Health Benefits Of Figs

Originally shared by HHMedicine

Health Benefits Of Figs

Figs are fruits that grow on the Ficus tree, a member of the Mulberry family or Moraceae. They belong to the genus Ficus, and their scientific name is Ficus carica. Figs are known by various names in local languages. They are called ‘Anjeer‘ in Hindi, ‘Athi Pallu‘ in Telugu, ‘Atti Pazham‘ in Tamil and Malayalam, ‘Anjura‘ in Kannada, and ‘Dumoor‘ in Bengali.

The fig tree is deciduous and can grow to a height of 7-10 meters. It has a smooth white bark. The fig trees grow wild in dry and sunny areas that have fresh and deep soil. They also tend to grow in rocky areas and can sustain even in less fertile soil. The fig trees can live up to 100 years and have long and twisty branches that can surpass the height of the tree.

Figs are native to the Middle East and Western Asia and are now cultivated throughout the world. Fig trees have been naturalized in various locations of Asia and North America. The figs are a culmination of many single seeded fruits and grow to a size of 3-5 centimeters. They are green while growing and turn either purple or brown once they ripen.

Botanically, the fig cannot be called a fruit. It is a syconium, which means a part of the stem extends into a sac, with the flowers growing internally. Figs have a unique taste and texture. They are sweet and chewy. The smoothness of the fruit and the crunchiness of its seeds make a beautiful combination to eat. Dried figs are available throughout the year whereas fresh figs are available from June to September.

Figs are oval or pear-shaped and come in white, green, red, yellow, purple, and black colors. You can eat them raw and fresh, dried, or incorporate them in various recipes (a few of which are mentioned in this article).

Figs are considered exotic in many parts of the world. They are sweet and juicy after ripening, and their flavor depends on their color.

The Health Benefits Of Figs

1. Enhance Digestive Health
Figs relieve constipation and improve the overall digestive health. Soak 2-3 figs in water overnight and consume them with honey the next morning, and you can bid goodbye to your constipation woes.

Fiber is great for digestion, and figs are loaded with dietary fiber, which aids healthy bowel movement and relieves constipation. It adds bulk to the stools and promotes their smooth passage through the body. The fiber in figs also treats diarrhea and soothes the entire digestive system.

A high fiber diet is what you need to set your digestive system right, and figs are a must-have as they make you feel full and stop you from overeating

2. Improve Heart Health
Figs reduce the triglyceride levels in your blood and contribute to improving your heart health.Triglycerides are fat particles in the blood that are a leading cause of heart diseases. Also, the antioxidants in figs get rid of the free radicals in the body, which block the coronary arteries and cause coronary heart disease. Figs also contain phenols and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that decrease the risk of heart disease.

3. Lower Cholesterol
Figs contain pectin, a soluble fiber that is known to reduce cholesterol levels. The fiber in figs clears the excess cholesterol in your digestive system and carries it to the bowels to eliminate it. Figs also contain vitamin B6 that is responsible for producing serotonin. This serotonin boosts your mood and lowers cholesterol. Dry figs reduce the overall cholesterol as they contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and phytosterols that decrease the natural cholesterol synthesis in the body.

4. Prevent Colon Cancer
Regular consumption of figs can lower the risk of colon cancer. The fiber in figs helps to eliminate the waste in the body quickly, which works well for the prevention of colon cancer. The numerous seeds in figs contain high levels of mucin that collects wastes and mucus in the colon and flushes them out.

5. Cure Anemia
Lack of iron in the body can cause iron-deficiency anemia. Dried figs contain iron, which is a key component of hemoglobin. Consuming dried figs was found to improve the hemoglobin levels in the blood.

Growing children, adolescents, and menstruating and pregnant women specifically should monitor their iron levels to avoid complications. Also, if you are ill or have undergone surgery, include figs in your diet to increase the iron levels in your body and deal with the problem efficiently.

6. Prevent Breast Cancer
Figs are amongst those fruits that contain the highest amount of fiber. And it was found that women who consumed more dietary fiber during adolescence and early adulthood were at a lesser risk of falling prey to breast cancer

High intake of fiber was associated with 16% lower risk of overall breast cancer and 24% lower risk of breast cancer before the onset of menopause, Fig extracts and dried figs are known to contain elements that help in preventing postmenopausal breast cancer.


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