Sweet, healthy little figs

A member of the mulberry tree, the bell-shaped, wrinkled and leathery figs are lusciously sweet. These little succulent fruits are packed with nutritious goodness of calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, potassium, and antioxidant properties.

Though there is nothing that can beat the taste and benefits of fresh figs, they have little shelf-life and perish easily while dried figs are easily available and often preferred. It is an interesting fact that there are at least 1,000 fig species in the world.

WTN gets you more on the health attributes of figs

Health benefits

Eases bowel movements: Figs have laxative properties. Theinsoluble fiber cleans the large intestine and works on reducing constipation.

Weight management: the fruit is laden with soluble and insoluble fiber – an ideal combination for weight management. The soluble fiber ensures slow digestion and keeps the tummy fuller. Hence, most dieticians recommend figs to obese.

Flushes out unwanted cholesterol: Pectin – a soluble fiber – cleans unwanted cholesterol and clears it through excretory passage.

Prevents cancer: Figs lower the chances of prostate, post menopausal breast and colon cancer.

Eliminates estrogens: Excess release of estrogen harmone leads to weight gain, moodiness, headaches, uterine or breast cancer. But figs come to rescue and help get rid of the excess hormones.

Get strong bones: Figs are rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, and vitamin K2. These are required to build stronger bones- especially among the children.

Potassium and calcium helps increase bone density. The phosphorous in it helps bone formation and regrowth in case of bone degradation.

Good for heart: Figs prevent calcium from accumulating in blood vessels and lowers triglyceride levels – a major factor for heart ailments- while the magnesium and potassium maintain the blood pressure. Dried figs have phenol, Omega 3 and 6 which is good for the heart. 3. Prevent high blood pressure and heart attack

Cures anemia: A rich source of iron, figs prevent and cure anemia. Expecting mothers are often advised to consume figs in monitored ratio.

Eye care: High on antioxidant levels, figs delay the process of age-related macular degeneration which often leads to blindness.

Curbs diabetes: The anti-diabetic properties reduces insulin intakes among diabetics. The post-meal sugar absorbed by body is regulated by the potassium in figs. It is a boon for the pre-diabetics. Soluble fibre in it also stabilises and lowers blood sugar levels.

Aids respiratory ailments: Figs treat respiratory conditions such as, bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma.

Prevents hypertension: Hypertension is caused due to low potassium and high sodium levels. Figs reverse this as it is low on sodium and high on sodium thus settling the nerves.

Attends to sexual disorders: Figs have yielded positive results to those suffering from sterility, endurance or erectile dysfunction.

Moisturises skin: Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins B& C and minerals, figs naturally keep the skin moist and restores suppelness. It clears the toxins from the body to prevent skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, zits and pimples.  The enzymes in the freshly prepared fig scrub removes dead skin and lightening the blemishes, thus leaving it nourished. Baked figs cure inflammations like abscesses and ulcers.

Fights hair problems: Figs are excellent for the hair maintenance and growth.  It helps collagen formation. Hair care products are often based on figs’ extract that help detangle hair, soothes wavy, coarse and curly hair and delays hair graying.

Some of the other benefits include

·        Reduces fatigue

·        Excellent mouth freshener

·        Improves memory

·        Treats hemorrhoids

·        Helpful in early stages of chicken pox

·        Excellent for those allergic to dairy products

·        Induces good sleep

·        Boosts healthy immune system

Caution

·        Those with sensitive skin must watch out for allergies

·        Never eat or apply unripe figs

·        If taken with milk, it could lead to weight gain

·        Those with kidney or gallbladder ailments must avoid figs

·        Could cause diarrhea and tooth decay

-windowtonews