What Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Drink Cactus Juice?

SadaNews - The cactus plant has many medicinal uses and is included in formulations for burn treatments, hand creams, and beauty products. Some scientists have investigated whether drinking cactus juice may also lower blood pressure, but there is no clear evidence to support this.

Does cactus juice lower blood pressure?

Antoinette Hardy, a registered dietitian at the Ohio State University Medical Center, told VeryWell Health: "There is no definitive evidence that drinking cactus juice affects blood pressure in humans."

Antoinette added, "There are some studies done on animals that show cactus juice may help lower blood pressure and fat levels, but these mechanisms do not necessarily apply to humans."

There are theories about why cactus juice may affect blood pressure readings, according to VeryWell Health.

Antoinette pointed out that "cactus contains phytosterols, which are plant compounds, and antioxidants that help combat toxic and cancerous oxidizing substances. These compounds may have positive effects on blood sugar and cholesterol levels and inflammation, which may indirectly affect blood pressure levels."

What does research show about cactus plant juice?

Yasi Ansari, a senior dietitian at a health center affiliated with the University of California, said, "Current research and information are inconclusive regarding cactus juice and its impact on health and blood pressure."

Some studies have shown that cactus juice may be associated with lowered cholesterol in some individuals with pre-diabetes or untreated diabetes. While other research suggests that cactus juice may impact blood sugar levels.

In the end, we do not know whether cactus juice affects blood pressure directly or indirectly. Yasi confirmed, "We need more information and high-quality research, such as long-term studies and standardized dosing recommendations, to better understand the effect of cactus juice on blood pressure and overall health."