Cactus show a wide variety of growth habits, which are difficult to divide into clear, simple categories. They can be tree-like, meaning they typically have a single more-or-less woody trunk topped by several to many branches. In the genus Pereskia, the branches are covered with leaves, so the species of this genus may not be recognized as cacti. In most other cacti, the branches are more typically cactus-like, bare of leaves and bark, and covered with spines, as in Pachycereus pringlei or the larger opuntias.
Cactus flowers have at least 10 petals, with the sepals combined with the petals, and have numerous stamens surrounding a multi-lobed stigma. If a succulent doesn’t produce a flower, it is not a cactus.
We are going to list some health benefits due to cactus;
First; it lowers blood sugar; High blood sugar can lead to diabetes, heart disease and stroke, according to the National Institutes of Health. Cactus leaf has a positive effect on blood sugar levels in healthy adults as well as those suffering from diabetes and obesity. Researchers at the University of Vienna tested nopal cactus leaf on 24 non-obese subjects who were suffering from high cholesterol or triglycerides.
Second; lowers cholesterol; As seen in the University of Vienna study, cactus leaf lowers cholesterol. In another study from France, researchers tested the effects of dehydrated cactus leaf on 68 women with metabolic syndrome. After four weeks, LDL, or bad, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were lowered and HDL, or good, cholesterol levels were raised.
