Cactus shows more antioxidant power than vitamin C

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Cactus shows more antioxidant power than vitamin C

 

Scientists in Palermo, Italy claim that cactus pear (Opuntia

ficus-indica) fruit consumption decreases oxidative stress in healthy

humans. In fact, they found that cactus pear fruit positively affects

the body's redox balance (helping maintain a healthy oxidative

balance), decreases oxidative damage to lipids and improves

antioxidant status in healthy humans.

 

In a randomized, crossover, double-treatment study, 18 healthy

volunteers received either 250 g of fresh cactus fruit pulp or 75 mg

of vitamin C twice daily for two weeks. Then after a six-week break,

they switched. Their blood was analyzed both before and after each

two-week session.

 

Researchers found that both the cactus pear and vitamin C supplement

groups had higher vitamin C and E levels. However, after eating cactus

pear fruit, volunteers had more signs of antioxidant effects than the

vitamin C group. Researchers weren't sure why vitamin E levels went up

since neither cactus pear nor vitamin C supplements are a source of

vitamin E.

 

Scientists concluded that consumption of cactus pear fruit improved

oxidative stress in the body. They said that supplementation with

vitamin C at a comparable dosage enhanced overall antioxidant defense

but did not significantly affect body oxidative stress.

 

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 80(2):391-395, 2004