Nopal Cactus (Prickly Pear) Contains Cystine

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

Nopal cactus (prickly pear) contains cystine which is used for respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis(1*). Cystine increases white blood cells' activity that effectively strengthens the immune system(2*). Cystine acts as an antioxidant and helps the body against damaging air pollution and the sun’s radiation. Cystine can also assist in slowing down the aging process and with protein synthesis(3*).

Cystine is also used in the formation of skin cells, therefore, supplementing with cystine may help in post-surgical operations and burns. Human skin and hair is 10-14% cystine(4*).

Cystine is an essential precursor to glutathione, which is among the body's most potent antioxidants(4*). Cystine also plays a huge role in stabilizing and balancing enzymes and proteins and is vital for the metabolism of various other biochemicals such as biotin, heparin, lipoic acid and coenzyme A(5*).


Sources of Cystine

Chicken, Cottage Cheese, Oat Flakes, Pork, Turkey, Wheat Germ, Yogurt and Nopal Cactus (Prickly Pear) from Natural Home Cures Freeze Dried Nopal Powder Capsules (Prickly Pear).

 

     Source References
(1) Wikipedia: Cystine
(2) Medicine.Net: Cystine
(3) PubMed: Cystine
(4) Encyclopædia Britannica: Cystine Amino Acid
(5) About.com: Cystine