Background

• Traditionally, nopal (also known as prickly pear) has both food and medicinal uses. Nopals are common in North American deserts and are generally sold fresh, canned, or dried for use in the preparation of nopalitos (a traditional Mexican dish made from nopal pads). They have a light, tart flavor. Nopals are commonly used in Mexican and New Mexican cuisine in dishes such as huevos con nopales (eggs with nopal) or tacos de nopales. The juice is used in jellies and candies. The fruit is also eaten fresh or used in pies, deserts, shakes, or spreads.
• Traditionally, nopal is medicinally used as an anti-inflammatory or a laxative. More recently, nopal has been used in exercise recovery and in reducing the symptoms of alcohol hangovers. Nopal is the most commonly used substance for lowering blood sugar among persons of Mexican descent.
• Nopal may offer benefits to individuals with an alcohol-induced hangover, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol). However, additional study is needed.

References

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