Contributed by Harleen Kaur
Introduction
The fruit of the ficus tree, a member of the mulberry family, are figs, often referred to as Anjeer. Typically, the centre of a fresh fig is mushy, and the seeds are typically crunchy. It’s a wonderful fruit to eat raw due to its distinctive texture. When the seeds get more crunchy and the fruit becomes dry, most of us recognize figs or anjeer in that form.
These are one-of-a-kind fig fruits that have a teardrop-like shape. They have hundreds of tiny seeds, are about the size of a thumb, and have a delectable purple or green peel. The fruit’s pink flesh tastes mild and sweet.
And not only Fig fruit but also the leaves of this fruit are so rich in nutrients that can offer a number of health advantages. For instance, they could help maintain a healthy digestive system, fend off heart conditions, and control blood sugar levels. Here we are helping you with some useful benefits of figs that you must know.
Encourages Good Digestive Health
Constipation is a common digestive condition. Fig fruits have traditionally been used as a natural medicine or at-home therapy for constipation. Fibre-rich fig fruits can help enhance your digestion because of their high fibre content. According to research, fibre reduces constipation, softens and thickens stools, and serves as a prebiotic, or food source, for the good bacteria in your gut. To help relieve constipation, it’s recommended to try eating two to three dry figs on an empty stomach.
Might Control Blood Pressure
High blood pressure often leads to an imbalance of potassium levels in your body. Figs are the best source of potassium. This helps in controlling blood pressure by causing blood vessels to relax which results in and thus might control blood pressure.
Helps you get better skin
Figs may be good for the skin, especially for those who suffer from allergic dermatitis or dry, itchy skin as a result of allergies. Additionally, according to a study, a combination of fruit extracts, including fig extracts, exerts antioxidant benefits on skin cells. They, therefore, help in preventing collagen breakdown and minimising wrinkles.
Helps with cardiovascular health
You can improve your cardiovascular health and lower your risk of heart disease by including figs in your daily diet. The reason for this is that figs can help decrease blood pressure and blood fat levels. Additionally, figs are a fantastic source of antioxidants, which help lower harmful cholesterol and triglycerides as well as free radicals and consequently, strengthen your heart and help extend its life.
Promotes weight loss
Figs are high in fibre and low in calories, thus making them an ideal snack when you are on your weight loss journey. When included in a well-balanced diet, high-fibre foods like figs can help you feel full between meals and reduce overeating.
Final thoughts
The vibrant fruit known as figs can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or combined with your favourite snack. Enjoying anything in excess can be hazardous to your body, so it is advised to consume this fruit in moderation.
Dried figs should only be used in moderation due to their potential to interfere with blood-thinning medications due to their high vitamin K concentration and high sugar content.
Figs are not only tasty and widely available throughout the year, but they’re also a great source of fibre, calcium, potassium, and magnesium—nutrients that many of us don’t get enough of on a regular basis.
FAQ Frequently asked questions
Q What is the healthiest way to eat figs?
Figs taste best when eaten fresh, with the skin and seeds still on. If you’d prefer, you can also peel the figs and remove the seeds. You can also bake, broil, or grill the figs.
Q What is the best time to eat figs?
This incredibly healthy dried fruit is best consumed in the morning. For this, let two or three figs soak overnight in either milk or a little water.
Q What are the side effects of figs?
Due to their anti-constipation properties, figs may upset the stomach or cause diarrhoea. Some people may be allergic to them, and figs may also react negatively to blood thinners.
Q Who should avoid eating figs?
Those who have high blood sugar levels or are on blood thinners are advised to avoid figs.
