The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) originated in western Asia. Figs have long been eaten as a symbol of longevity in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
Figs have been known as a “natural product without a blossom” since they don’t show an outward sprout. Figs truly do anyway create many small palatable blossoms that structure, develop, and sprout within depression of the organic product. Their skins, which range from green to dark violet are palatable and their little seeds give an unobtrusive crunch.
There are many kinds of figs and dissimilar to wild figs, most financially accessible assortments don’t need fertilization by wasps. This is in contrast to the widespread misconception that all figs contain wasps that have perished inside the fruit after depositing pollen from another fig.
Figs give fiber, cancer prevention agents, and more modest measures of nutrients and minerals. Consumption of figs is associated with a number of beneficial health outcomes, including lower levels of inflammation, fewer periods that are painful, and healthy weight management.
Continue reading to find out more about the main health benefits of figs.
Antioxidant-Packed
Both the flesh and the skin of figs contain a number of antioxidants, primarily flavonoids and phenolic acids. Phenolic acids have potent anti-inflammatory effects in the body because they are absorbed into the bloodstream from the digestive system. They repair damage caused by free radicals, which are chemical compounds.
Normal metabolism produces free radicals, as do physical activity, sun exposure, and environmental pollutants like smog and cigarette smoke. After some time, the development of free revolutionaries is generally liable for maturing and may assume a part in the improvement of illnesses, including malignant growth and coronary illness, as well as conditions can imagine joint pain.
Promote Digestive Health
The fiber in figs encourages regular bowel movements. Additionally, figs contain prebiotics, which aid in the feeding of beneficial probiotic bacteria associated with inflammation-fighting in the gut. In one study, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who ate approximately four dried figs twice per day experienced less pain, defecation, and hard stools compared to those who received a placebo. This condition is also known as IBS-C. Consuming figs may also be beneficial for people with IBS who have predominant constipation IBS.
May Support Menstrual Health
In a recent study, the effects of eating dried figs on symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea, also known as period pains, were examined. Primary dysmenorrhea affects more than half of menstruating women on one or two days per month.
When compared to those who consumed cinnamon or a placebo, participants who consumed dried figs had significantly lower scores for pain severity and duration, menstrual distress, and perceived stress over the course of three periods.
May Help With Inflammatory Conditions
According to a review of 2022 studies, if figs and olives are eaten separately or together, anti-inflammatory compounds can reduce or block the effects of cytokines—compounds that cause inflammation. Cytokines are known to speed up harm to cells of the lungs, kidneys, cerebrum, and different tissues in patients with Coronavirus.
A wide range of inflammatory conditions, including allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), sinusitis, and tuberculosis, may benefit from figs’ ability to counter cytokines.
May Support Weight Management
Despite the limited amount of research available, eating dried fruits like figs is linked to a lower body weight. Also, Consuming figs consistently has been displayed to help sound weight the board by further developing post-feast satiety and glucose guideline.
May Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
A review of 2022’s research examined the potential effects of figs on their ability to prevent tumor formation and the growth of cancer cells. The study’s authors came to the conclusion that the natural compounds found in figs may aid in the body’s prevention of cancer cell growth and spread. However, because the majority of the reviewed studies were carried out on cancer cells in labs rather than on human subjects, and two of them were carried out on animals, additional research is required to investigate the possibility of a link between figs and lowering the risk of cancer.
Nutritional Facts of Figs
The nutrition facts of figs include carbohydrates that support energy production, fiber, and smaller amounts of a variety of essential minerals. One medium-sized fresh fig gives you:
Calories: 37
Fat: Sodium: 0 grams 0.5 grams of sugars: 9 grams of fiber: 1.45 grams of sugar found naturally: 8.15 grams
Protein: 0 grams of dried figs in a quarter cup provide:
Calories: 103
Fat: 0 grams
Sodium: 3.75 grams of sugars: 23g of fiber: 3.65 grams of sugar found naturally: 17.99 g of protein: 1.23 grams Despite the small amount of minerals in a single serving, figs have the highest mineral content of any common fruit. They offer a little level of the day to day prerequisite for potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and zinc.
Risks of Eating Figs
Although it is uncommon, fig allergies can occur. Figs can trigger an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to latex or birch pollen.
Also high in FODMAPs are figs. Sugars that are not completely digested or absorbed into the bloodstream by the intestines are known as FODMAPs. Bacteria ferment FODMAPs when they enter the large intestine, resulting in gas production. This can make the intestinal wall stretch and expand, which can cause pain or discomfort, especially in people with IBS whose digestive systems are very sensitive.
Tips for Eating Figs
Figs can be consumed raw or cooked, either fresh or dried. Solid ways of appreciating figs include:
Spread nut butter on sliced figs, either fresh or dried.
Figs, fresh or dried, can be added to a garden slaw or salad.
Nuts and yogurt made from plants or dairy can be layered over fresh figs.
For stir-fries and oven-roasted vegetables, minced dried figs can be used as a garnish.
Glaze the roasted figs with balsamic vinegar.
Energy balls made with nut butter and rolled oats should include minced dried figs.
Serve maple-sweetened tahini or sliced fresh figs with dessert hummus.
Plunge new figs into softened dim chocolate.