Figs : Nutrition, Benefits, and Side effects

 

What is a Fig?

Figs are the name for the fruit of the ficus tree, which belongs to the mulberry family. The inside of fresh figs is frequently mushy with crunchy seeds. Its unique texture makes it a great fruit to consume uncooked. Figs are most frequently thought of as dry fruits when the flesh dries up and the seeds become more brittle. Fresh, seasonal, and perishable figs. Dried figs are available all year round. In a healthy diet, they frequently take the place of table sugar, acting as a natural sweetener as a result.

Benefits:

Unquestionably, dry fruits are fantastic energy snacks that are rich in essential nutrients like minerals and vitamins. One of the most often consumed dried fruits, the fig, provides many of health advantages. Therefore,  you must consume this  dry fruit. Figs have numerous health advantages.

The first is to sun dry it and consume it uncooked. Even year-round storage is possible for this dried fig. People throughout the nation adore cashew figs milkshake. For that, soak a few figs, then add them to the milk with the cashews. Alternatively, you may even chop them roughly and include them in your salads. Adding figs to a meal is the most delectable way to consume them.

1-Figs Lower the Risk of Cancer:

Figs help to reduce the production of free radicals and chronic inflammation by being rich in antioxidants, which reduces the risk of cancer. Free radicals cause chronic inflammatory diseases diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Thus, it is believed that figs can aid in preventing these long-term health problems.

2-Figs Enhance Bone Health:

Figs are a good source of calcium in nature, which is the main component required for healthy bones. Although there is a healthy supply of dairy products, they cannot be relied upon alone. Figs are good supplemental food for a secondary diet.

Figs are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which are good for the bones. Figs are particularly high in calcium because they contain 3.2 times more calcium than other dry fruits.

A high-salt diet can cause calcium to excrete in the urine, which potassium can help to prevent. As a result, the bones are better able to retain calcium, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

3-Treat Asthma:

Figs moisturize the mucous membrane and encourage mucus to drain, which helps to reduce the symptoms of asthma. One of the best all-natural treatments for asthma is fig. It aids in clearing the phlegm. Drink the water as well as the dried figs after soaking them in it for the night.

4-Avoids Wrinkles:

Fig extract has significant antioxidant and anti-collagenase actions on wrinkled skin. Additionally, the skin's hydration is improved. Consequently, figs can be used to cure wrinkles, acne, freckles, and hyperpigmentation.

Figs may be good for the skin, especially for those who suffer allergic dermatitis, or dry, itchy skin brought on by allergies.

5-Nutrients of Fig:

Fresh figs are a wonderful addition to a balanced diet because they are high in nutrients and have few calories.

One fresh small (40-gram) fig has the following nutritional value:

30 calories

Protein  0 grams 

Fat 0 grams 

Carbs 8 grams 

Fiber  1 gram 

3% of the daily value is in copper (DV)

2% of the DV for magnesium

2% of the DV for potassium

2% of the DV for riboflavin

2% of the DV for thiamine

3% of the DV for vitamin B6

2% of the DV for vitamin K

Even though eating a few fresh figs is a reasonable, low-calorie snack or supplement to a meal, they do contain some calories from natural sugar.

However, because the fruit is dried, the sugar becomes concentrated, making dried figs high in sugar and calories. Additionally, figs have trace amounts of numerous minerals, but they are especially high in copper and vitamin B6.

The creation of blood cells, connective tissues, and neurotransmitters, as well as metabolism and energy production, are all aided by the essential mineral copper. Your body needs vitamin B6  to digest food proteins and produce new proteins. It is crucial for maintaining good brain health.

6-Encouraging Digestive Health:

For years, people have used figs as a natural therapy or as an alternative medicine for digestive issues like constipation.

They include fiber, which may aid in promoting digestive health by reducing constipation, softening and adding volume to stools, and acting as a prebiotic, or food source for the beneficial bacteria in your stomach.

7-Figs Help with Weight Loss: 

A modest fig intake can help with weight loss. Figs are suggested by nutritionists as a healthy substitute for processed and fried foods because of their high fiber content. When you're craving a light snack, picking figs will simultaneously satisfy your hunger .

8-Could Contribute to Blood Sugar Control:

In a now-outdated 1998 study, 10 individuals with type 1 diabetes may have needed less insulin after drinking fig leaf tea with breakfast. They got fig leaf tea for a month, during which their insulin dosages dropped by roughly 12%.

Furthermore, a more recent study discovered that drinks with high fig fruit extract concentrations had lower glycemic indexes (GI) than drinks without fig fruit extract, indicating that these drinks would be better for blood sugar levels.

However, fig fruits, particularly dried figs, are high in sugar and may temporarily raise blood sugar levels. Limit your intake of sugary foods if you struggle to control your blood sugar levels. Your health is benefited by both the fig fruit and the leaves.

The amazing qualities of fig leaves help to control blood sugar levels. A study found that including fig leaves in the diet can reduce the amount of blood sugar that rises after meals in insulin-dependent diabetics. Boiling 4-5 leaves in filtered water will yield fig leaf tea. These leaves can also be dried out and powdered. Use two tablespoons of this powder to bring a liter of water to a boil. 

9-Improves Heart Health:

Figs are a heart-healthy food because they lower blood triglyceride levels. Triglycerides, which are fat particles that build up along blood vessels and result in heart attacks, are to blame for causing heart disease.

Being rich in potassium and fibre helps the body get rid of extra fat and lowers heart pressure. This can significantly enhance the condition of your heart.

10-Minimizes Hypertension:

When you consume more sodium and less potassium, the sodium-potassium balance in your body is upset, which can cause hypertension. Figs help to restore the sodium-potassium balance since they are high in potassium.

Potassium, which is abundant in figs and counteracts the effects of sodium to help decrease blood pressure. Fig may help slow down the effects of aging by providing you with enough iron, estrogen, and other nutrients. Figs balance your hormones and increase your energy levels. Figs are good for your hair, nails, and skin. Applying mashed figs to the face will help you avoid getting acne.

11-Prevent Kidney Stones:

Kidney stones can be avoided by boiling some figs in water, which can then be cooled and consumed for a few days. You can speak with a dietitian or nutritionist if you want to discuss any particular issues.

Side effects:

Figs could have several drawbacks. For instance, figs may cause diarrhea or other digestive issues because they are occasionally used as a home treatment for constipation. Additionally, figs contain a substantial amount of vitamin K, which can hinder the effectiveness of blood-thinning drugs.

To lower your risk of issues if you take a blood thinner, you should maintain a consistent daily consumption of figs and other foods high in vitamin  K. Finally, figs may cause allergies in some people. You can be more susceptible to developing a fig allergy if you have an allergy to birch pollen. Natural latex, which some people may be allergic to, is also present in fig trees.