What Is the Nopal Cactus Used For?

The nopal cactus, otherwise known as the prickly pear cactus, is a national symbol of Mexico. It has traditionally been used as both a food and a medicine for about 12,000 years.

• The nopal cactus appears on the Mexican flag.

Stems

• The fleshy stems, or cladodes, of the nopal cactus are eaten as vegetables, especially when the cactus is young.

Fruit

• Nopal fruit can be eaten raw or processed into beer or a cheese-like food.

Nutrition

• The nopal cactus is a great source of vitamins, minerals and protein; the stems, fruit and flowers all offer some nutritional value.

Traditional Medicine

• In Mexico, nopal has been traditionally used to treat a variety of health problems, including diabetes, fatigue, liver disease and prostate enlargement.

Modern Use

• In recent years, nopal has been used in natural medicine to help treat digestive and cardiovascular issues, and animal studies suggest it might be effective in treating diabetes. As of October 2009, studies are still underway to determine the medical benefits of nopal.