Why Figs?
Figs have been enjoyed since Biblical times due to their abundance, flavor and sweetness. The Fig tree is a symbol of fertility and Figs have been considered the “foods of the gods”. Many people believe that the Garden of Eden fruit was actually a fig.
Today, Figs can be enjoyed fresh, in salads, with cheese, as well as deserts and part of many other delicious recipes. They can also be frozen, canned, and dehydrated.
Benefits of consuming Figs
Figs are packed with nutrients and vitamins, and offer a variety of potential health benefits. They are rich in Vitamin A, B, C, copper, and with an excellent source of fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Figs are a good source of fruit sugars for energy. A fresh small fig contains approximately 30 calories. A fresh medium fig has 37 calories. Figs are cholesterol free, low in fat, saturated fat and sodium. They have a laxative effect because of the proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and because of the seedy fiber.
They have been known to promote healthy digestion, decrease the risk of heart disease, help in managing blood’s sugar levels, and kill cancer cells. The Fig leaves can also be used for grilling and baking. Fig Leaves can also be hydrated and used for tea making.
Diet
Fresh figs, dried figs, fig leaves, and fig leaf tea make great additions to a healthy diet. Introducing figs into your diet can be done in various ways and will present great potential benefits. Here are the main ways you can include figs in your diet:
- Fresh Figs. Fresh figs are excellent! They are low in calories, great snacks, and they taste great in salads and desserts. Fresh figs can also be used to make fig jam or preserves.
- Dried Figs. Dried figs taste excellent! However, they should be consumed in moderation or occasional, due to the high sugar and calories. Dried figs have been used effectively for treating constipation.
- Fig leaves. Fig leaves are nutritious and have been used similarly to grape leaves as wraps for some dishes, foods or fillings. Fig leaves are also used to make tea. Fig leaves can be collected and dried from your own fig trees, purchased from specialty stores, or purchased online.
Promote Digestive Health
Among the vitamins and minerals, figs also contain fiber, act as prebiotic, help promote digestive health, decrease constipation, and improve the various symptoms of digestive disorders. They have been used in organic and healthy home remedies as alternative treatments for some of the digestive problems.
Based on studies, it has been found that consuming 4 dried figs twice a day, it significantly reduces symptoms, pain, bloating, and constipation.
Promote Vascular and Hearth Health
Studies suggest that figs and fig extracts may decrease and improve blood pressure and blood fat levels, which can help improve vascular health and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Fig leaf teas and extracts may also provide improvements in total cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride levels.
Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Consuming fresh figs and fig leaf teas may help manage blood sugar levels. Studies seem to suggest that consuming fig leaf teas at breakfast may significantly decrease the insulin needs in people with type 1 diabetes.
However, dried figs are high in sugar, may increase blood sugar levels in the short term. Monitor your blood sugar levels and limit daily consumption of dried figs.
Potential Anticancer properties
Fig leaves and natural latex from fig plants have been shown to exhibit antitumor activity against human colon cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and liver cancer cells. Further studies are needed to determine how the fig and fig leaves consumption affects the cancer growth.
Increase Bone Density
Figs are a good source of both calcium and potassium. Both minerals together improve bone density, which can, in turn, prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Based on studies, a potassium-rich diet, in particular, can improve bone health and reduce bone turnover. Calcium is also a key structural component of bones, and increasing calcium intake has been shown to improve bone mineral structure in children and adolescents.
Promote Healthy Skin
Figs may have some beneficial effects on the skin, and on people with allergic dermatitis. Studies have shown that in some cases , creams made from dried fig fruit extract were more effective in treating the symptoms of dermatitis than standard treatment with hydrocortisone cream.
Other studies are being done to determine the effects of antioxidant effects on skin cells, the decrease of the collagen breakdown, and improvement in the appearance of the skin.
Disclaimer:
The information presented is not medical advice and is for information purposes only. Always consult your doctor, dietitian, and/or nutritionist.
Figs may cause digestive upset in some cases due to fig’s anti-constipation effects. Figs may interfere and reduce the effectiveness of blood thinning medications due to the high vitamin K content. If you are on a blood thinner medication, you may need to monitor your intake of figs and other foods with high vitamin K content. Figs may cause allergies to some people. Birch sensitive individuals may also be allergic to figs. Fig tree sap contains natural latex and may present allergies to some people.
Warning:
Fig trees sap and leaves may cause an allergic reaction on some people’s skin. The milky sap can induce skin irritations. If you have sensitive skin, it is advised to wear long-sleeved shirt and gloves when pruning the trees. In the event of skin contact, wash with cold water.