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Prickly pear for cholesterol?
Prickly pear (Opuntia spp) is a cactus native to Mexico that readily grows in parts of the United States and in some Mediterranean regions. Extract of prickly pear fruit may be helpful in controlling high blood sugar levels among diabetics, and some research suggests that it may help moderate cholesterol. A small Italian study in 2003 (published in 2003 in the Nuclear Medicine Review of Central and Eastern Europe) indicated that prickly pear extract can lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol. The supplements used in the study had no adverse effect on levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglycerides.
However, instead of relying on prickly pear to achieve healthy cholesterol levels, a better option is to change your food choices: reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet, avoid trans-fats, substitute soy protein for animal protein, and eat plenty of soluble fiber (beans, lentils, apples, citrus fruit, oats, barley, peas, carrots and freshly ground flaxseeds are good sources).
Prickly pear (Opuntia spp) is a cactus native to Mexico that readily grows in parts of the United States and in some Mediterranean regions. Extract of prickly pear fruit may be helpful in controlling high blood sugar levels among diabetics, and some research suggests that it may help moderate cholesterol. A small Italian study in 2003 (published in 2003 in the Nuclear Medicine Review of Central and Eastern Europe) indicated that prickly pear extract can lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol. The supplements used in the study had no adverse effect on levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglycerides.
However, instead of relying on prickly pear to achieve healthy cholesterol levels, a better option is to change your food choices: reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet, avoid trans-fats, substitute soy protein for animal protein, and eat plenty of soluble fiber (beans, lentils, apples, citrus fruit, oats, barley, peas, carrots and freshly ground flaxseeds are good sources).
