Nopal Cactus (Prickly Pear) Contains Vitamin A
(*) See References and Disclaimer at the bottom of the page.
Nopal cactus (prickly pear) contains vitamin A which is a fat-soluble group of vitamins found mostly in animal-based foods such as eggs, liver and in other food products that are fortified with vitamin A(1*).
Another source of vitamin A comes from plants that possess a pigment called carotenoids(2*). The right kind of carotenoid can be turned into vitamin A from within our body. Beta-carotene yields more retinol than other carotenoids because of the extra retinyl functional group attached to it(3*). Vitamin A is essential for reproduction, bone growth, vision, cell division, and differentiation(4*). In addition, vitamin A helps to maintain healthy eyes as well as a healthy intestinal, urinary and respiratory tract(5*). Moreover, it plays a role in the production of mucus membranes and skin both of which act as a barricade against viruses and bacteria(6*). Vitamin A also aids in supporting the immune system via helping with the production of white blood cells that fend off all foreign micro-organisms(7*).
Sources of Vitamin A
Dark-Colored Fruits and Vegetables, Eggs, Liver, Whole Milk and Nopal Cactus (Prickly Pear) from Natural Home Cures Freeze Dried Nopal Powder Capsules (Prickly Pear).
Source References
(1) Wikipedia: Vitamin A
(2) Wikipedia: Vitamin A Deficiency
(3) WebMD: Vitamin A
(4) Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin A
(5) RXList: Vitamin A
(6) How Stuff Works: Vitamin A Overview
(7) Medline Plus: Vitamin A Supplements