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Benefits: Seagate’s freeze-dried Nopal Cactus reabsorbs approx. 50X
its dried weight when released into the stomach providing an immediate feeling
of fullness and reducing hunger. Unlike other diet products that may
artificially stimulate the metabolism, giving a caffeine-like buzz, headache, or
that falsely claim to “burn fat”, Nopal simply and naturally acts like a sponge
- absorbing and expanding upon contact with the water and sugars in the stomach.
The absorptive properties are temporary, allowing the slow release of the water
and sugars, thereby helping to reduce sugar spiking immediately after a
high-sugar meal or drink. The high insoluble fiber content (cellulose and
lignin) absorbs wastes in the intestines and bowels, pushing them along into and
through the colon, making this product an excellent cleanser.
Cactus Structure and function: The Nopal Cactus (Opuntia strepacantha) is
a desert plant that survives intense heat and drought because of its ability to
absorb and retain moisture in the mucilaginous fiber contained in its large flat
spiny leaves. This insoluble fiber acts as a natural sponge holding the water,
vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids in jelly-like masses contained
within each leaf. Should the leaf become pierced or broken, this jelly-like mass
which stores the cactus water and nutrients (which is called “baba” in Mexico)
protects the cactus from sudden water loss, by slowly flowing from the leaf,
similar to sap from a maple tree.. Upon contact with the air, the “baba” is able
to seal the flow of moisture from the leaf.
Processing: Seagate gathers the Nopal Cactus leaves from selected cactus
farms located in remote interior valleys of northern Baja California, not far
from where Seagate operates their organic farm. This cactus is free of any
chemicals, pesticides or contamination. Seagate receives the cactus leaves,
complete with spines, on the day that the leaves are harvested. Generally, the
new-growth leaves are harvest during the summer, when local temperatures range
from 110-120 F, the ideal conditions for this hardy plant.
The leaves are cleaned of any residual dirt and the spines are mechanically
removed in a rotary wash tank. The leaves are then ground into smaller particles
for drying, careful to retain all the “baba”, the storehouse of the cactus
potency and nutrients. The cactus particles are then freeze-dried under deep
vacuum. Seagate had been developing this process for 3 years before unlocking
the mystery of how to dry the “baba” and carefully retain all of the cactus
nutrients and absorptive properties. The water concentration in the cactus
leaves is so high that approximately 100 kgs of cactus will dry to 1 kg of
finished product. Three Nopal capsules are the equivalent of 1/3 lb of raw
cactus.
Suggested Use: Take 3-6 capsules immediately before a meal. These
capsules can also be opened and the contents poured into sweet drinks or
smoothies, to counter the immediate high-sugar release; however do not mix in
too much powder because the Nopal has a natural bitter taste that might affect
the taste of the drink.
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