Let me explode some of the myths about the Sabra. First: Sabra is not "native" or exclusive to Israel it is a world wide cactus. All prickly pear cactus are of the genus Opuntia, the Opuntia megacantha is one of the tastiest and most popular. The general consensus is that it probably orginated in CentralAmerica probably Mexico. For many centuries the Portugese used it to develop an insect that infests the fruit to make red die.In Australia it is considered a pest and 200 years they have tried to destroy it.. Sabra Cactus have been a staple food of Native Americans for at least 6 centuries. Is the USA South West it grows in abundance and in commercial quantities for export.

There has been medical interest in the Prickly Pear plant. Some studies have shown that the pectin contained in the Prickly Pear pulp lowers levels of "bad" cholesterol while leaving "good" cholesterol levels unchanged. Another study found that the fibrous pectin in the fruit may lowers diabetics' need for insulin. Both fruits and pads of the prickly pear cactus are rich in slowly absorbed soluble fibers that help keep blood sugar stable. There are on going studies and at this point there are no proven results on humans. You can make your own study and see if works for you, which is the only test that really counts

There has been medical interest in the Prickly Pear plant. Some studies have shown that the pectin contained in the Prickly Pear pulp lowers levels of "bad" cholesterol while leaving "good" cholesterol levels unchanged. Another study found that the fibrous pectin in the fruit may lowers diabetics' need for insulin. Both fruits and pads of the prickly pear cactus are rich in slowly absorbed soluble fibers that help keep blood sugar stable. There are on going studies and at this point there are no proven results.