The healthy properties of the prickly pear were already known thousands of years ago by the Aztecs, who also consumed its blades and considered it a “sacred plant”. The latest scientific research has confirmed that its fruits are real “superfoods“, which means food and medicine at the same time. Let’s find out together what are the 8 good reasons to eat them!

Benefits and properties of pricky pears

1. Rehydrate and revitalize
Thanks to their content of essential amino acids, vitamin A, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6), vitamin C and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium), they constitute a natural source of vitality. They are ideal as a snack to recover physical and mental energy, for sportsmen, for those who are going through periods of stress or convalescence.

2. They improve digestive processes
The fibers contained in these fruits help regulate digestive activity, regenerate the bacterial flora and prevent gastrointestinal disorders.

3. They lower bad cholesterol levels
A study by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine of Perugia has shown that the habitual consumption of prickly pear pulp significantly reduces bad cholesterol (LDL). [source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14600931]

4. They keep bones and teeth healthy
Given their significant supply of calcium, they also contribute to the maintenance of strong and healthy bones and teeth.

5. They stimulate the immune system
A single fruit contains more than 1/3 of the daily requirement of vitamin C, which plays an important role in the production of white blood cells, acting as a natural antioxidant and stimulating the immune system.

6. They help to lose weight
They bring few calories and are fat-free, which is why they are ideal for those who are currently following a slimming diet or simply for those who want to keep fit without giving up a nutritious and healthy fruit.

7. They protect the skin and eyes
Among the vitamins contained in prickly pears we also find vitamin A, in the form of pro-vitamin or beta-carotene, a substance that protects eye and skin health by maintaining the integrity of the tissues that cover the digestive, respiratory and urinary systems.

8. The risk of diabetes decreases
According to some research conducted on patients with diabetes mellitus, it has been found that the intake of prickly pears causes the lowering of blood sugar levels, representing a valid aid for those suffering from this pathology. [source: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.2650040507/abstract]

Sicilian prickly pears

They were of blue stone, all prickly pears,
and when you met a living soul
he was a boy who went or came back along the line,
to pluck the fruits crowned with thorns
that grew, coral, on the stone.
(Elio Vittorini -“Conversation in Sicily“)

Always considered one of the characteristic and identifying symbols of Sicily (which is the 2nd world producer of prickly pears and produces 90% of the European total), these delicious fruits in 2003 obtained from the European Union the prestigious recognition of the D.O.P. (Protected Designation of Origin).

On this sun-kissed island, in fact, they have found their ideal habitat, sneaking in everywhere, even in the most inaccessible areas. Their ability to adapt to arid climates and poor soils makes them even more special, because their cultivation is environmentally friendly since they do not require chemical treatments or herbicides to grow and bear fruit.

The harvest of these juicy fruits takes place from the beginning of August (the Augustans – first flowering) until November-December (the bastardoni or scozzolati – second flowering) and the pulp can take on different colors, depending on the cultivar: yellow-orange (Sulfarina) , vermilion red (Sanguigna) and light green, almost white (Muscaredda).