From Desert USA Magazine
Prickly Pear Cactus
Genus Opuntia
There has been
medical interest in the Prickly Pear plant. Some studies have shown that the
pectin contained in the Prickly Pear pulp lowers levels of "bad"
cholesterol while leaving "good" cholesterol levels unchanged.
Another study found that the fibrous pectin in the fruit may lowers
diabetics' need for insulin. Both fruits and pads of the prickly pear cactus
are rich in slowly absorbed soluble fibers that help keep blood sugar
stable. There are on going studies and at this point there are no proven
results on humans. You can make your own study and see if works for you,
which is the only test that really counts.
Also from Desert USA Magazine
Mesquite
Prosopis pubescens
Medical studies of
mesquite and other desert foods, said that despite its sweetness, mesquite
flour (made by grinding whole pods) "is extremely effective in
controlling blood sugar levels" in people with diabetes. The sweetness
comes from fructose, which the body can process without insulin. In
addition, soluble fibers, such as galactomannin gum, in the seeds and pods
slow absorbtion of nutrients, resulting in a flattened blood sugar curve,
unlike the peaks that follow consumption of wheat flour, corn meal and other
common staples.
"The gel-forming fiber allows foods to be slowly digested and absorbed
over a four- to six-hour period, rather than in one or two hours, which
produces a rapid rise in blood sugar,"
