Читать книгу Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Supplement Use in People with Diabetes: A Clinician's Guide - Laura Shane-McWhorter - Страница 43

Nopal may help lower blood glucose when eaten cooked or taken as a dietary supplement. Although some individuals may prepare a blended shake using raw nopal, the raw stems may not lower blood glucose as effectively as when cooked. Nopal contains fiber and pectin, which may decrease carbohydrate absorption. The major side effects are diarrhea and increased stool volume. There are no long-term studies evaluating nopal for diabetes treatment. It is a benign agent and has been frequently consumed as a food. A frequently quoted dose is 100–500 g daily of broiled stems.¹⁹ An extract containing 1,500 IU taken prior to drinking large quantities of alcohol decreased hangover symptoms.¹⁰² For BPH, the dose used was 500 mg of powdered nopal flowers three times a day.¹⁰³ Optimal doses of extracts have not been established to treat diabetes; therefore caution should be exercised regarding recommendation of nopal supplements. As a food, however, it appears quite safe.