Nopal Cactus (Prickly Pear) Contains Fiber

(*) See References and Disclaimer at the bottom of the page.

Nopal cactus (prickly pear) contains fiber. Fiber is the roughage of plants like grains, vegetables, and fruits that promote wellness and is required for optimal gastrointestinal functioning. Fiber can be found in either soluble or insoluble forms with the former dissolving in water.

Soluble fiber is found in pectin, gums, mucilages, beans, peas, barley, oats, apples, oranges, carrots and our Natural Home Cures Freeze Dried Nopal Powder Capsules (Prickly Pear)(1*),(2*). The seed husk of psyllium (an ingredient in a few bulk-produced laxatives) is also a good source of soluble fiber(3*). Some people may be allergic to psyllium; our Natural Home Cures Freeze Dried Nopal Powder Capsules (Prickly Pear) is a better substitute.

Fiber aids people with diabetes by lowering their blood sugar(4*). Moreover, fiber also assists with cholesterol levels(5*).

Lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose are examples of insoluble fiber. Vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, green beans, wheat flour, whole grains, and our Natural Home Cures Freeze Dried Nopal Powder Capsules (Prickly Pear) are rich in insoluble fiber(6*).

Insoluble fiber will help with constipation by holding water and other liquids inside the colon(7*). Fiber has also been demonstrated to assist in colon cancer(8*). A diet high in insoluble fiber may also help with intestinal illnesses such as hemorrhoids and diverticulosis(9*).

How Much Fiber Should You Eat?

The American Dietetic Association states that you should eat 20-35 grams of fiber per day to achieve optimum health results that are equivalent to one ounce of fiber per day.

If you wish to add more fiber to your diet, you should slowly increase your daily intake. If you increase your fiber too quickly you will feel bloating, diarrhea, and gas. While you're increasing your fiber intake you should drink a lot of water to avoid any of the symptoms noted above. Fiber acts as a big sponge in your colon, absorbing water, and other liquids and moves the wastes out of your body and this is why it helps you from constipation or other intestinal problems.

     Source References

(1) Wikipedia: Fiber
(2)
Wikipedia: Dietary Fiber
(3) Department of Health, Agriculture & Human Services: Food Sources of Dietary Fiber
(4) WebMD: Anatomy and Function of the Human Digestive System
(5) Mayo Clinic: Dietary fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet
(6) Medline Plus: Fiber
(7) Institute of Medicine: Dietary Reference Intakes
(8) USDA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Dietary Guidelines for Americans
(9) Penn State Hershey: Fresh vs Frozen or Canned