Antioxidant Powerhouse: How Does Red Nopal Cactus Juice Compare to Orange Juice
Introduction
Red Nopal Cactus Juice and Orange Juice have their health benefits, but how are they different?
Staying healthy and strong is so important today, and for most of us, more than ever before. For months now we have been talking about the benefits of Red Nopal Cactus Juice, but how does it hold up to orange juice?
Red Nopal Cactus juice is a great way to support the immune system, blood sugar balance, and to add other numerous nutrients into your diet. It’s easy to add to a shake in place of fruit juices or to drink on its own, like orange juice. It tastes great, too.
Now lets compare Red Nopal cactus juice benefits with those of orange juice. The main differences are Betalains, Calcium and Potassium, anti-inflammation properties, and blood sugar balance 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 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, flavonols, polysaccharides, and polyphenols are all extremely important antioxidants, anti-inflammatories that combined together work to immediately lower 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
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:
Bad diet – junk food alcohol, etc
Pollution – environmental type
Stress – work-related or other
Nopal Cactus Fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants that help your bodies response to free radicals.
Mineral Comparison
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 natural 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.
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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 Content
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. One serving of orange juice in an 8-ounce cup contains 24 grams of sugar. One 2-ounce serving of Red Nopal Cactus juice is 6g of sugar.
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 recommended for more health benefits. Plus, it is better absorbed by the body and its anti-inflammatory properties help your overall health.
Overall Benefits of Red Nopal
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.
Conclusion
The purpose of this content was not to convince you that orange juice isn't healthy because that's not true at all. Besides being delicious, oranges are a healthy sources of vitamin c and other minerals. Orange juice is a staple beverage that we all love, but there are other delicious and beneficial fruit juices that can bring even more health benefits to the consumer.
Red Nopal Cactus is one of those tasty alternatives that can offer a maximum amount of health benefits while containing a lower sugar content than orange juice. Try Maxx Herb's Red Nopal Cactus Juice or Powder and decide for yourself which one meets your health standards and tastebud needs!
Red Nopal Cactus Fruit Juice (Organic) - 32oz
Red Nopal Cactus Fruit Powder (Organic) - 10oz
Reminder
*Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
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*Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.