Figs are sweet fleshy fruits with tiny seeds in it. Botanically, it is multiple fleshy fruits in which ovaries are borne within a hollow receptacle, termed as syconium. The scientific name of fig is Ficus carica. It belongs to the mulberry family. The local name of figs in India is Anjeer. It is cultivated in different parts of the world and its native is the Middle East and Western Asia.
Figs are considered as an ancient fruit and historical evidence shows that figs were consumed by the people since 3000 BC. The plantation period of figs may differ from place to place depending upon the climate.
As benefits of figs are more and they are used in the preparation of so many dishes like desserts, ice-creams, cakes, cookies etc. Due to the unique taste and flavor. Raw figs are green in color and will turn into a light brown color when it starts to ripen.
As fresh figs have the life span for a few days, it is dried and preserved for the long term use. Dried figs are available in most of the grocery shops throughout the year. Both fresh and dried figs have their own health benefits.
Commonly there are five types of figs:
Black mission
This type of figs is very sweet in taste and used in the preparation of cakes and desserts.
Kadota
Kadota can be eaten as it is, even if they are raw. The taste of this type of figs can be enhanced by adding a little bit of salt in it.
Calimyrna
Calimyrna figs are large in size when compared to other types of figs. The flavor of these figs is similar to nuts.
Brown turkey
This category of figs is not much sweet. So it will be best in the preparation of different types of salads and curries.
Adriatic
Adriatic figs are the best ingredient in dessert preparation because of its sweetness and strong flavor.
For why figs are to be consumed? Benefits of Fings
Figs are perfect fruit with so many health benefits. They consist of vitamins such as vitamin K, vitamin B6 etc and minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, and iron. Figs are also loaded with a good percentage of soluble fiber, antioxidants, and natural sugars. Not only this but also numerous health benefits of figs are there.
Figs can cure anemia
Anemia is a condition in which hemoglobin or red blood cell level in blood is getting reduced due to which the body’s organs are not getting enough oxygen. This is common in women during pregnancy or during the menstruation period. If it is not treated on time it can lead to so many serious health conditions. Deficiency of iron can cause anemia.
Figs are a great source of iron and consuming this wonderful fruit can increase the level of red blood cells. It is found that dried figs are more effective than raw figs.
Figs leaves are good for diabetic patients
Figs leaves play an important role in reducing the glucose level of diabetic patients who depends on insulin. If they replace their normal tea or coffee with fig leaves tea, change can be observed within a few days. Boil 2-3 fig leaves in 1 glass of water and drinks it. If fresh leaves are not available regularly, you can dry and make the powder of it and store it in an air tightened container.
This powder is also as effective as fresh leaves. You have to add half teaspoon of this powder in boiled water and drink it when cools.
Figs enhance digestion
Figs are rich in dietary fiber that improves digestion. Those who are suffering from constipation, figs are a great choice of fruit for them. They can eat soaked figs in the early morning along with that water. Figs are also good at treating diarrhea.
Figs are best for preventing breast cancer
Healthy eating habits can prevent so many dangerous diseases like cancer. It has to be practiced from childhood own wards. Studies have shown that chances of suffering from breast cancer or colon cancer are reduced by 2- 3 times for women who follow fibre rich diet when compared to those persons following unhealthy food habits. Figs are loaded with a high amount of fibre that helps to protect from these types of life-threatening diseases.
Figs are good for strong bones and teeth
Essential elements for the development and durability of healthy bones and teeth are calcium and potassium. Figs contain these elements in good amount. The deficiency of calcium makes the bones weak and easily breakable. Aged persons have more chances of a breakdown of bones because of the low bone density.
Figs are rich in calcium and are perfect in rectifying calcium deficiency. Some people who follow a high salt diet has chances of loss of calcium from their body through urine. Potassium content in figs can cure this problem.
Figs regulate blood pressure
Irregularities in blood pressure are common among most of the aged persons. Tension, lifestyle and high amount of salt consumption are the main reasons for high blood pressure. Potassium content included in figs help to maintain the blood pressure in the normal range, 120/80.
Figs help to lower cholesterol
Cholesterol is an important waxy, fat-like substance that is essential for most of the body functions like digestion. Our body has the ability to produce cholesterol. But when we consume oily and high-fat food items, the level of cholesterol, in the blood will increase. High cholesterol levels can lead to blocking in heart and even heart attacks. Raw figs have the ability to reduce the cholesterol level. It consists of vitamin B6, omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids, pectin and phytosterols. These nutrients help to transfer the excess amount of cholesterol to the bowel and eliminate it from the body.
Figs help to fight against diseases
Including figs in the daily diet boost the immune system. Figs are rich in vitamin A, an important vitamin for the production of new blood cells. It also contains powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the body and keep you healthy. It is advised to eat ripe figs other than dried ones for better immunity.
Figs are good for the cardiovascular system
Figs consist of phenols, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These components decrease the fat level in the blood and reduce the risk of heart-related problems.
Figs are good for treating infertility
Scientifically it is proven that figs have the ability to improve sexual stamina. Eating 3-4 soaked figs in milk enhances overall sexual health. Consumption of figs can treat problems like sexual appetite, erectile dysfunction, and sterility. Figs are good for both men and women because of its high magnesium content. Magnesium is an important mineral in the production of sex hormones androgen and estrogen.
Figs treat asthma
Eating figs is one of the best natural treatments for asthma. Figs consist of phytochemical compounds that eliminate asthma triggering free radicals and also it helps to drain off the phlegm. So asthma patients can breathe easily. Wash and soak 2-3 figs in warm water overnight and eat in the morning.
Figs are good for eyes
Figs are a good source of vitamin A which is an important antioxidant for eye health. Including figs in the diet from an early stage can prevent old age eye vision loss problems, macular degeneration.
Figs are excellent fruit for piles patients
Piles patients suffer a lot while passing stool. The excess pressure on the rectum sometimes causes bleeding. Figs are rich in fiber and seeds of the figs are good in treating piles. The soluble fiber content in figs helps to soften the stool and regulate bowel movement. Soak 2 0r 3 figs in water and eat in the early morning and night.
Figs can relieve throat pain
Figs give relief from throat pain, irritation, and swelling due to tonsillitis. The extract of figs reduces stress and pain in the vocal cord. A fine paste of figs can also apply to the throat for instant relief.
Figs make skin softer
All of us like to have soft and glowing skin. Figs can help you to get it. Being rich in vitamin C helps to lighten the dark skin and makes the skin softer. Applying face pack containing figs, twice a week gives the best result.
Figs reduce hair fall
Figs are rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, and magnesium that reduce hair fall and promote hair growth.
Figs are a natural conditioner
Extract of figs is the main ingredient in the preparation of many hair conditioners. It nourishes and moisturizes hair. Apart from this, it makes the hair softer and shiny.
Figs combat constipation
Figs are loaded with fiber so it fights against constipation by making the stool softer and promotes easy digestion. So figs are considered as a natural laxative and used as one of the main components in the preparation of laxative syrups.
Figs are best to sleep inducers
Figs contain an amino acid called tryptophan which induces sleep. Soak 4 to 5 figs in the morning and prepare juice in the evening and drink it. You will get a pleasant and peaceful sleep at night.
Figs for treating bladder stone
Gathering of minerals in the bladder is the main cause of bladder stones. Figs juice is effective in treating this problem because of its low cholesterol and sodium content.
Consuming figs regularly will keep you to stay healthy as this fruit is packed with more valuable vitamins and minerals. The Benefits of figs are infinite. Just have and get benefited!
