What comes to your mind when you pass by a cactus plant? Most people get shrieks just by the thought of being spiked and thus they avoid the plant.

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On the contrary, the cactus plant has its benefits besides those thorns you see. It is good for your health like any other fruit and can even help in preventing some deadly diseases like cancer!

The prickly pear cactus grows in the arid and semi-arid areas in the world and is common in the North Eastern regions of Kenya like Garissa, Mandera and Wajir counties. It's also found in some regions in Laikipia County like Doldol and Ngobit.

This plant does well in these regions because it receives low rainfall amounts yet the plant can produce fruits for three years without rainfall! The fruit is said to regulate blood sugar levels making it ideal for people suffering from diabetes type 2.

Like many fruits, the pear cactus is also an antioxidant and rich consumption of the antioxidant fruits aids in preventing one from cancer which is a major life threat to many people today.

Do you need a remedy for high cholesterol? You need a pear cactus. The cactus pear  contains pectin which is even stronger than other sources of pectin making a recommendable remedy for high cholesterol that may lead to heart diseases.

And well if you are suffering from a hangover after drinking two for the road, a pear cactus is equally good for you.

Well, now that you know, try to consume as much of it as possible for a healthier you.