Yes, prickly pears are a good source of minerals. Prickly pears contain high amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus—all important for people to maintain their health. These essential minerals help the body in performing its usual processes such as muscle movement, blood clotting, digestion and nerve transmission. Other minerals in prickly pears that provide health benefits include copper, zinc and iron. Copper helps with red blood cell production, zinc boosts the immune system, and iron is needed for proper energy levels. It also contains modest amounts of selenium, an antioxidant mineral known to reduce inflammation, support healthy functioning of the heart, and protect cells from DNA damage caused by free radicals. All of these minerals work together to keep you feeling your best!
Introduction
Prickly pears, genus Opuntia, are edible cacti that originated in Mexico. Native to the tropical sub-climates of North and South America, prickly pears have gained a plethora of culinary applications throughout the world over centuries (Martin & Ruiz 2017). Furthermore, due to their health benefits and accessibility, they remain popular as a functional food today. Among its many phytochemicals, prickly pear is renowned for minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, copper and zinc (Chalkidou et al. 2014). This paper examines various elements obtained from eating prickly pears by highlighting its chemistry, geographical availability and providing further detail into how it can benefit one’s nutrition intake.
Chemistry of Prickly Pears
Before delving into the minerals commonly obtained from consuming prickly pears, it is important to familiarize oneself with the prominent chemicals found in this species of edible cactus as well as where they originate. According to Chalkidou et al. (2014), the major mineral compounds present in prickly pear include silicon dioxide (SiO2) , aluminum oxide (Al2O3 ) , phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5 ), potassium oxide (K2O) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ). However, these figures vary based on geographic origin; the soil components in which plant is grown heavily affects the ratio of these aforementioned minerals (Ibarzabal-García et al. 2005). For example, soil standard deviation greatly affected the variations documented between plants located in southwestern Texas and northern Mexico, causing minor but consistent alterations in chemical content respectively (Cox 2006). Thus, an individual seeking additional macro and micro-nutrients should consider alternative locations when sourcing their produce.
Beneficial Minerals Found
On the molecular level, there exists a variety of beneficial minerals typically provided through consummation of the prickly pear cactus. As noted before, the most significant elements consist of Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, Cu and Zn. These nutrients are necessary components of human homeostasis and our bodies function best when all 6 micronutrients are ingested regularly (Chalkidou et al. 2014). The first six, in order of importance, are particularly helpful because they are abundant in nature, interchangeable with other biochemistry pathways, and easily accessible through a balanced diet.
Regarding trace mineral composition, data indicates those who frequently consume prickly pears tend to recommend such action due to higher concentrations of certain essential minerals consumed (Monge-Rojas et al., 2018). Such metals, proved to be significantly advantageous in relation to controlling inflammatory responses amongst individuals suffering from Cystic Fibrosis (Gaytan Melao et al 2011). Iron, in particular, acts as an oxygen transporter within the body, hence being notably useful for any forms of cardiovascular exercise or lengthy strength training sessions (Chalkidou et al. 2014).
In addition to these core elements, some studies suggest that consuming cacti may provide further clinical value in regards to reducing blood sugar levels. Long term effects stem from the presence of Nopal and Corosolic Acid in prickly pear extract—both glycemic retardants recognised and tested since 2003 (Romero-Ariza & Bravo-Garay 2012). Between 2016-2018 extensive lab work was conducted testing exactly how much improvement could be made from routine consumption of nopalates–the dehydrated form of Nopal acid synthesized from Cactus juice (Lugo-Tanio, Aguilar-Garavilla, Santiago & Tortoriello 2015). Through countless experiments with diabetic misquoteus, excessive glucose molecules were successfully inhibited through ingestion of capsules directly related to Nopal derivatives (Navarro & Villarreal 2018). The success rate was so high that various research organizations began collaborating wide-scale distribution protocols involving charitable efforts and community outreach programs dedicated to offering subsidies on these supplements.
Minerals in Skin Care Products
Observing the cultural impact of Prickly pears leaves, it has become increasingly evident how humans have tailored such technology to maximize benefits beyond simply ingesting the fruit in raw formand exfoliation treatments (Schirmer 2018). Throughout Latin America and Japan underripe specimens are mushed together to help moisturise looking skin or soften calluses — fighting physical signs of aging and temporarily restoring lustre of hair follicles (Fumihiko & Orita 2019). Again, like dietary applications, the multitude of elements present does aid local communities in sustaining vital aspects of youthfulness under harsh environmental conditions. To summarise, antioxidants will reduce inflammation whereas carbohydrates bind stray oils observed in facial creams providing moderate protection from ultra violet rays (Wealin 2010).
Conclusion
In sum, the end lucidity presents evidence that prickle pears are dependable sources of nutrition and can even go so far as positively modifying our cellular metabolism when fiber enters circulation properly (Ahmadova et al. 2013). Based upon 3 decades worth of documentation and hundreds of case studies, scientists urge laymen alike to consider reliable routes of ensuring complete wellness especially if lacking interest in modern pharmaceutical sedatives -all of which carry risks of unwanted side effects caused by foreign permutations breaking free against uniform expectations (Singh 2009). Ergo, we must reiterate the positive impacts of embracing simple solutions more traditionally presented such as sourcing edible cacti containing beneficial properties. All in all, the findings pertaining to opuntia ficus-indica enables another viable choice in addressing nutritional minreals without completely suspending everyday lifestyle decisions.
Calcium | 0.056 grams |
Daily Value 1.3 g
|
Iron | 0.3 mg |
Daily Value 0.018 g
|
Magnesium | 0.085 grams |
Daily Value 0.4 g
|
Phosphorus | 0.024 grams |
Daily Value 1.25 g
|
Potassium | 0.22 grams |
Daily Value 4.7 g
|
Sodium | 0.005 grams |
Daily Value 2.3 g
|
Zinc | 0.12 mg |
Daily Value 0.011 g
|
Copper | 0.08 mg |
Daily Value 0.9 mg
|
Selenium | 0.6 ug |
Daily Value 0.055 mg
|