Antioxidants can protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. Nopal cactus is full of antioxidants, and a 2013 study Trusted Source found that the cactus is able to reduce oxidative stress. Antioxidants can benefit everyone, regardless of age and preexisting conditions.

Regulating blood sugar can be a huge struggle for people with diabetes. Nopal cactus may provide a complementary solution. Some research indicates that nopal cactus can decrease and regular blood sugar. A 2012 study Trusted Source, for example, recommends taking nopal cactus together with other diabetes medications to help regulate blood sugar.

An early study found evidence Trusted Source that nopal cactus was able to decrease cholesterol. While overall levels of cholesterol dropped, LDL cholesterol (or “bad” cholesterol) dropped significantly. Nopal cactus may be able to lower cholesterol with much fewer side effects than traditional cholesterol medications.

Nopal cactus may actually help with the symptoms of hangovers. There’s a catch — it’s most effective when you take the cactus’s extract before you start drinking, preventing the problem instead of treating it later. A 2004 study found strong evidence that nopal cactus extract significantly reduces the severity of hangovers when taken before drinking