Prickly Pear Cactus for Cholesterol Management

The prickly pear cactus is unique among other plants, and even among other cacti. Very few plants in the botanical kingdom are a vegetable, fruit and flower all in one. The driving force behind the prickly pear’s use and popularity is its abilty to function as both food and medicine.

A daily dose of 5 to 9 grams per day of prickly pear fruit pectin may be effective in the prevention or reversal of a hypocholesterolemic condition, though some studies showed that lower doses of 2.50 g of prickly pear pectin demonstrated effectiveness.

Bulk: The average-sized fruit contains approximately 3.60 g of dietary fiber. Eating 3 fruits per day would double the minimum treatment requirement. This dosage would then not only help to satisfy daily vitamin and mineral nutritional requirements, but would also serve up a healthy dose of flavonoids.

Syrups or nectars: Dosage will vary. While some companies might choose to utilize sugar in the formula, others might substitute sugar with other natural sweeteners.

Jellies, jams, marmalades, and candy: If you choose to get your pectin content from foods be sure to examine which particular species of opuntia has been used in the preparation of the product. Recognize that commercially prepared cactus foods are not a substitute for any traditional forms of medication or for specially prepared fruit nectars.

Juice: The juice tastes great, but will not supply you with pectin, the key ingredient responsible for the lowering of plasma cholesterol levels. You will, however, receive a nutritional shot of vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids.

Prickly Pear Sauce Recipe
Inspired by Rick Bayles Mexican Kitchen by Rick Bayles (Scribner, 1996)

This deep red, bright tasting sauce is so fresh and perky, it will liven up anything you put it on. Try it as a sweet accent to savory dishes, like spicy grilled chicken, top off a dessert of poached pears or ice cream with it, try it on waffles, or (yum) use it to cheer up a margarita!

2 1/2 pounds (about 16) fresh prickly pears
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon orange liqueur (optional)

1. Trim both ends of the prickly pears, then make a 1/2-inch deep cut down the side of each one. Be careful of prickers, and peel off the rind, starting from where you made the cut. If the fruit is ripe, the thick rind will easily peel away from the central core.

2. Coursely chop the peeled prickly pears, puree in a food processor or blender, then press through a fine strainer into a bowl. There should be about 3 cups.

3. In a medium-size saucepan, combine 2 cups of the puree with 1/3 cup honey, and simmer rapidly over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until reduced to 1 cup, then let cool.

4. In a small bowl, stir the uncooked puree with the cooked. Taste and season with lime juice, orange liqueur and additional honey if desired.

5. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze.

Read more: Health, Eating for Health, Natural Remedies

Adapted from Prickly Pear Cactus Medicine by Ran Knishinsky (Healing Arts Press, 2004).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sonny H.

4:40AM PST on Jan 29, 2012

I think that I have tasted this kind of fruit.

January 29
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Gianna M.

5:44AM PST on Feb 4, 2011

I live in Mexico and I usually consume the white variety. Are there any studies on this variety or do they share the same properties. And what about the cactus pads, it has been used here for decades to help control colesterol and even reduce weight. We call them red tuna or simply tuna.

February 4
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Past Member .

4:58AM PDT on Jun 15, 2009

thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner

June 15
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Anonymous

7:07AM PDT on Jun 22, 2008

The article refers to "hypocholesterol"
HYPO refers to LOW cholesterol.
If this remedy is to correct High cholesterol (i.e. LOWER it) then it should read HYPER cholesterol.

June 22

9:20PM PDT on Jun 19, 2008

I have spent many years in and around New Mexico, where the prickly pear abound. One Native lady said her Grandmother had diabetes so bad she could not get out of bed, but after a few weeks of prickly pear eating (as a salad, I think) she was walking again and enjoying life once more.

June 19

Tina B.

6:48AM PDT on Jun 19, 2008

When dealing with my prickly pear, I use long tongs (the round wire ones, not the flat metal ones) and long handled knife. This lets me handle the cactus itself with out getting 'stuck'.

June 19
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Bonnie R.

2:45AM PDT on Jun 16, 2008

I have the kind that has the yellow flowers. I'm starting to get them all over my yard. Eating them would be a great way of getting rid of some of them. Does this one get the red fruit? It bloomed this year, do I eat that part?

June 16
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2:54PM PDT on Jun 12, 2008

How do you get them OFF the cactus! They are SO prickly! (hence the name). I have HUGE cactus like that in my yard . . but even with double gloves it is difficult to get the fruit off.