natural fruit flavor, it’s sweetened only with juice.

Does Prickly Pear Cactus Tea Have Caffeine? ( It Sale Here)

Delicious! Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit Tea is an excellent pick me up in the morning. It’s one of my favorite caffeinated free teas to have. I truly enjoy the refreshing flavor, and it is definitely well worth a try if you are looking for something different than your usual cup of coffee to have in the morning.

Made with 2 of the most nutritional ingredients of all time that give you their benefits in a single tea Caffeine free.

  • Natural Nopal Caffeine Free Natural Mint Green Tea – 20 Tea Bags
  • Sin Gluten
  • free dairy
  • yeast free
  • Wheat last intervention

The Bottom Line

Prickly Pear Cactus Tea  Benefits: Prickly pear fruit has a ton of antioxidants, fiber, niacin, beta-carotene, etc.. One of the key benefits is that prickly pear tea also contains high amounts of Vitamin C. 

This is great for the immune system and overall health. Also, the fruit is very high in flavonoids, which are found in certain plants and fruits and have been shown to prevent inflammation and the growth of cancer.

 The fruit also has the highest antioxidant content of any fruit. Also, due to its high content of antioxidants, prickly pear tea is very good for use as an anti-aging remedy.

Source: 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-pears#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2

https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.652.7413&rep=rep1&type=pdf

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/prickly-pear-benefits#benefits

https://repository.arizona.edu/handle/10150/610227?show=full

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352643827_Phytochemical_analysis_antioxidant_and_antibacterial_properties_of_Opuntia_Ficus-indica_L_mill_against_the_wound_infecting_bacteria

Anwar Hossain

My name is Anwar Hossain. I am a cactus lover, researcher, and cactus blogger.

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