Benefits of Cactus Leaf in the Diet

Cactus leaf, known also as nopal, prickly pear cactus or its scientific name, Opuntia, has been a food staple in Latin America for centuries. It is a common vegetable served in eggs, salads, chili and stir-fry dishes. Although the thought of eating cactus leaf may make you shiver, you may reconsider once you look at all of its health benefits.

Lowers Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can lead to diabetes, heart disease and stroke, according to the National Institutes of Health. Cactus leaf has a positive effect on blood sugar levels in healthy adults as well as those suffering from diabetes and obesity. Researchers at the University of Vienna tested nopal cactus leaf on 24 non-obese subjects who were suffering from high cholesterol or triglycerides. The results of the eight-week study, published in the October 31, 2002, issue of "Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift," not only showed a reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but an 11 percent reduction in blood sugar levels. Cactus leaf's hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic effects are partially attributed to its high fiber and pectin content.

Lowers Cholesterol

As seen in the University of Vienna study, cactus leaf lowers cholesterol. In another study from France, researchers tested the effects of dehydrated cactus leaf on 68 women with metabolic syndrome. After four weeks, LDL, or bad, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were lowered and HDL, or good, cholesterol levels were raised. Published in the September-October issue of "Advances in Therapy," researchers state that cactus leaf should be considered as a functional food because it decreases cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Fights Cancer Cells

Cactus leaf contains phenolics and flavonoids -- plant compounds that are responsible for its antioxidant properties. The National Cancer Institute explains that antioxidants protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are byproducts of oxidation. Free radical damage can lead to illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The June 2009 issue of "Plant Foods for Human Nutrition" reports that when tested against colon, liver, breast and prostate cancer, cactus pear's phytochemical compounds inhibited the growth of cells in all four cancers without affecting the healthy cells of the body.

Nutritional Benefits

In addition to medical benefits, cactus leaf offers nutritional benefits. Low in calories, with only 14 per 1 cup serving, it makes a good addition to any diet. The predominant vitamins in cactus leaf are the antioxidant vitamins A and C and trace amounts of folate and vitamin K. Minerals include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorous. Though adding cactus leaf to your diet is beneficial, you may need to look for it at a specialty grocery or health food store unless you live in an area where it grows naturally.