Amazing benefits of prickly pear for human health

Prickly pear, also known as Indian fig cactus, is a delicious and healthy summer fruit. It is rich in many essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals, in addition to rare plant compounds that contribute to enhancing the overall health of the body. You may enjoy the delicious taste of prickly pear, but what if you discovered that it has many health benefits? Today, through Dalili Medical, your love for prickly pear will increase even more.

**What is prickly pear?**

Prickly pear can be eaten fresh or cooked when preparing jam. It is considered one of the cactus fruits that come in a variety of colors, such as purple, yellow, orange and green. Prickly pear is rich in plant compounds and nutrients that are beneficial to promoting health, as it contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that protect the body's cells from damage and death. It also contains soluble fiber that supports digestive health.

**Benefits of Prickly Pear Oil**

When applied topically to the skin or hair, prickly pear seed oil has been shown to be effective in fighting skin infections and helping wounds heal, thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

**Does prickly pear raise blood pressure?**

Prickly pear contains vitamins and minerals essential for promoting health, such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure. It also helps improve blood fat and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

**Are figs good for the testicles?**

Prickly pears are not considered to play a special role in testicular health, but they are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that protect cells from damage.

**Does dried figs increase erection?**

Prickly pears contain zinc and antioxidants that support men's sexual health, but their effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction is still uncertain.

**Does figs help in conceiving males?**

There is no scientific evidence to support these rumors, as the type of fetus is not affected by eating a certain type of food.

**Is prickly pear beneficial for pregnant women?**

Yes, prickly pear is beneficial for pregnant women when eaten in moderate amounts, as it is rich in vitamins and minerals.

**Does prickly pear cause miscarriage?**

No, prickly pear does not cause miscarriage when eaten in moderation, but eating too much of it may have negative effects on pregnant women.

**Is it permissible for a breastfeeding woman to eat figs?**

Yes, prickly pear is considered one of the fruits that are beneficial for breastfeeding mothers, but it is preferable to eat it in moderate amounts.

**What are the benefits of figs for children?**

Figs help boost children's immunity, give them energy, and contribute to strengthening their bones and muscles, and improve the health of their digestive system.

**When can figs be given to infants?**

It is not preferable to give prickly pears to infants due to the large number of seeds in them, but dried figs or other types of figs that contain fewer seeds can be introduced into the infant's food after reaching 6 months.

**What are the benefits of figs for the nerves?**

Figs contain antioxidants that contribute to maintaining the health of the nerves, in addition to small amounts of vitamin B.

**Does prickly pear contain sugar?**

Yes, prickly pear contains healthy sugar that provides energy to the body without causing harm.

**Can prickly pear seeds be eaten?**

Yes, you can eat the prickly pear fruit and swallow the seeds inside it.

**Does prickly pear cause constipation?**

No, it helps treat constipation, but eating too much of it can lead to diarrhea.

**Is prickly pear allowed on the keto diet?**

Yes, it is allowed on the keto diet, but it should be eaten in very small amounts.

**Is prickly pear the same as cactus?**

Prickly pear is an edible fruit that grows on the tips of the cactus plant.

**Does prickly pear increase weight?**

No, prickly pear does not increase weight, but on the contrary, eating it helps add a large amount of fiber that enhances the feeling of satiety and reduces the secretion of the hormone responsible for hunger. Thus, it can lead to reducing the amount of food consumed. Prickly pear also contains vitamins and minerals necessary for your health, and is characterized by being low in calories, saturated fats and cholesterol, making it a useful choice if you are trying to lose weight. Prickly pear is considered a fruit rich in nutrients and health benefits, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that contribute to the prevention of diseases and chronic inflammation. However, it is recommended to avoid overeating it to avoid any negative effects on the health of the digestive system.

**Calories in Prickly Pear**

Prickly pear fruit (patience) is rich in nutritional value, as it contains sugars, fibers, and proteins, in addition to a group of vitamins such as vitamins (A, C, K, B6). It also contains acids such as citric acid, malic acid, and oxalic acid. Prickly pear is also characterized by the presence of various minerals, including:

- Phosphorus

- Calcium

- Potassium

- Magnesium

- Iron

- Copper

Each prickly pear fruit contains about 42 calories, and one serving contains less than one gram of fat, making it a suitable option for people seeking to lose weight.

**Health benefits of prickly pear**

1. **Regulating blood sugar levels**: Prickly pear may have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, as studies have shown that eating it can help in:

- Reducing blood sugar levels by 17% to 48%. 

- Reducing the chances of developing diabetes.

2. **Improving digestive health**: Thanks to its high content of dietary fiber and antioxidants, eating prickly pear can have many benefits for the digestive system, such as:

- Cleansing the colon and improving its health.

- Preventing constipation and regulating digestion processes.

- Reducing the chances of developing some digestive system diseases

Y, such as colon cancer and stomach ulcers.

3. **Improving heart and artery health**: Since prickly pear contains potassium and fiber, eating it regularly may help in:

- Reducing harmful cholesterol levels. 

- Reducing high blood pressure. 

- Preventing symptoms associated with some heart diseases.

4. **Strengthening immunity**: Prickly pear helps boost the body's immunity, due to its high content of vitamin C and vitamin E, in addition to antioxidants that contribute to:

- Purifying the body of toxins. 

- Improving metabolism. 

- Protecting the body from the effects of free radicals.

5. **Strengthening bones and teeth**: Prickly pear fruits contain anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help prevent inflammation that affects muscles and bones. Its calcium content also enhances bone and teeth health.

6. **Cancer prevention**: Prickly pear contains compounds such as betalains, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and help prevent normal cells from turning into malignant cells. Studies have shown that consuming these compounds on a daily basis reduces the risk of cancer.

7. **Rich in antioxidants**: Prickly pear is full of antioxidants that maintain healthy skin, delay signs of aging, and enhance brain function. It also contributes to reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, as research has shown a relationship between polyphenol chemicals and improved brain function.

**Benefits of prickly pear in weight loss**

Many people are looking for effective solutions to the problem of obesity, and prickly pear can be a useful addition to diets aimed at losing weight. Here are some reasons why prickly pear is a good choice for weight loss:

1. **Low fat and cholesterol content**: Prickly pear is characterized by its significant reduction in saturated fats and cholesterol, and is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and suitable food for weight loss.

2. **Low Calories**: Prickly pear contains only 42 calories, and its sweet taste satisfies cravings without leading to weight gain.

3. **Low in Carbohydrates**: Compared to most fruits, prickly pear contains very few carbohydrates, as it contains only about 10 grams.

4. **Antioxidants**: The antioxidants found in prickly pear help reduce levels of triglycerides and harmful cholesterol in the blood, and also contribute to reducing the percentage of fat in the body.

5. **Dietary Fiber**: The fiber found in prickly pear binds to dietary fats, which reduces their absorption, thus contributing to weight loss. Fiber also reduces appetite and increases the feeling of fullness, which makes it easier to adhere to the diet and reduce calories.

**Benefits of prickly pear for the colon**

Prickly pear contributes to enhancing the health of the intestines and colon thanks to its content of a group of nutrients that are beneficial to the digestive system, including:

1. **Dietary fiber**: Prickly pear fruit contains a high percentage of fiber, which helps increase the volume of stool, which facilitates the passage of food through the digestive system and reduces the problems of constipation and bloating.

2. **Antioxidants**: Prickly pear contains antioxidants such as betalain, which contributes to getting rid of free radicals, which helps cleanse and protect the colon. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps prevent many inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease that affects the intestines and colon.

**Benefits of prickly pear for joints**

Prickly pear helps reduce and prevent inflammation, especially in conditions such as arthritis, gout and muscle fatigue. A significant decrease in signs of inflammation in the body, such as C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor alpha, was observed in people who ate prickly pear fruit twice a day, with an increase in antioxidant levels. The vitamins and antioxidants naturally present in prickly pear, such as betalain, kaempferol, and carotenoids, play a major role in the benefits of prickly pear for joints, as betalain contributes to significantly relieving arthritis pain. In traditional medicine, prickly pear leaves were crushed and used topically on inflamed areas, and they are also used to relieve the pain of insect bites.

**Benefits of prickly pear for the skin**

Prickly pear has nutritional properties that make it beneficial for the skin, and its most prominent benefits are:

- **Antioxidant properties**: Oxidative damage is one of the main causes of skin aging, so the antioxidant chemical compounds in prickly pear provide effective protection against signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and brown spots.

- **Anti-inflammatory properties**: Prickly pear contains anti-inflammatory compounds, such as betalain and phenolic compounds, which help reduce swelling and irritation resulting from insect bites or scratches when used topically.

- **Wound healing properties**: Prickly pear contains phenolic compounds that contribute to repairing damaged skin, healing wounds, and treating scars.

**Benefits of prickly pear for diabetics**

Prickly pear helps prevent type 2 diabetes, and also helps control blood sugar levels. It contains high amounts of water-soluble fiber and pectin, which affects the absorption of glucose from the intestines and reduces glucose and insulin levels in the blood. It should be noted that prickly pear is not a cure for diabetes, but rather helps control sugar levels, and diabetics should adhere to their medications.

**Liver health**

Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, eating prickly pear can help prevent inflammation and free radical damage that cause chronic diseases, including liver disease. It can also protect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

And by reducing the damage of free radicals and enhancing antioxidants.

**Benefits of prickly pear for the kidneys**

Prickly pear is rich in antioxidants that enhance the health of various organs and protect them from damage, including the kidneys, but it should be consumed in moderation to avoid any damage.

**Benefits of prickly pear for the thyroid gland**

Although there are no clear direct benefits of prickly pear for the thyroid gland, its richness in antioxidants and vitamin C makes it useful in activating the metabolism controlled by the thyroid gland.

**Benefits of prickly pear for bodybuilding**

Prickly pear contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatories necessary to improve cell health and reduce stress and fatigue. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals that strengthen bones and muscles and protect against cramps and joint pain.

**Benefits of prickly pear for sex**

Prickly pear contains antioxidants that contribute to improving sexual ability by enhancing body health, reducing stress and protecting cells from damage.

The benefits of prickly pear for men are not limited to them only, but rather benefit the health of both men and women. Among its most prominent benefits:

- Reducing blood sugar levels.

- Boosting immunity.

- Strengthening bones and protecting muscles from damage.

- Preventing heart and artery diseases.

As for the benefits of prickly pear for the penis, it has been used since ancient times to treat some sexual problems thanks to its content of a group of vitamins and minerals. However, studies have not proven the existence of specific benefits of prickly pear in this context, but improving a man's general health may positively reflect on his sexual health.

As for women, eating prickly pear enhances their overall health, as it contributes to supporting the health of the heart, bones and muscles and strengthens immunity. It can also help relieve menstrual pain thanks to its analgesic effect.

For pregnant women, prickly pear is considered a healthy food, but it should be eaten in moderate amounts to avoid any harm. Among its benefits during pregnancy:

- Boosting the immunity of the pregnant woman thanks to antioxidants and vitamin C.

- It contains small amounts of vitamin B that protect the nerves.

- Contributing to the prevention of osteoporosis.

- Supporting the health of the heart and blood vessels.

- Providing energy for the pregnant woman thanks to healthy sugar.

As for breastfeeding women, eating prickly pear in moderation helps to:

- Improve digestive health.

- Provide the body with calcium, potassium and magnesium, which protects against osteoporosis and joint pain.

- Strengthen immunity to fight diseases.

- Increase milk production thanks to its high water and fiber content.

As for the benefits of prickly pear for hair, using prickly pear oil or a prickly pear mask can:

- Reduce hair loss.

- Moisturize the hair and give it softness.

- Add shine and vitality.

- Relieve scalp inflammation and irritation.

As for eating prickly pear on an empty stomach, it:

- Improves digestive health.

- Provides the body with essential nutrients.

- It is a healthy and delicious breakfast.

- Helps maintain weight when included in a balanced diet.

- Maintains blood sugar levels within normal rates.

As for prickly pear juice, it is a refreshing drink in the summer, protects against dehydration and boosts energy, strengthens immunity, supports joint and bone health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels provided that artificial sugars are not added.

As for prickly pear peel, it is used in the manufacture of some cosmetics and skin care products, but it is preferable not to use it at home because of the thorns that may cause harm.

Prickly pear honey is a healthy alternative to artificial sugar, and can be consumed by diabetics in moderate quantities. It is also rich in antioxidants and immune boosters and fights inflammation.

**Benefits of prickly pear oil**

Prickly pear oil is used in hair care recipes to promote hair growth and reduce breakage, frizz and hair loss. It is also used in skin care recipes to revitalize and restore youth. In addition, the oil has anti-inflammatory properties.

**Benefits of prickly pear seeds**

Prickly pear fruits contain small, hard seeds that cannot be bitten, but they are safe to swallow, or the fruit can be chewed and the seeds spit out. Prickly pear seeds are used to produce prickly pear oil, which is beneficial for all skin types, as it helps protect the skin from wrinkles, facial lines, and pigmentation.

**Prickly pear harms**

Prickly pear is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts, but excessive consumption may lead to some side effects, such as pain resulting from the thorns entering the lips, gums, and throat, which can be very painful. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the peel to get rid of the thorns before eating prickly pear.

It should be used with caution in diabetics, as it can lower blood sugar. Therefore, it is preferable not to take it with diabetes medications without consulting a doctor, as this may lead to a sharp drop in blood sugar levels.

It is also recommended not to take prickly pear supplements without informing a doctor, and they should not be used as a substitute for treatments for diabetes or other health conditions. Furthermore, the safety of supplements has not been proven in pregnant and lactating women and children, and they should not be assumed to be safe just because they are natural.

**How ​​to Prepare Prickly Pears?**

Start by wearing protective gloves, then cut off the top and bottom of the fruit, which are usually the roughest. Then, use a knife to run it vertically across the skin to remove it. You can enjoy the fresh fruit in many ways once it’s ready.

**Prickly Pear Recipes**

You can add cubes of prickly pear to an orange salad to add a distinctive flavor.

You can also turn the prickly pear fruit into a delicious jam or jelly.

You can make a refreshing sherbet using prickly pears with sugar, lemon juice, and water.

And don’t forget the possibility of Prepare delicious juice from the prickly pear cactus as well.