Nopal
Nopal/Nutrient Depletion:
FatFat: In a small study published by the producer of NeOpuntia? (Bio Serae), 2g of NeOpuntia? in 3g of sunflower oil added to an American breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast, hash browns, etc.) resulted in the prevention of absorption of 23% of the fat, according to the study conclusions. A similar study suggested that fat absorption was reduced to a greater extent following NeOpuntia? vs. a branded chitosan product. However, these findings have yet to be substantiated in the literature.Fat-soluble vitaminsFat-soluble vitamins: Based on a potential mechanism of action, nopal fiber (NeOpuntia?) may decrease levels of absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. There is a lack of peer-reviewed scientific research to support this. Also, in a paper published by the company (Bio Serae), NeOpuntia? lacked binding with vitamin A and vitamin E in vitro and lacked a negative affect on the level of these vitamins in the stool.GlucoseGlucose: According to human research, broiled nopal stems, nopal extract, or dietary cactus ingestion may lower blood sugar levels (35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40). LipidsLipids: According to animal and human research, prickly pear cactus may reduce total cholesterol (79; 43).