The name ‘fig’ comes from a Latin word “ficus” and an older Hebrew name “feg”. Figs are known to be the first fruits to be harvested and cultivated. They were native to India and Turkey and came to America in the 1500’s. Figs are the special fruit of the ficus tree that is a component of the mulberry family. They have an incredibly delectable flavor that is somewhat like a raisin, less intense than a date, but still creamy, sweet and indulgent that you just won’t get elsewhere. 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Figs.
There are many health benefits of eating figs. Dried figs are found in health food stores all year round, but fresh figs are seasonal. Organic dried figs are one of the best dried fruits you can choose.
Here are the 10 main health benefits of eating figs.
1. Powerful Antioxidant
Figs are a powerhouse of antioxidants, and they neutralize the free radicals in your body and fight diseases. The riper a fig is, the more antioxidants it contains. Figs are a rich source of phenolic antioxidants. The antioxidants in figs enrich the lipoproteins in plasma and shield them from further oxidation. They have a reputation in traditional medicine as a remedy for natural cancer treatment.
2. Fiber Rich
Figs are loaded with fiber, which means they are a dieters dream. The fiber will help fill the belly and make you feel more full. Fiber can help your body in a many ways, including weight loss, more energy and less stress.
3. High Source of Minerals
They offer minerals, especially iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Figs contain 1% of your daily recommended amount of calcium, the highest for any fruit and vegetable. They also have high source of zinc. Calcium is an important nutrient for strong bones and a healthy nervous system, as is magnesium and iron. Zinc contributes to a healthy immune system and can also help keep your skin clear by combating inflammation.
4. Improve Heart Health
Figs reduce the triglyceride levels in your blood and contribute to improving your heart health. Dried figs are containing phenol, Omega 3 and 6. These fruit full of fat acids, decrease the risk of the coronary heart disease. Moreover, leaves of the figs are having a momentous effect on the level of triglycerides in an individual’s body system. Triglycerides are one of the main factors that are behind the various heart diseases.
5. Regulate High Blood Pressure
Studies show that including figs in your daily diet helps to lower blood pressure. Figs are loaded with potassium, a nutrient that helps in controlling high blood pressure. Apart from potassium, the omega 3 and omega 6 in figs also help in maintaining blood pressure.
6. Prevent Constipation
Every three fig are serving 5 grams of the fibers. This help to promote the healthy regular bowel function and also prevents the constipation. Research shows that enjoying figs on a regular basis can alleviate constipation in chronic sufferers. We should be aiming for 35 grams of fiber daily.
7. Regulate the Cholesterol
Figs contain pectin, a soluble fiber that is known to reduce cholesterol levels. This fiber in figs clears the excess cholesterol in your digestive system and carries it to the bowels to eliminate it.
8. Prevent Diabetes
Most varieties of figs can help prevent insulin surges because of the chemical found in the leaves. Fig fruit has also been proven as a powerful treatment for the side effects of diabetes. With anti inflammatory and antioxidant activities, figs are able to normalize many bodily functions sometimes damaged by diabetes, making them a potential natural diabetes remedy.
9. Strengthen Bones
Calcium, potassium, and magnesium in figs improve bone density and decrease the breakdown of bones, which begins as you age. Calcium is crucial to maintaining healthy bones and figs are one of the best sources of it.
10. Cure Anemia
The absence 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.
