The fig is the edible fruit of Focus Carica, a species of small tree in the flowering plant Moraceae.
Native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia, it has been cultivated since ancient times and is now widely grown throughout the world, both for its fruit and as an ornamental plant. The flesh is pink and has a mild, sweet taste.
Nutritional Content of Figs: One small ( 40 grams ) fresh fig contains 30 calories, no fat or protein, 8 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 3 % of the daily value of copper, 2% of copper, 2% magnesium, 2% potassium, 2% riboflavin, 2% thiamine, 3% Vitamin B6, 2% Vitamin K.
Osteoporosis: Figs are a good source of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. They also are a good source of potassium and may help counteract the urinary excretion of calcium caused by a high salt diet. This helps to keep calcium in bones and lessen the risk of osteoporosis.
Digestive Health:Figs contain fibre, which soften and adds bulk to stools, decreases constipation and acts as a prebiotic ( so is a good source for the gut microbiome – healthy bacteria.)
Figs help speed the movement of food through the digestive tract, thus reducing constipation and helping with ulcerative colitis.
Improve blood pressure and blood fat levels: Figs may improve blood pressure and blood fat levels which can help improve vascular health and decrease risk of heart disease. Figs contain phenols and Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids which reduce risk of heart disease. Figs reduce triglyceride levels in your blood.
Colon Cancer : Regular consumption of figs can lower the risk of colon cancer. The fibre in figs helps to eliminate the waste in the body quickly, which works well for prevention of colon cancer
Anaemia: Lack of iron in the blood can cause iron deficiency anaemia. Dried figs contain iron, key component of haemoglobin. Dried figs are found to increase the haemoglobin levels in the blood.
Lower Blood Sugar in Diabetics: Not just the fruit, but the leaves for your health. Fig leaves have amazing properties that help regulate your blood sugar levels. Introducing fig leaves help control the rise in blood sugar post a meal of insulin – dependent diabetics.
Anti – oxidant properties: Figs are a powerhouse of antioxidants, they neutralise the free radicals in the body and fight diseases. The riper a fig is, the more antioxidants it contains. Figs are a rich source of antioxidants. The antioxidants enrich the lipoproteins in plasma and shield them from further oxidation.
Other benefits of Figs include treating asthma, reducing throat pain, preventing macular degeneration, improving liver health, treating piles, helping in insomnia and excellent for skin and hair health.
Fresh figs are a great source of energy and contain some calories from natural sugar. Having a few figs is an excellent low calorie snack or addition to a meal.
Dried Figs: Because fresh figs bruise easily and do not travel well, dried figs can be substituted. Dried figs provide roughly six times the kilojoules of fresh figs. Drying also concentrate the nutrients to make them a rich source of potassium and a useful source of calcium, iron and magnesium. However, dried figs are also extremely high in sugar and if eaten too frequently can cause tooth decay. They are also prone to mould contamination and may contain mould toxins such as alfa toxins which are potentially carcinogenic. So when using dried figs soak them overnight.
If you have trouble managing your blood sugar levels, you should limit your intake of dried figs.
Side effects: Due to excessive consumption, figs may cause diarrhoea. Also being rich in Vitamin K, figs may interfere with blood thinning medications and cause them to be less effective.
Few people are also allergic to figs, as fig trees contain natural latex, which some people may be allergic to.
All the best and happy healing from Naturally Dimpi!!