Yes, prickly pears can be a good source of vitamins. Prickly pears contain many important vitamins and minerals which help to keep us healthy and provide our bodies with essential nutrients for a balanced diet. There are numerous health benefits associated with eating these fruits as they are an excellent source of Vitamins A, B-complex, C and E. They also provide significant amounts of dietary fiber, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc and potassium among other trace elements. For these reasons, it is easy to see why prickly pears are frequently labelled as ‘superfoods’. In addition, the antioxidants found in prickly pears may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart diseases, and improve immunity levels.
Vitamins Found in Prickly Pears
Prickly pears are known for their unique texture and taste, but they’re also packed with an impressive variety of vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Niacin and Folic Acid. These vitamins all play important roles in the body, contributing to healthy bones and teeth, muscle repair and growth, digestion, energy metabolism and more. Here we will take a closer look at each vitamin found in prickly pears and explore how our bodies use them in order to stay healthy and strong.
Vitamin A is one of the most important micronutrients required by the body and it can be found abundantly in prickly pears. It plays vital roles in vision, protecting the surface of the eyes from damage caused by free radicals and aiding in the ability to see clearly in low light settings. Its antioxidant properties help protect skin from sun damage and reduce inflammation throughout the entire body. In addition, Vitamin A supports bone health as well as increases absorption of iron into the blood stream which helps increase oxygen-carrying capacity throughout the body to ensure that cells have enough energy to perform their duties.
Another vitamin often associated with prickly pears is Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine. This vital nutrient aids in energy production throughout the body so our muscles and organs work optimally. It helps the breakdown of the proteins we eat and carries nutrients around the body where they are needed. Additionally, Vitamin B6 supports nerve function, producing neurotransmitters while increasing levels of serotonin which contribute to good mental health and improved moods.
Besides Vitamin B6, another beneficial B-vitamin is Niacin or Vitamin B3. Niacin is a crucial component of energy production and helps form compounds such as NADH and NADPH necessary for the transfer of electrons during the Krebs cycle (which produces ATP). Additionally, niacin helps regulate cell replication, gene expression, hormone regulation and provides cardiovascular support.
Vitamin C is also abundantly present in prickly pears and has many benefits. Researchers believe that this powerful antioxidant acts primarily on scavenging free radicals, thus slowing down signs of aging. As well as helping defend against cellular damage from pollution, smoking and sunlight exposure, Vitamin C contributes to the formation of collagen, a major component of connective tissue which makes up 70% of the human skin. By binding together elastin and fibers, Vitamin C protects against wrinkles, fine lines and dryness. Other protective effects include strengthening vascular walls, promoting wound healing, reducing osteoarthritis pain, maintaining healthy brain functions and preventing circulatory problems.
The last vitamin to consider when talking about prickly pears is Folic Acid. Also known as folate or Vitamin B9, Folic acid serves as a critical role in synthesizing new red blood cells, keeping homocysteine levels low and regulating DNA synthesis. Because of its effect on red blood cells, Folic Acid boosts immunity, cognitive functioning and physical performance. Furthermore, due to its role in carrying carbon molecules across membranes and donating electron pairs it helps generate “fuel” for biochemical reactions. That said, Folic Acid aids the efficient flow of metabolic activities that allow us to live healthier and longer.
In summary, prickly pears are full of goodies that benefit the body immensely. From fighting off inflammation and oxidation to aiding in energy production, cell renewal and creating healthy blood vessels, these versatile fruits provide us with a host of much-needed vitamins. They give us just what we need for feeling energized, youthful and strong—and that’s why we should make sure to enjoy a few every once in a while!
Vitamin A | 0.002 mg | |
Beta-Carotene | 0.025 mg | |
Vitamin C | 0.014 grams | |
Vitamin B1 | 0.01 mg | |
Vitamin B2 | 0.06 mg | |
Vitamin B3 | 0.46 mg | |
Vitamin B6 | 0.06 mg | |
Vitamin B9 | 0.006 mg |