Health Benefits Of Fig
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 25/05/2024
Figs, also known as Anjeer, are sweet and chewy fruits that have been enjoyed for centuries. But beyond their delicious taste, figs are packed with health benefits. This fruit can give you an energy boost and also increase your heart health. These little purple-brownish fruits might be a powerful addition to your diet. You can enjoy eating figs either fresh, dried, or even in the form of savoury items.
Let us explore the fig’s nutrition and the surprising ways figs can benefit your well-being. We will also find out how figs can aid in digestion, keep you fuller for longer, and even contribute to a healthy pregnancy.
So, grab a fig or two, and get ready to discover why this fruit deserves a spot in your regular diet.
What are Figs?
Figs (Anjeer) are a type of fruit that grows in Ficus trees. They are part of the mulberry family and have a unique texture and a sweet taste, with chewy flesh and crunchy seeds. Figs are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Make them a part of your diet and reap all the fig benefits.
Types of Figs
Figs are generally categorised into 10 varieties. Here are the different types of figs.
Black Mission Fig: Black figs have almost dark purple to black skin and are bright pink inside. These figs are very sweet and delicious and have a deep earth flavour. You can eat it fresh or prepare some dishes with it. You can also dry them for later or use them in savoury items.
Brown Turkey Fig: Brown Turkey figs have a range of colours from brownish-purple to black skin. Sometimes, the outer skin has flecks of green blended into the purple colour. They have light pink flesh. These fruits are sweet and have a mild flavour. You can eat it fresh, dry it, or use the fruit in jams and sweets.
**Kadota Fig: Kadota figs have light green skin and the inside part is of golden colour. This fruit has a delicate, sweet flavour. You can enjoy eating it fresh or use it in jams where it gives a honeyed taste.
Calimyrna Fig: Calimyrna figs have pale yellow-green skin with pink insides. It has a nutty flavour and tastes like butterscotch candy. It is usually eaten dried and goes well with cheese. You can add it to salads for extra sweetness.
Adriatic Fig: Adriatic figs have a pale green to pale yellow skin and a light pink inside. It is sometimes so pale in shade that it is called a white fig. This fig is sweet and has a mild flavour. It is mostly enjoyed fresh; however, you can add it to various sweet and savoury dishes.
Celeste Fig: Celeste figs have a violet-brown outer skin and bright pink flesh. They taste like honey and have a chewy texture. You can eat them fresh. Many home gardeners grow it.
Panachee Fig (Tiger Fig): Panachee figs have dark green stripes on light yellow skin. These figs are sweet and have a rich flavour. The preferred way of eating them is fresh or using them in desserts.
Osborne Fig: Osborne figs have dark purple skin and red flesh inside. This variety of figs is extremely sweet. People generally dry them to concentrate their flavours and use them in cooking.
Nutritional Value of Figs
Figs are a powerhouse of nutrients. They have a good amount of fibre, essential for digestion. They have a lot of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. If you want to know the Anjeer fruit benefits, here is the chart with a detailed breakdown.
Nutritional Value of Figs in every 40 grams | |
---|---|
Calorie | 30 |
Protein | 0 grams |
Fat | 0 grams |
Carbohydrates | 8 grams |
Fibre | 1 gram |
Vitamins in Figs | |
Riboflavin | 2% of the Daily Value (DV) |
Thiamine | 2% of the DV |
Vitamin B6 | 3% of the DV |
Vitamin K | 2% of the DV |
Minerals in Figs | |
Copper | 3% of the DV |
Magnesium | 2% of the DV |
Potassium | 2% of the DV |
Health Benefits of Figs
Figs come with a lot of health benefits. Here are some of them.
Helps Relieve Constipation: Figs are an old remedy for constipation due to their high fibre content. They act as a natural laxative and ease out bowel movements. Eating 2 - 3 dried figs on an empty stomach can relieve constipation.
May Aid Weight Loss: Figs are rich in fibre content. It can be the perfect snack for those who are on a weight loss programme. Eating 2 - 3 dried figs can make you feel fuller for longer. It reduces the need for frequent snacking.
Might Control Blood Pressure: Figs are a good source of potassium; hence, they can help control blood pressure. High blood pressure and fast food consumption can imbalance potassium levels in the body. Figs can improve potassium levels naturally.
Can Improve Digestive Wellness: Figs are rich in probiotics. It can support the function of probiotics which in return can improve digestion. The fibre content in figs helps in adding bulk to the stool and promotes regular bowel movements.
Figs for Fertility: Figs have been considered a symbol of fertility since ancient times. They are high in iron, which is important for the ovulation cycles in females. It may also improve sperm quality and motility in males.
May Improve Heart Health: The fibre and potassium content in figs are good for health. It removes excess fat and pressure from the heart and improves heart health. Figs are also rich in antioxidants. It reduces free radicals and lowers triglycerides and bad cholesterol.
Other Health Benefits of Figs
Fig Benefits for Males
Figs can benefit male sexual health. They are rich in essential minerals such as zinc and magnesium, which help in reproductive functions, like sperm production and fertility. Also, figs are a rich source of amino acids that help in increased libido and sexual stamina. If men incorporate figs in their diet, they can enjoy the general benefits of this fruit along with getting specific benefits of sexual well-being.
Figs Benefits for Females
Figs have a lot of benefits for women’s health in all stages of their lives. The fruit is rich in iron content which helps in preventing anaemia during pregnancy. Consuming dried figs during pregnancy supports the well-being of both mother and baby. Also, figs have a high fibre content that helps in digestion and eases out the digestive issues that are common during pregnancy.
Figs also enhance women’s sexual health, they contribute to the overall vitality through the presence of essential vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, the potassium content in figs supports heart health in women. It helps in maintaining optimal circulation and overall reproductive well-being in women.
Figs Benefits for Skin
Figs offer a lot of benefits for the skin. This fruit has a blend of vitamins and antioxidants. It is also a good source of vitamins A and E, which support skin rejuvenation and also protect the skin against environmental damage. Figs contain minerals like potassium and magnesium that help in maintaining skin hydration and preventing dryness of the skin.
Figs also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe the skin. Make this fruit a part of your regular diet and enjoy dried figs benefits. Eat this fruit daily, and it will help you have vibrant and glowing skin.
Figs Benefits for Hair
Figs offer a lot of benefits for hair. It has vitamins like vitamin C, E, and biotin. These essential nutrients help in strengthening hair and aid its growth. It also promotes good scalp health. Figs have antioxidants that help fight free radical damage to hair and potentially reduce the chances of hair damage and reduce the pace of premature hair greying.
Figs also act as natural moisture. It aids in preventing dryness and promotes overall hair hydration. Consuming figs will provide the necessary nourishment and help you flaunt lustrous and resilient hair.
Figs Benefits During Pregnancy
Pregnant women need extra nourishment to keep themselves and their babies healthy. Eating figs is a delicious way to get some essential nutrients in the body. Figs are packed with folate, which helps in a baby's brain and spine development.
Figs are also rich in fibre, which can help pregnant women alleviate constipation problems. Also, figs have iron, which helps the body make more blood, which is essential during pregnancy. Figs even have potassium, which can help pregnant women keep their blood pressure in check. So, eating figs in moderation and in a balanced way will help pregnant women get benefitted.
Fig Uses in Your Diet
Figs are tasty fruits that you can enjoy in many ways. Let us explore how you can eat figs:
Fresh Figs: Eating fresh figs is the best way to enjoy this sweet fruit. Simply wash them under running water and eat them whole. The skin of figs is edible; however, if you prefer, you can peel the fruit before eating.
Dried Figs: Dried figs are very sweet and are packed with nutrients. They are good as on-the-go snacks. You can also add them to salads, yoghurt, or oatmeal for an extra flavour and texture.
Cooked Figs: You can also eat figs by cooking them in different dishes. You can add dried figs to muffins, cookies, and breads. No matter how you eat them, figs are a delicious and healthy way to add variety to your diet.
Other Uses of Figs
Though figs are best eaten as a snack, they offer surprising benefits beyond their delicious taste. This versatile fruit can support your well-being. Let us explore other uses of figs.
Soothe Eczema Itch: Lotions containing fig extract can help children with eczema experience less itching. This makes fig-based lotions a great option for preventing skin irritation from atopic dermatitis.
Relieve Constipation Gently: Fig fruit paste acts as a natural laxative by softening the stools without causing constipation. It is a gentle solution to find relief from constipation.
Manage Type 1 Diabetes: For those with type 1 diabetes, a tea made from fig leaves may be helpful. It is also said to lower blood sugar levels after a meal. Consider incorporating fig leaf tea into your routine to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
Heal Warts Naturally: You can apply the milky sap from the fig trees directly to warts. It promotes healing without causing irritation. It is a natural way of removing warts.
Conclusion
Figs, or Anjeer, are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. These fruits have a good content of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Figs can aid in digestion, promote weight loss, and also improve heart health. Figs offer benefits for skin, and hair as well, due to their antioxidant and nutrient-rich composition.
Figs are versatile and you can enjoy them in various forms, including fresh, dried, and cooked. Figs are very tasty and nutritious and adding them to your diet will benefit you. They also help you soothe eczema itch, relieve constipation, and manage type 1 diabetes.
Including figs in your diet can be a simple yet effective way to boost your overall health and well-being.
Why Should You Consider A Health Insurance Policy?
You prioritise healthy habits - eating nutritious foods like figs, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. That is fantastic! But even the healthiest individuals can face unexpected health situations.
A sudden illness, injury, or medical emergency can come with high costs and can potentially derail your financial well-being. This is where health insurance becomes necessary.
There are many benefits of health insurance offered by Tata AIG. It can save you from out-of-pocket expenses in case of a health emergency that requires hospitalisation. It acts like a safety net, offering peace of mind with financial protection.
With a medical insurance plan, you need not worry about the burden of medical bills should the unexpected occur. It allows you to focus on your health, knowing that your insurance will cover a significant portion of your medical bills.
So, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle is necessary, having a mediclaim policy can help you to be prepared for challenges that life throws your way.
FAQS
1. Are figs good for weight loss?
Yes, eating figs is good for weight loss. These fruits are rich in fibre, which helps you feel fuller for longer, and it reduces the need for frequent snacking.
2. Can figs help with constipation?
Yes, figs are known for their laxative properties. They have a very high fibre content, which can help in relieving constipation.
3. Are figs suitable for pregnant women?
Figs are a good source of folate, iron, and fibre. This fruit can provide essential nutrition to the pregnant woman and help in the child’s development inside the womb. Eating figs is a good way to add nutrition to a pregnant woman’s diet.
4. Are there any side effects of eating figs?
While figs are generally safe to eat, some people may experience allergic reactions. Additionally, figs are high in sugar content and calories, so you must consume them in moderation, especially if you need to watch your sugar intake.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the health benefits of fig (Anjeer). It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.
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