Drink derived from the Nopal cactus fruit contains antioxidants
Nopaleais a drink made from thenopal cactus.
It’s marketed as a treatment for inflammation andjoint pain, such as from arthritis.
It became popular largely due to late-night television infomercials.
Julien Mcroberts / Getty Images
But does it work?
Claims About Nopalea’s Benefits
Nopalea is marketed as a wellness drink.
Are the Claims True?
The claims made about Nopalea and the nopal cactus appear to be mostly true, if somewhat overstated.
These studies were performed around the world and do not appear tied to the TriVita company.
While results have been promising, the body of research is small and evidence should be considered preliminary.
More and larger studies need to be done before any final conclusions can be reached.
The TriVita site says the product caused a “statistically significant decrease” in CRP.
That statement should be qualified.
CRP dropped by 13% in the Nopalea group and 4% in the placebo group.
The difference between the two groups is small enough that it could be due to random chance.
It was published in a peer-reviewed journal, though, which means it met contemporary scientific standards.
After that, they recommend between 1 ounce and 3 ounces a day to maintain the benefits.
Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any nutritional supplements or botanical products.
Remember that natural products do come with risks and possible side effects.
Risks and Side Effects
Little is known about side effects of nopal cactus juice.
Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about nopal products before using them.
You may need to monitor your blood sugar closely until you know how they affect you.
Allergic Reactions
It’s possible but rare to be allergic to the nopal cactus.
Allergies to other ingredients in Nopalea are also possible.
When you first take Nopalea, be alert to possible symptoms of an allergic reaction.
These may include:
Severe Allergic Reactions
Anaphylaxis is always a medical emergency.
Your healthcare provider and pharmacist can help you check for potential drug interactions.
Studies suggest these claims and others may have some merit.
However, research is preliminary and no firm conclusions can be drawn.
Talk to your healthcare provider before starting Nopalea.
Watch for side effects, allergic reactions, and drug interactions.
Other manufacturers sell nopal supplements and other products as well.
According to the seller’swebsite, a 32-ounce bottle of Nopalea is $34.99.
The site offers lower prices per bottle for larger orders.
**As of July 2023.
Yes, research suggests nopal cactus juice may help with inflammation.
It appears to lower certain inflammatory markers in the blood, reduce pain, and improve range of motion.
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