Figs are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is available in dried or fresh form in the market. The benefits of figs have been studied for centuries, but today it has been found that this heavenly fruit is effective in treating a wide range of diseases such as diabetes and eczema.
Dried figs can be a great alternative to high-calorie, low-nutrition snacks. Especially if your child is growing up, you can use dried figs as a snack for them at school or at home. Combining dried figs with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pistachios can give you everything you need to start your day off right. You can also use dried figs for breakfast, and that way you will have great energy until the end of the day.
If you are still not convinced to add this delicious fruit to your shopping list, stay tuned with us to learn more about the benefits of figs and their health effects and how to make some delicious snacks with this fruit.
Properties of dried figs on health
Fig Nutritional Value
This fruit is very popular because of its sweet taste and smell. Figs are very low in calories and fat-free. A large, raw, fresh fig has only 47 calories. So if you are looking to lose weight, you can replace figs with unhealthy snacks.
Depending on your taste, you can buy fresh or dried figs. Three grams of dried figs contain three grams of fiber. Fiber helps treat constipation. In addition, figs are a laxative fruit and help solve your digestive problems. Using dried figs as a snack will also help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar.
Tip: If you are facing digestive problems and constipation daily; you can soak a few dried figs in a glass of water before going to bed and put them in the refrigerator. The next morning, to relieve constipation and the feeling of thirst that may be your problem at night; Drink the water that has collected around the soaked figs. You can also use the soaked figs to make a smoothie. The figs you make in this way are a good substitute for sugar or sweetener in a smoothie.
Figs are a great source of calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis and growth problems. No other fruit contains as much calcium as figs. So if you have a child who is in the growing age or is facing osteoporosis problems, you can use a milk, fig, and banana smoothie combination for breakfast.
If you want to get more antioxidants in your meals or snacks, figs will be your best choice. According to studies conducted in 2005, it was found that dried figs have the highest antioxidant content among dried fruits. As you know, antioxidants have a great effect on preventing cancer, maintaining beauty, reducing the effects of aging on the skin, and fighting and eliminating free radicals in the body.
Figs are one of the richest plant sources of various vitamins and minerals such as: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron.
The presence of all these minerals alone is a great reason to put figs on your shopping list. You can add pieces of fresh figs to your fruit salad or make a delicious and healthy dessert for dinner.
It is better to remove the snack dish on your table today, if it is full of chocolate and sweets, and instead put a combination of nuts such as dried figs, pistachios, almonds, and dried fruits.
Of course, it is better to observe moderation in consuming everything. Because dried fruits are also high in calories.
Benefits of Figs and Its Effect on Diabetes
A study conducted in 2016 found that not only the fig fruit is beneficial, but the leaves of this tree also have a great effect on insulin control and the treatment of diabetes. In addition, fig extract can be effective in the treatment of diabetes by balancing blood fatty acids and vitamin E. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about using figs and be careful that figs can only be a supplement to your diet and are not a substitute for medical treatments or effective tests in the treatment of diabetes.
Benefits of Figs and Their Effects on Skin Beauty
In traditional medicine, figs are known as a beauty medicine and elixir of youth. Figs have a great effect in treating eczema, vitiligo, and psoriasis. According to research and experiments, fig tree sap can treat warts without side effects.
Beauty mask with figs
You can use fresh and raw figs to make a mask. As we mentioned earlier, figs are a great source of antioxidants. If you have acne, you can put a few fresh figs in a blender, mix them with a little honey, and apply them to clean, makeup-free skin. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, then wash your face with lukewarm water and use a moisturizer. Repeat this mask twice a week to treat acne.
Another mask that you can make with figs and reduce facial wrinkles is the fig and yogurt mask. To make this mask, crush a few fresh figs and mix them with a tablespoon of yogurt and a teaspoon of honey in a blender until you have a smooth, even paste. If you have eczema, peel the figs before making the mask. Leave the mask on your face for 10 to 15 minutes as before, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Since figs are a good source of many vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, they will improve your skin health and increase blood circulation in your skin.
Benefits of figs and their effects on hair health
Figs are one of the most popular ingredients in making shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. This fruit promotes hair growth and provides the moisture your hair needs. The presence of nutritious vitamins such as zinc, copper, selenium, magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C will have a great impact on hair health. In addition, figs are also effective in treating hair loss and accelerate the recovery of hair follicles. Especially women who experience hair loss during menopause can solve this problem by using figs.
Properties of dried figs and their effects on health
Fig Allergy
Fig sensitivity and drug interactions are one of the rarest things that happen. Therefore, most people can add figs to their diet without worrying about allergies or side effects.
However, sometimes drug interactions or allergies may occur that you should be aware of.
If you are allergic to birch pollen or latex, you may also be allergic to figs. Figs are part of the berry family. Therefore, if you are allergic to other members of this family, you may also be allergic to figs.
In addition, vitamin K is a natural blood thinner. Raw and dried figs contain large amounts of this vitamin. Therefore, if you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), it is best to consult your doctor before using figs.
Excessive use of figs can cause a laxative effect in some people, which is very useful for treating constipation. Therefore, to prevent diarrhea, it is better to maintain a balance in the consumption of this fruit, and if you experience diarrhea even with a small amount of this fruit, it is better to stop consuming it.