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Healthy Diet Plans >>  Health Food >>  Figs Health Benefits

Figs, Figs Nutrition And Health Benefits Of Figs

Who doesn’t like to dip into a bowl of figs-and-cream or how about a fig bar or fig flavored cookies? Figs are great culinary ingredients and also taste great when munched raw. With a smooth skin, crunchy seeds and luscious, chewy flesh, the fig fruit has great texture and taste. Figs perish quickly and because of this, these are dried to capture the delicate taste the year round. Figs grow on the Ficus carica or the Ficus tree, which are part of the Mulberry family.
The color and texture of figs vary. The skin of this fruit can be green, purple or almost black; while the flesh can be red, pink or amber.

Figs and Figs Nutrition

  • Figs and nutrition go hand in hand. Let’s look at the health benefits of this crisp, tart fruit. Here is more information about figs and figs nutrition.
  • Figs lower and control high blood pressure because these are packed with potassium, a mineral that can control hypertension. Several people have potassium deficiency because they avoid eating fruits and vegetables and consume more sodium, an ingredient used heavily in packed food. Thus, those who consume less of potassium and more of sodium tend to get hypertension.
  • Figs also help people lose weight. A great source of dietary fiber, figs can work wonders for those who want to lose weight. Figs with their high fiber content can help in weight management.
  • Figs are also great for post-menopausal women and for those who have breast cancer. Research has shown that women, who consume fiber-rich fruits regularly, reduce their own chances of getting cancer.
  • Figs are good for those with diabetes. In some cultures, the leaves of the fig tree are used for its anti-diabetic properties. It is believed that these properties in fig leaves reduce the need for more insulin injections.
  • Figs increase bone density. Figs are rich in calcium, a mineral that promotes bone density. The potassium in the fruit also counteracts the loss of urinary calcium, thus, preventing bones from thinning out.
  • Figs are good for cardiac health. The leaves of the fig tree are said to lower the level of triglycerides, which are a form of fat that are found in the blood stream.
  • Figs are also a good source of manganese.
  • Very nutritious, figs are rich in benzaldehyde, anti-cancer compound, beta-carotene, potassium and iron. These also have flavonoids and ficin, a digestive enzyme. Figs are also rich in insoluble and soluble fiber.
  • Figs are good for preventing constipation, anemia, digestion and cancer.

Thus, figs are good for health.

Figs Benefits

Fig is native to the Middle East and western Asia. It is believed to be the first ever fruit tree that was cultivated by man. Botanically, it belongs to the mulberry family. Fig is a very tasty and pulpy fruit, filled with tiny seeds. It is heart shaped and slightly violet in color when ripe. Fig health benefits have been known and put into use since ancient times. Some of the great health benefits of figs are as follows.

•  Fig is very rich in high quality dietary fiber. It is therefore very beneficial for your digestive system. Not only does it improve metabolism but also it keeps stomach related ailments such as constipation and indigestion at bay. This is one of the most important fig benefits. Daily intake of figs is also very beneficial in curing piles.
•  Figs are also rich in potassium. Therefore, regular use of figs in your daily diet helps in controlling your blood pressure and keeps you away from hypertension and heart diseases.
•  Figs are also rich in an enzyme known as pectin. Eating one or two figs a day helps in reducing cholesterol in your blood due to the presence of pectin.
•  Calcium intake is very essential for your bones; and figs are very rich in calcium. If you are allergic to milk or other dairy products, regular intake of figs makes up the deficiency of calcium in your body.
•  Figs also posses excellent aphrodisiac properties. They are widely used for the treatment of problems related with the male reproductive system.
•  Figs benefits include boosting your memory as well. In fact, certain constituents of figs are very helpful in curing sleeplessness and insomnia.
•  Figs also contain a rich quantity of iron. If you experience deficiency of iron and anemia, you must include figs in your daily diet. It will help alleviate the iron deficiency.
•  Also one of the more important fig benefits is what it does for your heart. Daily intake will help prevent coronary heart disease.
•  Figs are replete with antioxidants. Therefore, regular consumption of figs in your diet will help you in keeping yourself younger for much longer.
•  If you experience acne or pimples on your face, mash two figs and apply the paste on your face. Let it dry and rinse with normal cold water. Doing this twice a week will help cure the problem.

These are some of the more common fig benefits. While there are no known fig side effects, excessive intake may result in diarrhea.

Submitted on January 16, 2014