Introduction
Fig benefits are many as they have a distinct sweet flavour, a soft, juicy and chewy texture, with a sprinkling of slightly crunchy, edible seeds. Because fresh figs are fragile and perishable, they are frequently dried to preserve them. This results in a delicious and healthy dried fruit that may be eaten all year. Anjeer as it is called in India, is a little pear or bell-shaped blooming plant in the mulberry family that is technically known as Ficus carcia. The fruit is native to the Middle East, Asia, and Turkey. Fig is grown commercially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Coimbatore in India.
It is a deciduous fruit and develops new ones in the spring with the height of 50 feet . The leaves are brilliant green, solitary, and big, with a hairy top surface and a soft hairy underside. Most fig flowers are female and do not require pollination.
Fig Benefits
Enhances intestinal health
Figs nourish and tones the intestines, and their high fibre content acts as a natural laxative. They also have prebiotic qualities, which feesed the gut flora and provide a healthy gut environment.
High in Fibre and promotes weight
Aids in weight management as figs are naturally high in dietary fibre and filled with vitamins and minerals, which helps to boost the nutritional density of our diet and thus high fibre diets help to reduce appetite and cravings, while important nutrients help with blood sugar control.
Rich in Antioxidants
Figs, especially ripe ones, are high in polyphenols, which are plant substances that protect the body. These substances have antioxidant characteristics, which means they help prevent oxygen from interacting with other molecules and causing harm to cells and tissues, making them important for oxidation management.
Maintain a healthy blood pressure
Processed meals contains an excessive amount of sodium (salt) which results in potassium deficiency, which can contribute to high blood pressure (hypertension). Thus fresh figs should be included in our diet as it naturally raises potassium levels and is thus recommended for blood pressure management.
Helps to promote bone health
Figs are high in bone-building nutrients including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Are particularly high in calcium. Aids and prevents calcium output in the urine induced by a high salt diet. This in turn aids in the retention of calcium in bones, potentially lowering the risk of osteoporosis.
Prevents Inflammation and Chronic diseases
Fresh figs are low in calories and are extremely high in soluble dietary fibre with important minerals that contribute to therapeutic health effects. Are high in antioxidant flavonoids such as carotenes, lutein, tannins, chlorogenic acids, and vitamins A, E, and K, which help to scavenge free radicals and prevent a variety of chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and inflammation.
Treats Sexual Issues
Figs are a miracle fruit that has been used for centuries to heal sexual dysfunctions such as sterility, poor stamina, and erectile dysfunction as it contains lot of vitamins B6, vitamin A and minerals like potassium, copper, and magnesium boosts sperm production. Dried figs are high in amino acids and help in sperms quality. Are also beneficial to adolescent females in alleviating PMS symptoms and regulating the cycle and also helps in erectile dysfunction.
A cup of dried Fig contains:
- 68Kcal / 290KJ
- 1.1g protein
- 0.5g fat
- 15.9g carbohydrates
- 3.0g fibre
- 291mg Potassium
- 75mg Calcium
- 24mg Magnesium
- 1.26mg Iron
- Energy 74 Kcal
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Dietary Fiber 2.9g
- Folates 6 µg
- Niacin 0.400 mg
- Pantothenic acid 0.300 mg
- Pyridoxine 0.113 mg
- Riboflavin 0.050 mg
- Thiamin 0.060
- Vitamin A 142 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 0.11 mg
- Vitamin K 4.7 µg
- Sodium 1 mg
- Copper 0.070 mg
- Manganese 0.128 mg
- Selenium 0.2 µg
- Zinc 0.15 mg
A cup of Fresh Fig contains:
- 4 Kcal / 148KJ
- 1.0g protein
- 0.2g fat
- 7.6g carbohydrate
- 1.6g fibre
- 160mg Potassium
- 12mg Magnesium
- 30mg Calcium
- 120mcg Carotene
- Energy 74 Kcal
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Dietary Fiber 2.9g
- Folates 6 µg
- Niacin 0.400 mg
- Pantothenic acid 0.300 mg
- Pyridoxine 0.113 mg
- Riboflavin 0.050 mg
- Thiamin 0.060
- Vitamin A 142 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 0.11 mg
- Vitamin K 4.7 µg
- Sodium 1 mg
- Copper 0.070 mg
- Manganese 0.128 mg
- Selenium 0.2 µg
- Zinc 0.15 mg
Side Effects of Fig
May cause stomach issues
Along with the Fig benefits like other fruits there also exist some side effects. Consuming too many dried or fresh figs might cause stomach difficulties since they are high in fibre. Figs are well-known for giving a burst of sweetness to a variety of recipes, and they are also high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
However, few people are aware that this mulberry family fruit is extremely harmful to the human body. Overeating figs, according to experts, can cause dangerous health problems. It is best to consume figs in moderation since their warm nature.
May cause allergies
Figs inherent chemical compositions and can induce conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and anaphylactic shock. Asthmatics should avoid it at all costs, according to medical specialists.
Lowers blood sugar levels
Although figs are beneficial to diabetics, their ability to lower blood sugar levels may be hazardous to others. It is suggested that persons with low blood sugar levels avoid eating figs.
May cause Bleeding
It is advisable to consume figs throughout the winter season since they keep the body warm. You may be startled to learn that its warm nature can result in ocular hemorrhage, rectal bleeding, and minor vaginal bleeding. In the winter, avoid eating too many figs.
May be harmful for liver
Figs are densely packed with seeds, and we frequently fail to notice that we swallow the seeds rather than actually chewing them. They clog the intestines even more since they are difficult to digest.
Calcium absorption is restricted.
It has been established that figs contain oxalates, which inhibit calcium absorption in the body. This limitation can lead to a calcium deficit in the body, which can lead to weak bones.
May cause stomach related issues
They produce stomach discomfort and bloating because they are heavy on the stomach.
Figs may appear light and simple to digest, but they are actually rather hefty, and eating too many of them might induce stomach distress. The greatest technique to relieve the pain is to drink aniseed (bidisoph) or carom seeds (ajwain) with water is the greatest approach to relieve this ache.
Remember to eat only fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits that we get directly from mother earth.
However, in order to avoid the fruit’s negative effects, it is always best to consume it in moderation. Nothing in excessive amounts is healthy for our health.
Conclusion: Here we have discussed Unbelievable 10 Fig Benefits and Side Effects along with the diet, properties, advantages and disadvantages. Results to stay fit and healthy. Remember to eat more vegetables and homemade foods and eat fewer junk foods.
You may also go through weight gain safely for more details to gain weight healthily.
FAQ’s
What happens if you eat too much figs?
Figs are high in fibre, and consuming too much of them might cause indigestion and constipation. Excessive fig consumption can harm the intestines and liver. Regularly consuming figs and their seeds in big quantities may result in bloating and stomach distress.
Who shouldn’t eat figs?
Although figs are beneficial to diabetics, their ability to lower blood sugar levels may be hazardous to others. It is suggested that persons with low blood sugar levels avoid eating figs.
How much fig should I eat a day?
Around 2-3 figures. However, because dried figs are heavy in calories, they should be consumed in moderation. It is advised that you restrict your daily serving amount to roughly 2-3 figs. Furthermore, dried figs are a healthy snack for weight growth.
What happens if you eat fig everyday?
Figs are high in both calcium and potassium. These minerals can work synergistically to increase bone density, therefore preventing disorders like osteoporosis. According to research, a potassium-rich diet, in particular, can increase bone health and decrease bone turnover.
Is fig Good for fatty liver?
Yes, Keeps your liver healthy. A excellent, natural approach to keep your liver healthy, figs have been shown to speed up healing and help the liver stay healthy.
Can we eat figs at night?
Yes, Figs are high in magnesium, a mineral that has been linked to improved sleep quality and duration. They are high in fibre and hence aid in the prevention of night time cravings. Figs also aid in metabolic regulation, reducing sleep issues such as insomnia.
Are figs high in sugar? / Do fresh figs raise blood sugar?
Yes, Figs have the highest sugar. You know how sweet a fresh fig can be if you’ve ever eaten one. As a result, it should come as no surprise that they are rich in sugar content. According to The Daily Meal, a medium-sized fig has roughly eight grammes of sugar. Figs are an excellent snack to help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Because it is high in natural fibre and sugar, the components in figs aid in the breakdown of blood sugar levels.
Why can’t vegetarians eat figs?
Some argue that because figs are the consequence of a wasp’s death, they should not be labelled vegan. However, figs rely on wasps to reproduce in the same way that wasps rely on figs. This symbiotic interaction is responsible for both species’ survival.