Nopal, perhaps more commonly known as prickly pear, is native to Mexico and the Southwest. Nopal flowers are often used for conditions of the gastrointestinal system, energy, metabolism and blood sugar levels. Nopal fruit is very nutritious and is a rich source of mucilage and pectin, fruit sugars, beta-carotene and vitamins B1,B2, Niacin and C. Nopal also contains the minerals calcium, iron and magnesium and the electrolyte minerals potassium and sodium.