Prickly Pear

Prickly Pears Nutrition and Health Benefits It is certainly worth noting some important facts about the nutritional value of these particular types of Prickly Pears. Although the brightly colored pears which are red - purple in color, are small, its contents is very powerful and will provide many health benefits. There are around 42 calories in one prickly pear. The benefits and nutritional value of Prickly Pears is high as the fruit provides a high content of magnesium, fiber and vitamin C. The amount of fibre in just one cacti fruit can help the digestive system to function better, as it can encourage bowel movement, which can result in careful weight loss as part of a healthy diet.

Prickly Pears Nutrition: Calories and Nutritional Value The flesh and juice of Prickly Pears are low in calories, and an exceptional, nutritional and delicious tasting fruit. The amount of calories in Prickly Pears depends on the method the fruit is served, for example if the fruit is served in syrup, obviously it will contain more calories. This fruit is extremely low in fat, with only a trace. The following calorie guide can be used to calculate the amount of prickly pear calories:

Nutritional Data: Calories in Prickly Pears per unit:

Prickly pear calories- 48 calories per pear

Prickly Pears Nutrition: Facts and Health and Benefits

Nutrition Fact: There are more than 5000 named varieties of pears, however, this particular types is very unique as it doesn't grow from a tree as with normal varieties. This fruit, which is sometimes known as a fig, grows from a cactus - a very prickly cacti at that, hence the name of these special pears.

Nutrition Fact: Some people believe prickly pears are magical as their health benefits are quite considerable - they are known as cactus medicine!

Nutrition Fact: Prickly Pears are becoming widely available for purchase across the world - with the spikes removed! Their popularity is increasing as people come to recognize this healthy exotic fruit which is packed with nutrition

Prickly Pears Nutrition: Health Benefits and Information The picture below is of a prickly pear cactus plant otherwise known by the name Opuntia. This cacti produces a red rounded fruits called the prickly pears. There are spikes on this cactus which detach very easily, therefore, it is of paramount importance that great care is taken when picking prickly Prickly Pears from the cactus! Thick leather gloves are a must to completely protect the hands! It's safer to obtain cactus fruit from a shop or market where the spikes have been removed.

Prickly Pears Nutrition: Picking Fruit from a Cactus This picture was taken in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands where this type of prickly cactus is commonly grown. Prickly Pears are also grown in many other areas of the worlds including much of America. It's widely known by other names including the cactus fruit, cactus fig, or tuna in Spanish (this type of pear is grown in many Spanish speaking countries). The cacti spikes (glochids) must be removed before the Prickly Pears can be peeled and eaten.

There are lots of these little barbs, so it's very important to remove them all. This can be simply done just by rolling the fruit on the ground or in sand. This cacti fruit provides excellent tasting juice which is a little similar to water melon, quite difficult to define as the flavor is very distinctive - it tastes wonderful nonetheless and is often used in recipes such as jellies, candies and alcohol such as vodka. The juice makes a wonderful addition to salads also as a dressing. The little red prickly pears grows on the nopales cactus.

Prickly Pears Nutrition: Peeling Cactus Pears Once you have followed the instructions above to completely remove the Prickly Pears spikes, you are ready to peel away the skin. Slice the prickly pear at both ends, discarding the ends. Cut the prickly pears on one side only, lengthways - be careful not to cut into the flesh too deeply as this is only to remove its skin. Pull carefully on one side of the slice by slipping your finger underneath the skin. Completely peel away the cactus pears skin.

Prickly Pears Nutrition: Cutting Cactus Pears Once you have completely peeled the cactus fruit, you will be left with the edible part of the prickly pear. The flesh contains lots of seeds which are edible if you want to eat them. Prickly pears can be eaten as they are now, simply cut them up and serve. Otherwise, you may prefer to juice the fruit, in which case, follow the next set of instructions.

Prickly Pears Nutrition: Cactus Pears Juice Nutritional Value Once you have peeled the cacti pear, you can extract the delicious juice. This can be done by simply putting the prickly pears into a food processor or blender until its totally liquefied. Sieve the juice afterwards to ensure all pips, seeds and pulp are removed. Use a fine sieve and push the liquid through. It will take approximately 4 prickly pears to make a glass of juice. Prickly pear juice is delicious mixed with lemonade!

Health experts and nutritionists believe that a well-balanced diet that includes at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day will help to considerably improve our lifestyles and ultimately extend our lives

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Prickly pear is a cactus fruit offering plenty of health benefits. The nutritional value of prickly pear is exceptional as this nutritive fruit is known for its many benefits and positive effects. The main prickly pear benefits are: improved muscle and nerve function and support of a healthy digestive system.

Learn important nutrition facts about prickly pear and the health benefits that this excellent fruit provides. Find out which body functions are supported by the nutrients found in prickly pear and how this cactus fruit can benefit your health. Discover important prickly pear data including how much protein and fat is in prickly pear, which vitamins and nutrients this delicious fruit contains, and how many carbohydrates and calories are in fresh, cooked and juiced prickly pear.

Prickly pear Vitamins: A, B2, B3, B6 and C *** Prickly pear Nutrients: fibre, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus *** Prickly pear Carbohydrates per 100g: 9.5 *** Prickly pear Calories per 100g: 40 *** Main Prickly pear Benefits: improved muscle and nerve function and support of a healthy digestive system *** Prickly pear Size: medium *** Prickly pear Skin: tough red prickly *** Prickly pear Taste: sweet, delicious and juicy *** Serving Suggestions: fresh, juiced or cooked.

Did you know that the health benefits of prickly pear are so great that some people believe the fruit is magical and refer to it as cactus medicine. Did you know that prickly pear grows on a cactus plant called Opuntia and that the fruit's sharp spikes and thick skin must be carefully removed before eating. Did you know that this exotic fruit is known by other names including cactus fruit, cactus fig, cactus candy, tuna pear, tuna fig, Indian fig, Sharon's fruit and Opuntia fruit. Did you know that prickly pear is brimming with health benefits provided mainly by the fruit's excellent source of fibre and magnesium?

Prickly pear has many health benefits as this fruit offers a good source of naturally occuring nutrients. Prickly pear vitamins include Vitamin A, B2, B3, B6 and C. Other beneficial prickly pear nutrients include fibre, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus.

Prickly pear has a natural content of Vitamins A, B2, B3, B6 and C with the fruit's highest source being Vitamin C which benefits the immune system by strengthening it and helping us ward away colds and illnesses. Vitamin C also looks after skin, joint and bone health.

Prickly pear boasts many health benefits as this fruit’s nutrient content is high and varied. Prickly pears provide fibre, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. This fruit is particularly high in fibre and magnesium. Fibre aids the digestive systems, encourages bowel movement and relieves constipation.

Kilocalories (Kcal), or calories as they’re commonly known as, are a measurement of energy. The recommended daily calorie intake is approximately 2550 calories for adult males and 1940 calories for adult females. One of the health benefits of prickly pear is that this cactus fruit releases energy slowly throughout the day. The amount of calories in 100 grams of prickly pear is 40. This marvelous fruit makes a delicious snack for kids and adults that benefits by forming part of a healthy, nutritious diet.

Prickly pears can be described as medium cactus fruits with tough red prickly skin. The taste of this type of fruit can be described as sweet, delicious and juicy. Prickly pear can be served in various ways including fresh, juiced or cooked.

One of the most amazing facts and benefits of Prickly pear is this healthy fruit's significant content of magnesium which benefits muscle and nerve function, and supports a healthy immune system and healthy heart.

Prickly pears should be stored in a cool place or in the refrigerator for several days. Prickly pear has a natural content of vitamin A, B2, B3, B6 and C and fibre, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. Try to pick fresh prickly pears with healthy skin to ensure the fruit retains as many nutrients and health benefits as possible.

The origin of this nutritive cactus fruit is thought to have began in the Americas. There are over 300 varieties of prickly pear with most originating from Mexico and other regions of South America. One of most popular varieties is Cardona and it is bursting with health benefits.

This type of fruit can be used in a variety of delicious prickly pear recipes including jams, jellies, soups, salads and juices. Prickly pear can be eaten fresh, juiced or cooked. There are many ways to enjoy the health benefits of this powerful fruit.

Main Prickly pear Benefits: improved muscle and nerve function and support of a healthy digestive system *** Prickly pear Vitamins: A, B2, B3, B6 and C *** Prickly pear Nutrients: fibre, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus *** Prickly pear Carbohydrates per 100g: 9.5 *** Prickly pear Calories per 100g: 40 *** Fruit Size: medium *** Fruit Skin: tough red prickly *** Fruit Taste: sweet, delicious and juicy *** Fruit Serving Suggestions: fresh, juiced or cooked.

A, B2, B3, B6 and C

fibre, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus

Calories 100g

improved muscle and nerve function and support of a healthy digestive system

Health Benefits of Fruit

Fresh prickly pear flesh: 40 calories / 9.5g carbs

One medium prickly pear: 42 calories

Enjoy in jams, jellies, soups, salads and juices

Benefits from a good range of vital nutrients including magnesium

Benefits from a substantial quantity of Vitamin C