Dry fruits in India are widely popular as evening munchies. Raisins, dates, berries, dehydrated mango, fig or Anjeer, the list goes on. The one dry fruit option that stands out for its numerous health benefits is Anjeer or fig. Fig is the member of the mulberry family and is popular in its dried form. It is rich in soluble fibre, mineral, and natural sugars. This small pear-shaped fruit is enriched with the goodness of calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, and vitamins A & K.
What do you think is the reason behind the popularity of fig? What does these mineral and nutrients content point at? Here are some lesser-known health benefits of fig:
- Reproductive Health – The Ancient Greeks consider fig a representation of love and fertility. Figs were consumed with milk. Figs are rich in source of iron, magnesium, zinc, and manganese, all of which help with reproductive health.
- Calcium content – Dried figs are a great source of calcium. The body needs calcium every day to ensure that the daily mineral requirement is met you must have calcium-rich foods. The calcium content is acquired by the type of food one eat. Often people fail to address the calcium requirement with mere milk, hence, alternates must be added to the daily food choices. Figs are high on calcium and can help fill the calcium deficiency that we suffer with.
- Blood Sugar – Figs help maintain the balance of the body’s blood sugar level by the quantity of potassium stored in the body. A potassium-rich diet is said to benefit patients suffering from Diabetes. The fat-soluble sugar found in figs is good for type 2 diabetes.
- Weight under check – For health-conscious people, it is advised to eat things that are rich in fibre like fresh figs. They have helped people lose some extra kilos. Fibre is present in food items that are found in the regular diet. A type of fibre known as psyllium, or something similar, is good for the digestive tract. It is also associated with a decreased risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes. Foods with high fibre will keep you complete and will make you happy for a long time, which is why figs naturally work into weight loss targets. According to a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a high fibre diet will assist in shedding some extra pounds. But dried fruits often contain large levels of calories, make sure that you do not eat more than a limited amount of it daily. Before being debunked, dried figs were also considered to be a safe way to add weight in a balanced way. However, portion management is certainly the answer.
Some Facts About Figs
- One-half cup of figs contains as much calcium as one half a cup of milk.
- Figs were once considered as a restoring medicine. It was assumed that they can boost the overall power of youth, keep people in good health and make them seem healthier with fewer wrinkles.
- The fig trees do not have any flower on their leaves. Many small flowers grow with crunchy little edible seeds that give figs their special taste.
- Figs are harvested according to nature’s clock, completely ripened on the tree and partly dried.
- Figs help baked goods remain fresher longer by holding in moisture.
- The fig tree indicates prosperity, fertility and sweetness.
Figs may be consumed raw, fried, or dried. The great thing about figs is that they can be used as add-ons. You can introduce figs in any of your desserts and other tasty treats. Figs steeped in water overnight soothes digestive pains. Of course, you can even eat them. Please be sure to not eat massive amounts of figs due to their blood sugar changing properties.