The peeled, cooked stalk tastes similar to asparagus. In herbology the dried, powdered root is used. The plant grows in warm climates and is added to many herbal formulas as a catalyst for the other herbs. Its red color is partly due to its high vitamin A content. Vitamin A is essential for normal vision, growth, cellular activity, reproduction and healthy immunity.
Capsicum influences blood flow, which makes it a food for the circulatory system as well.
It contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid. It is particularly useful in providing nutrients to the pancreas and liver, which support digestion and maintain blood sugar balance. Nutritional factors in Nopal may act in the bowel to prevent fat and excessive sugars from entering the bloodstream. NSP offers the nutritional benefits of Nopal in convenient, dehydrated, encapsulated form. The plant is extensively used for cooking oil in the U.S., which can be obtained in grocery stores and health-food stores.