Prickly Pear Cactus Medicine: Treatments for Diabetes, Cholesterol, and the Immune System by Ran Knishinsky

Author:Ran Knishinsky
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Health
ISBN: 9781594778599
Publisher: Inner Traditions/Bear & Company
Published: 2010-12-04T00:00:00+00:00

SUMMARY

Prickly pear pectin has been tested in humans and has been demonstrated to improve glucose response and plasma lipids in nondiabetic patients.13 As determined in one of the earlier studies, individuals had significant decreases in plasma cholesterol and glucose after eight weeks of consumption of 9 g per day of pectin compared to the placebo group.14 As shown in animal studies not included in this chapter, the oral intake of prickly pear pectin has exhibited a direct effect in reducing arteriosclerosis.15 Clinical studies also showed that oral intake of pectin successfully reduced plasma LDL concentrations without having an effect on plasma HDL cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations.16, 17, 18, 19

There is some question about the mechanism of action behind the fruit’s medicinal effects. However, despite controversy over how the pectin operates within the body, the net result is always the same: a decrease in hepatic cholesterol concentrations in the user.

In conclusion, the intake of this soluble fiber appears to be beneficial for overall health. Prickly pear pectin has demonstrated some remarkable pharmacological effects in experimental studies. Its favorable effects are worth watching, as it may help reduce the incidence of some of the degenerative diseases of our time, including diabetes and coronary heart disease.20 At the very minimum, the prickly pear fruit can be consumed as a preventive measure and as antioxidant support.

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