6 Surprizing Health Benefits Of Figs

Figs, a sweet and juicy fruit, have been grown in the Middle East since ancient times. The fact that they were one of the earliest plants to be cultivated by humans is evidence of this. Since they are so simple to cultivate in a home garden and do well in climates with mild winters, fig trees are another popular backyard treat. In principle, there are thousands of variations, but in practice, only six are widely available. Here are the names of the six:

• Mission
• Brown Turkey
• Kadota
• Sierra
• Tiger
• Golden

Nutritional Analysis of Figs

As a low-calorie food, figs are a healthy option. Fresh figs, which weigh approximately at about 100 grams, have only about 74 calories but are packed with soluble fiber, important nutrients, and a plethora of plant chemicals that contribute to healing. Flavonoids in figs, such as carotenes, lutein, tannins, chlorogenic acids, and vitamins A, E, and K, help scavenge free radicals and protect against cancer, diabetes, and inflammation.

 

Further, fresh figs are loaded with metabolism-supporting B complex vitamins, including niacin, pyridoxine, folates, and pantothenic acid.

 

Calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, selenium, and zinc are just some of the minerals that can be found in abundance in dried figs. Iron is a crucial mineral required for the development of red blood cells and overall health, while Potassium helps to balance the body fluids that regulate blood pressure and heart rate.

Figs and your health: Pros And Cons

For those of you who have arrived here seeking information about the many advantages of figs, your search is finished.

These include:

1. Helps for Easier Digestion

The fiber in figs aids digestion by preventing constipation.

 

Two figs soaked in water overnight and eaten with honey in the morning will relieve constipation.

Because of their high fiber content, figs are an effective treatment for and prevention of constipation. It adds mass to the feces, making them easier to pass through the digestive tract.

 

Figs’ fiber also helps calm upset stomachs and stop diarrhea. If you’re trying to mend your digestive system through diet, a high-fiber diet is essential, and figs are a great choice because they help you feel full without a ton of calories.

2. Helpful for bone health

Figs are rich in calcium and magnesium, two nutrients that help maintain bone health. Half a cup of dried figs has nearly as much calcium as the same volume of milk. In addition, they have the mineral strontium, which has been shown to help maintain healthy bones. Osteoporosis after menopause can be treated using a proprietary strontium formulation.

3. May Protect Against Cell Damage

Figs may be sweet, but they are a good source of healthy antioxidants. Scientists have discovered phytochemical substances in both fresh and dried figs. These compounds include phenolic acids and flavonoids.

 

It’s possible that antioxidants can stop or lessen the harm that free radicals do to cells. Air pollution and secondhand smoke are two examples of environmental poisons that expose us to free radicals. The free radicals you encounter are not only external; your body produces them too. Antioxidants are thought to reduce the oxidative stress (damage) brought on by these free radicals.

4. More radiant skin

This fruit can also be a mate for skin health. Antioxidant vitamins B and c help keep skin looking young and feeling firm. Acne and other forms of inflammation can be avoided with the help of this fruit’s anti-inflammatory nutrients.

5. Help you get a healthy weight

Dried figs, like most dried fruits, can help you lose weight if you eat them in moderation. Because of the high fiber content, they make you feel full longer, which reduces your appetite and the amount of food you eat. If sweets are your weakness while dieting, dried figs are the perfect sweet answer. Since dried figs only include the sugars they naturally possess, they’re a much better choice than processed desserts like chocolate, cake, and cookies.

6. Promotes Reproductive Health

Among the ancient Greeks, figs have dual religious and sexual significance. Fertility and affection were the symbols it represented. Figs with milk were a common remedy in ancient India. Minerals like zinc, manganese, magnesium, and iron are abundant, and they all help to promote good reproductive health.

Bad Side Effects

Too many figs, especially fresh ones, can cause a burning feeling and painful tongue, according to several people. Ficin, a compound found in figs, is responsible for the effect. Ficin is a protein-degrading enzyme known as a proteolytic enzyme. Exposure can cause itching and burning of the skin and tongue.

 

Avoid “fig burn” by eating the flesh of the fig without touching the skin, which is where most of the ficin is found. The greater the concentration of fictn in an unripe fig, the less desirable it is.

Conclusion

Numerous studies have shown that eating figs can improve one’s health in numerous ways. It seems that fig leaves and fig leaf tea have similar health benefits as the fruit. Particularly, dried figs may be useful in easing constipation.

Before adding anything new to your daily food routine, it’s best to talk to a topgeneral physician first.

FAQs

1. Who should avoid eating figs?

Though figs benefit those with diabetes, their ability to lower blood sugar levels could be hazardous to others without the disease. Those with hypoglycemia are advised to avoid eating figs.

2. Are figs good for the brain?

Figs are a great way to get the potassium your brain requires. In addition to vitamin B-6, which aids in neurotransmitter production, they also include calcium, magnesium, and iron.

3. What is the best time to eat figs?

This highly nutritious dried fruit is best had first thing in the morning. Soak a handful of figs in a glass of water or milk overnight. In the morning, eat these soaked figs. If you have stomach or digestive disorders, you should soak figs before eating them.