With their sweet, tangy taste and soft texture, figs have become a popular option for those looking to add fiber and antioxidants to their diet. But are figs just another trendy fruit or can they provide real benefits? Let’s discover the health benefits of figs in this article. These purple fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. Because they are high in fiber and moisture, as well as being low in natural sugars, figs have been found to help reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, heart disease and even certain cancers. Let’s take a closer look at how you can incorporate these beneficial fruits into your diet.
Fig Nutrition
Before we explore the health benefits of figs, let’s take a look at their nutritional profile. Figs are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Specifically, figs contain minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium. Additionally, they are a good source of vitamins A, B, C and E. Fig nutrition values per 100 g Fiber – 6.4 g, Iron – 3 mg, Magnesium – 77 mg, Calcium – 37 mg, Vitamin A – 8 IU, Vitamin B – 0.17 mg, Vitamin C – 11 mg, Vitamin E – 0 g As you can see, figs provide your body with many essential nutrients. This is what makes them so beneficial for your health. Not only do they taste great, but they are also good for you.
Benefit 1: Figs are a Good Source of Fiber
Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, and figs are a good source of it. Eating more fiber-rich foods has numerous health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes. Figs contain both soluble and insoluble fiber – both of which are essential for good health. Soluble fiber helps reduce cholesterol, while insoluble fiber helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. The recommended daily intake of fiber is 25 grams for adults. Figs contain about 2.4 grams of fiber per 100 grams, which makes them a good source of this important nutrient.
Benefit 2: Figs are Rich in Antioxidants
When oxidants are balanced with antioxidants in the bloodstream, they work together to improve your health. However, when there is an imbalance (known as oxidative stress), this can lead to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. While the exact amount of antioxidants in figs is unknown, they are likely rich in antioxidants due to the high antioxidant levels found in fig leaves. Research has shown that the antioxidants found in fig leaves are even more powerful than those found in grapes, blueberries and cranberries. Figs are also considered to be one of the top antioxidant-rich foods.
Benefit 3: Figs Help Fight Against Cancer
Research has shown that figs help fight against certain types of cancers such as breast, stomach, colon and ovarian cancer. Figs contain a large amount of a chemical called figgaloide that is effective against cancer cells. FGG was found to be 10 times more effective than other conventional cancer treatments such as chemo. However, more research is needed to determine exactly how effective figs are against cancer.
Additional benefits of figs
- Fig seeds reduce inflammation – Figs contain a lot of anti-inflammatory properties just like turmeric, which explain why they are so good for your digestive system. Eating figs regularly can help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain in people who suffer from autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease, colitis and arthritis.
- Fig seeds reduce blood pressure – Like many other fruits, figs are rich in potassium, which has been shown to reduce blood pressure in people who suffer from hypertension.
- Fig seeds are rich in fiber – Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system, and figs are rich in this nutrient. Eating figs regularly can help improve your digestion and prevent constipation.
- Fig leaves have anti-fungal properties – Figs leaves are rich in anti-fungal properties, which can be useful for treating fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and nail fungus.
How to incorporate figs into your diet?
If you want to reap the health benefits of figs, you should make sure to incorporate them into your diet. The easiest way to do this is to add figs to your morning smoothie or your favorite dessert. They also make a great snack when eaten fresh. You can also incorporate dried figs into your diet by adding them to your granola, and cereal or making them into a nutritious and delicious fig and oat bar. You can also use fresh figs to bake a delicious fig crumble or stewed figs to make a healthy cake. Remember to always choose ripe and fresh figs. Finally, do remember that figs are high in natural sugars, so eat them in moderation. A few figs here and there will be more than enough to reap the health benefits of figs.
Summing up
Figs are a sweet and delicious fruit that not only tastes great but is also good for your health. Figs are a good source of fiber, rich in antioxidants and help fight against certain types of cancers. You can incorporate figs into your diet in a variety of ways such as adding them to your morning smoothie or eating them as a snack. Remember to always choose ripe and fresh figs. You can also use fresh figs to bake a delicious fig crumble or stewed figs to make a healthy cake.
