How Does Red Nopal Cactus Juice Compare to Orange Juice when it comes to anti-inflammatory support?

ANTIOXIDANT COMPARISON

Red Nopal Cactus juice naturally supports the body’s ability to fight inflammation.  It is an amazing source for betalains and is rich in antioxidants.

Orange juice is rich in antioxidants, but it is not a sufficient source for betalains, a rare form of antioxidants.

It’s all about the betalains/betaxanthins and indicaxanthins when it comes to supporting the body’s ability to respond to inflammation.

Nopal cactus juice contains a natural source of betalains, a rare form of antioxidants found in the fruit of the red Nopal cactus. The Nopal red cactus fruit, which grows on the top of the cactus leaf, is also known as the pear or prickly pear. Traditionally, prickly pear juice use is to support healthy cell replacement, healthy response to inflammation, and it is used to detoxify and fortify the body to help promote healthy living.*

Why are betalains important? On the metabolic side, the antioxidants work to eat up the free radicals in one’s metabolism known as c-reactive proteins. Betaxanthins the flavonols the polysaccharides and polyphenols are all extremely important antioxidants, anti-inflammatories that combined together work to lower immediately the metabolic and trauma-based (injury, surgery) inflammation.

“Cactus pears contain mainly indicaxanthin, betanin, and isobetanin, and can have up to 24 different betalains (Castellanos-Santiago and Yahia, 2008). Red-purple pitaya contains betanin, isobetanin, phyllocactin, hylocerenin and isohylocerenin (Strack et al., 2003; Stintzing and Carle, 2007). The ratio and concentration of betalain pigments in cactus pear fruit are responsible for the color of specific cultivars, showing the highest betalains content in fruit of purple color, comparable to that found in red beet (Beta vulgaris L. cv. Pablo) (Castellanos-Santiago and Yahia,”– Betalains

For a greater understanding of antioxidants, read this book, “The Antioxidant Counter“. “Based on the groundbreaking ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale, this handy guide presents easy-to-understand antioxidant scores for hundreds of foods. It’s specially designed to show which nutrition-loaded foods offer the greatest healing power and how to include more of them in your diet.”

What are free radicals?

Definition of free radical: an especially reactive atom or group of atoms that has one or more unpaired electrons especially : one that is produced in the body by natural biological processes or introduced from an outside source (such as tobacco smoke, toxins, or pollutants) and that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA by altering their chemical structure

The free radicals generally originate from 3 conditions:
1. Bad diet – junk food alcohol, etc
2. Pollution – environmental type
3. Stress – work-related or other

Nopal Cactus Fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants that help your bodies response to free radicals.

“Cactus pears contain mainly indicaxanthin, betanin, and isobetanin, and can have up to 24 different betalains (Castellanos-Santiago and Yahia, 2008). Red-purple pitaya contains betanin, isobetanin, phyllocactin, hylocerenin and isohylocerenin (Strack et al., 2003; Stintzing and Carle, 2007). The ratio and concentration of betalain pigments in cactus pear fruit are responsible for the color of specific cultivars, showing the highest betalains content in fruit of purple color, comparable to that found in red beet (Beta vulgaris L. cv. Pablo) (Castellanos-Santiago and Yahia,”– Betalains

MINERIAL COMPARISON

Red Nopal cactus juice has better mineral benefits.

When it comes to calcium and potassium Red Nopal cactus juice edges out orange juices. Both orange juice and Red Nopal cactus juice are are a good source for Vitamin C and contain calcium and potassium.  All of these properties are very important for the bodies overall health.

If you compare the nutritional labels ounce for ounce:

One ounce of orange juice contains 2.5mg of calcium and 56mg of potassium.

One ounce of Nopal Cactus juice contains 30mg of calcium and 66mg of potassium.

Hands down the Red Nodal cactus fruit contains more nutrient rich minerals and antioxidants.

Natural Sugar with No Artificial Additives

How Does Red Nopal Cactus Juice Compare to Orange Juice when it comes to sugar consumption?

All juices will have sugar, but some are natural with no added sugar or artificial additives. Red Nopal Cactus fruit juice does not add sugar and is 99.3% pure red cactus fruit juice. Most orange juices don’t add sugar, but may contain additives. Always check the nutritional label when consuming any kind of juice, soda, or drink.

The biggest difference when it comes to sugar between red cactus juice and orange juice is the amount recommended in one serving. If you read the label on an orange juice bottle, they recommend 8oz servings. The label on Red Nopal Cactus juice is 1-ounce per serving 4 times a day.

• One serving of orange juice in an 8-ounce cup contains 24 grams of sugar. Orange juice labels recommend 8-ounces per serving.
• One 2-ounce serving of Red Nopal Cactus juice is 6g of sugar. Maxx Herb recommends taking 2 ounces of Red Nopal cactus juice 2 times per day, which is 12g of sugar, which is a much healthier option. You get the amazing benefits of red Nopal cactus fruit juice without the overwhelming effect of glucose overload. Red Nopal cactus fruit is also known as prickly pear fruit.  Read about the benefits of prickly pear fruit benefits.

If you need more fiber and want the same benefits of Nopal Red Cactus Fruit, try Red Nopal Cactus powder, as it is the best option for you.

*Red Nopal Cactus powder still contains its fiber and provides excellent nutritional benefits and studies have shown that the fiber from the fruit helps support normal cholesterol levels and blood sugar balance.

When it comes to nutrition, all juice should be consumed in moderation. We caution against drinking too much juice at one time. That is why 2 ounce 2 times a day is better for you. Plus, it is better absorbed by the body and its anti-inflammatory properties help your overall health.

Red Nopal Cactus Juice  Benefits

Red Nopal Cactus juice is made from pure red nopal cactus fruit (99.3%). The only other addition is citric acid, and that is for preservation(.7%). Red cactus juice helps with regulating blood sugar, where orange juice could potentially spike your blood sugar. Red cactus juice also helps boost immunity as well as healthy digestion. It also promotes joint health, and it aids in regulating healthy cholesterol levels.

The Nopal red cactus fruit is a powerful and potent nutrient goldmine containing many naturally occurring minerals (calcium, iron, potassium & magnesium), enzymes, vitamins (A, B & C), betalains, amino acids, polysaccharides, polyphenols & fiber. You can enjoy it in its pure state or mix it with your favorite juice or add it to a smoothie.

Read more about the benefits of Red Nopal Cactus Juice, also known as, Prickly Pear Juice.