If there was one nutritious fruit, we wouldn't stop recommending it's figs! Do you know how nutritious and healthy eating figs can be? It's okay if you don't because we are here to uncover the numerous benefits of figs. Through this blog, you will learn all about why figs need to be a part of your diet sooner than you think.
A lot of us include dry fruits in our diet simply because of their nutritional value. Fig is one such dry fruit that is full of health benefits and is also a portable snack to add to your diet. They're also a great way to replace foods with added sugars and also for cutting down sugar cravings.
You might be surprised to know, but figs have also been used as a natural remedy for ages. People believe that figs can fight diseases and support a longer life. Now that we know that figs are super nutritious and healthy, let's dive in and learn more about its benefits.
What are Figs?
The fig is a soft fruit that resembles a teardrop. It can be found in hues of green or purple, while the flesh of a fig is usually red. The whole of a fig fruit can be consumed.
They're also symbolically associated with Greek mythology and are technically a bunch of inverted flowers that bloom from the inside out.
Earlier figs were also used as a means of natural sugar. It was used for sweetening desserts. This is relevant even today because natural sugars are a way healthier option than refined sugars. Figs originate from Western Asia and are also known as a symbol of peace and prosperity.
If you're wondering about the dried figs nutrition, then you must know that, as per USDA, eating six dried figs gives you 125 calories. The content of calcium, potassium, and magnesium is also relatively higher than ripe figs.
What are Some of the Benefits of Figs?
Indian practitioners of medicines have been using figs for curing endocrine, respiratory, digestive, and immune issues. So let's have a look at the health benefits of figs:
Fig Benefits for Skin
Figs can help balance sebum production and also help with skin melanin. Moreover, it helps provide more hydration to the skin and balances out sebum production. Thus helping the skin remain free from premature aging. Figs also help in promoting collagen production, keeping our skin youthful.
Digestive Health
Figs are believed to have laxative properties, which is why they can help in dealing with constipation. Eating soaked figs in water overnight benefits bowel movements. Also, it's a source of fiber and can help control stomach pain and discomfort too. Figs can help improve our sense of incomplete evacuation too.
Rich in Antioxidants
The ripe figs are rich in protective plant compounds which are called polyphenols. Such compounds are rich in antioxidant effects. In turn, they help prevent any cell damage or tissue damage. Thus, figs help in managing the oxidation process in our body.
Supports Bone Health
Figs may help improve your bone health as it is rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. One of the benefits of figs is that it's richer in calcium than most fruits. It's also a good source of potassium which helps to keep the calcium in our bones and also prevent osteoporosis.
Aids Healthy Blood Pressure
Nowadays, we eat a lot of unhealthy or junk foods with high sodium levels, which are not good for our blood pressure. However, eating a diet rich in fruits like figs increases potassium in our body which helps to manage a healthy blood pressure level.
Better Weight Management
Figs are naturally rich in several vitamins and minerals. As a result, including them in our diet can add nutritional value to it. Moreover, it can also help us cut down on added sugar and subsequently, we can use figs for weight loss.
Improve Heart Health
Since figs can control blood fat levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure they help in improving the overall heart health. Figs also decrease the disk for near disease and other cardiovascular diseases. So you must enjoy the benefits of figs and add them to your diet.
Helps with Diabetes
Diabetes occurs due to irregular glucose levels and is a lifelong ailment. People with diabetes need to limit their sugar consumption. Although figs also contain sugar but they are low on the glycemic index, which makes them a better alternative. Furthermore, they help in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Reproductive Health
The figs benefits for the female reproductive system are many. Since the figs are high in minerals like zinc, magnesium, and iron, they help fight menopausal disorders and also protect us from hormone abnormalities.
What are Some Delicious Ways to Enjoy Figs?
Figs may be a bit of fragile fruit, but they're full of nutrients and vitamins. Here are some ways in which you can enjoy the fruit:
- The best way you can enjoy figs is on its own. Depending on which kind of figs you pick you might want to peel their outer layer. Moreover, letting it rest in the fridge will give you better sweetness. Also always check for any allergies before consuming figs.
- You can also enjoy figs with cheese, as they go particularly well with goat cheese. You can even serve them as a side on a cheese platter. You can try a fondue to dip figs too.
- Figs are really sweet and sticky which is why it's good to bend them and combine them with nuts to make some gluten-free snacks. Adding some nuts will give a nice crunch. You can also dry out the figs under natural sunlight.
- Combining sweet figs with yogurt is also a great snack. You can also add a bit of honey to sweeten the yogurt. This can be a great snack idea while you also enjoy the benefits of figs.
- You can add cheese and figs to the pizza dough or even on a piece of toast. It's sure to taste great even though the combination might sound strange. Adding figs will increase the nutritional value of pizza.
Also Read: Surprising and Useful Facts About Olive Oil for your Heart
Conclusion
Now that we know about so many great benefits of figs, it's a no-brainer that figs must be a part of our diet every day. Adding figs to our diet shall make it richer in vitamins and minerals and also promote overall better health. So what are you waiting for? Go get some figs and enjoy them in your meal today!
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