Nopal 20:1

History:

Nopal is a large cactus with a woody trunk and large top, many oblong joints, small, yellow barbed spines, bright yellow flowers and red fruit with a juicy, white, sweet flesh and numerous black seeds. It is said to be a native of Mexico, where it is considered the symbol of identity of the Mexican people and is even included on the Mexican flag, depicting a Mexican golden eagle perched upon the Opuntia cactus, devouring a snake. About twenty thousand years ago, Opuntia (or Nopal) began to develop as a food, and the plant's development was said to enable human settlement and cultural development in many parts of the arid lands, where it was considered the lifeblood of those ancient cultures, particularly in times of drought. About 5000 to 7000 B. C., prehistoric indigenous groups began the cultivation of a series of native plants, including beans, opuntia, peppers and agave, etc., and in Pre-Columbian times, Nopal was considered an important staple food (for both humans and livestock), a beverage, a medicine, a source of dye and was included in religious and magical rites. During the Spanish Colonial Period, Nopal gained further importance as forage when cattle was introduced to the semiarid areas and there was a consequent depletion of grasslands. Its beneficial uses for health and beverages were also gaining in reputation. In the De la Cruz-Badiano Codex of 1552, it was noted that Nopal was useful for soothing burns and wounds, and Friar Motolinia said, "these Indians, from a land so sterile that they lack water, drink the juice of these leaves of Nopal." Nopal received its botanical genus name, Opuntia, from Tournefot, who thought the plant was similar to a thorny plant that grew in the town of Opus, in Greece. After the Spanish conquest, Nopal spread from Mexico to practically all the Americas (from Canada to Patagonia, in the Argentine) and may now be found in tropical and arid regions throughout the world, including the southwestern United States. It grows in Israel, where the Prickly Pear is called Tzabar (Hebrew: צבר) and it is the origin of the slang term, Sabra, meaning a native-born Israeli Jew. Some of the constituents in Nopal include water, mucopolysaccharide soluble fibers,carbohydrate, protein, saponins, fat, glycosides, a flavonoid (quercetin), minerals and large amounts of B1, B6, niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) to two (2) capsules, three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not use Nopa Herbal Supplementl, nor should those who have severe liver or kidney disease, since there has been limited research into its effects. The herb may cause abdominal bloating, nausea and diarrhea, and it should never be taken in conjunction with prescription diabetes medications, because it may cause hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low). Diabetics should always monitor their blood sugar levels carefully.

Capsule Information:
Our Nopal 20:1 supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 700 mgs.

Special Note:
If any medical terms on our website are confusing or unknown, we have compiled a small dictionary of terms for you. Click here for our Definitions, and go directly to the word in question for further information.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.