Tucking into prickly pear fruit is a healthy option

IF you're feeling a little fed up of dates nutritionists suggest tucking into a healthy prickly pear fruit.

The ripe fruits, some harvested from the Syrian capital Damascus, are being boxed and sold to restaurants across the region.

The fruit which grows on cacti ripens at the end of the summer months and is served chilled as a dessert fruit.

Health professionals, botanists and cooks also see them as much more than a treat. "People have been using the fruit and pads of prickly pear cactus for medicinal purposes for thousands of years," said Patti Milligan, a corporate nutritionist. "Then the science follows, and guess what? It makes sense."

The prickly pear fruit is a rich source of the mineral magnesium and the amino acid taurine, nutrients often cited as important to brain and heart health, she added.

It's rich in flavonoids, antioxidants credited with keeping arteries healthy. The low-calorie fruit is also high in vitamin C, calcium and potassium. Poultices made from the cactus long have been used in some cultures to fight infection and speed healing of wounds.

Prickly pear is a good source of fibre too. It's similar to the soluble fibre that has been shown to sop up cholesterol. The American Heart Association has carried out research using the prickly pear to help manage cholesterol levels.

Depending on the species from which it is harvested, the fruit may not be as sweet and juicy as it is nutritious. One chef suggests blending it for a few seconds with ice, a sweetener and other fruit to make it more palatable.