Fig is among the oldest fruits consumed by humans. Figs are fruits that grow on the ficus tree, which is a member of the mulberry family or moraceae. They belong to the genus Ficus and their scientific name is ficus carica. The fig tree is deciduous and can grow to a height of 7-10 meters. It has a straight white crust. Fig tree is a wild plant that grows in regions with dry and sunny weather. Also, the tree tends to grow in dark regions and can survive in low fertile soil. Fig trees can live up to 100 years and the branches are long and curved. The fig is native to the Middle East and Western Asia and is now cultivated around the world. The fig is the apex of many single-seeded fruits and can be 3-5 centimeters in size. They turn green as they grow and turn purple or brown when mature. Fig has a unique taste and texture. The smooth fruit and crunchy seeds are the perfect combination. Dry fig can be found throughout the year and fresh fig can be found between June-September.
Is Fig Beneficial?
Fig offers perfect benefits for your health. It is rich in fibers and contains various fundamental minerals such as magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper, potassium, vitamin K and B6. With that, the nutritional value of dried fig is higher than fresh fig. A single dried fig is as good as eating an egg. Fresh or dried fig is rich in terms of strong antioxidants. Fig is the main component of traditional medicine and the paste form is used against various diseases and problems. In short benefits of fig and benefits of fig leaves are very high.
What Are the Benefits of Fig?
Let’s take a closer look to the benefits of fig.
Fig Improves Digestive Health
Fig reduced constipation and improves general health Put 2-3 figs in the water for overnight and consume them with honey to prevent constipation. Fiber is perfect for digestion, helps with health gut and eliminates constipation. The stool can easily pass from your body. The fiber in the fig can treat diarrhea and relaxes the entire digestive system. You will need high fiber diet for your digestive system and fig will prevent overeating as you will feel fuller for a longer time.
Fig Improves Heart Health
Fig decreases the triglyceride level in your blood and contributes improving your hearth health. Triglycerides are fat particles in the blood that are a leading cause of heart disease. Also, the antioxidants in figs eliminate the free radicals in the body that clog the coronary arteries and cause coronary heart disease. Figs also contain phenols, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of heart disease.
Fig Decreases Cholesterol Levels
Fig contains the pectin fiber which is known to decrease cholesterol levels. The fiber in fig cleans the excess cholesterol in your digestive system. Also, fig contains vitamin B6 which is responsible from serotonin production. Serotonin increases your mood and decreases cholesterol. Dried fig contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and phytosterols that decrease the natural cholesterol synthesis in your body. The most impressive benefit of dried fig is to balance the cholesterol.
Fig Prevents Colon Cancer
Regular fig consumption might decrease colon cancer risk. The fibers in fig helps eliminating the waste in the body faster and this works well to prevent colon cancer. Fig contains high amount of musin which collects the waste and mucus in the colon.
Fig Treats Anemia
Iron deficiency can cause anemia. Dried fig contains iron which is the important component of hemoglobin. It is found that fried fig increases the hemoglobin level in the blood. Iron levels for growing children, adolescence, menstruating and pregnant women should be monitored to prevent complications. Also, you can add fig to your diet if you are sick or had a surgery to increase your blood iron level and to effectively handle this problem.
Fig Ensures Low Blood Sugar Levels for Diabetic Patients
In addition to the fruit, fig leaves have benefits for your health. Fig leaves have amazing properties to help regulating your blood sugar levels. According to a study, a diet that contains fig leaves helped insulin using patients with diabetes to control their blood sugar increase. You can consume fig leaves as tea. You can boil and filter 4-5 fig leaves and drink this tea. Also, you can grind the dried fig leaves. Add 2 tablespoons of this powder to a 1 liter of water and boil. Of course, fig leave benefits are not limited with that.
Fig Prevents Breast Cancer
Fig is among the fruits with the highest number of fibers. Additionally, it was found that breast cancer risk for women who consume a lot of products with fiber during adolescence period was lower. High fiber consumption was associated with 16% lower general breast cancer risk before menopause and 24% lower general breast cancer risk after menopause. It is known that fresh and dry fig contains elements to help post-menopause breast cancer.
Fig Makes Bones Stronger
Fig contains calcium, potassium and magnesium that helps with bone health. Fig increases bone density and decreases bone mass loss due to old age. Calcium is extremely important to protect bone health and fig is one of the best sources. Fig contains potassium that prevents calcium loss with urine due to high salt diets. This prevents bone thinning.
Fig Is a Fruit Rich in Antioxidants
Fig is a strong antioxidant source, deactivates free radicals in your body and fights against diseases. Fig is a rich phenolic acid source. The antioxidants in fig enrich the plasma for lipoproteins and protect them from excessive oxidation.
Fig Regulates High Blood Pressure
The studies show that adding fig to your daily diet can help decreasing your blood pressure. While the fibers in fig decreases high blood pressure risk, the potassium content helps protection. Other than potassium content, omega 3 and omega 6 in fig helps balancing blood pressure.
Fig Prevents Hypertension
When you consume less potassium and sodium, you will disrupt your potassium-sodium balance and might cause hypertension. Fig helps with this balance due to rich potassium content.
Fig Increases Sexual Desire
Figs are considered a great fertility and sexual support. They are rich in calcium, iron, potassium and zinc. It is also rich in magnesium, the mineral needed to produce sex hormones, androgens and estrogens. Figs help with various sexual dysfunctions such as sterility, erectile dysfunction and sexual appetite. There is no strong scientific proof but figs are considered a symbol of fertility in many cultures. They also produce an amino acid that is responsible for increasing the production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the genitals. To improve your sexual abilities, soak the figs in milk overnight and consume them the next day. The benefits of figs for sperm also show sperm-enhancing effects.
Fig Treats Asthma
An effective method of dealing with bronchial asthma is to consume a mixture of powdered fenugreek seeds, honey and figs. You can also consume fig juice to get rid of asthma. Figs moisturize the mucous membrane and filter phlegm, relieving asthma symptoms. They also contain phytochemical compounds that fight free radicals that otherwise trigger asthma.
Fig Prevents Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Consumption or application of fig extracts is known to provide relief from sexually transmitted diseases in many cultures. This fruit is known to be used as a calming ointment for venereal diseases.
Fig Decreases Sour Throat
Fig contains mucilage to protect the throat. This fruit comforts the throat and the natural juice decreases the pain and stress of the vocal cords. It naturally decreases throat pain. Also, this fruit offers a natural treatment for tonsillitis. The swelling and irritation can be decreased. Make a paste from the fig with warm water and apply to your throat. Your pain will decrease.
Fig Prevents Macular Degeneration
Fig might help preventing macular degeneration which is an age-related sight problem. This effective fruit will improve your sight and prevents macular degeneration due to high vitamin A content. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that improves eye health. It protects the eye from free radicals and prevent retinal diseases.
Fig Improves Liver Health
Fig cleans the liver and improves health. A study showed that an extract prepared from fig leaves showed hepatoprotective activity in mice, paving the way for its use in preventing hepatic damage in humans.
Figs Act as an Effective Natural Laxative
Figs act as a natural laxative due to their high fiber content. It softens the stomach and facilitates digestion. This fruit is an amazing ingredient in laxative syrups.
Figs Soothe Hemorrhoids
Dry fig is the best way to treat hemorrhoids. It softens the stool and decreases the pressure on rectum. Soak 3-4 figs into water and consume them. Keep the figs in water for approximately 12 hours before consuming. Eat 1 time for night and day. This way you will get the best results.
Fig Prevents Coronary Heart Disease
The antioxidants in fig and the blood pressure lowering properties eliminate free radicals in the body which might lead to coronary heart disease. Also, the potassium, omega 3 and omega 6 in fig prevents heart disease.
Fig Is a Good Energy Source
Adding fig to your diet is a certain method to increase your energy levels. Carbohydrates and sugar in this fruit will increase your energy.
Fig Treats Insomnia
You need a balanced diet for a good sleep. Adding fig to your diet will increase your sleep quality. It contains tryptophane amino acid which helps your body to produce melatonin for sleeping. Also, this fruit contains omega 3 fatty acids which help better sleeping. Tryptophane in this fruit helps vitamin B3 synthesis which eliminates insomnia. Vitamin B3 deficiency will make you irritated and disrupt your sleep. This fruit is a rich magnesium source. Magnesium deficiency will cause stress and irritation which leads to insomnia.
Fig Improves Immune System
Fig kills the bacteria, virus and round worms in your body which might lead to health problems. It contains potassium and manganese which supports your immune system with antioxidants.
What Are the Benefits of Fig to Skin?
Let’s take a closer look to the benefits of fig for skin.
Fig Prevents Wrinkles
A study found that fig extract had antioxidant and anti-collagenase impact on skin which decreased wrinkle depth. Another study found that a formulation with fig extract significantly decreases melanin, trans-epidermal water loss and skin sebum. Also, fig increased skin hydration. Therefore, fig can be used as a solution against hyperpigmentation, acne, sun spots and wrinkles.
Fig Will Make Your Skin Younger
Fig is amazing for your skin. Your skin will look better whether you eat fig or use it as a mask. Here is a natural mask recipe for your skin:
Take one large fig or two small figs. Cut the fig into two and take the inside out. Crush the fig. Add a teaspoon of honey or yogurt if you want to improve your skin texture. Apply the mask on your face and wait for 5 minutes. Wash the mask with water and enjoy your refreshed skin.
Fig Eliminates Warts and Skin Inflammations
You can apply a fig directly to your skin to reduce various forms of skin inflammation such as warts and abscesses. A study revealed that the latex of the fig tree showed anti-oxidant activity. This may be due to the proteolytic activity of latex enzymes.
Fig Makes Your Skin Soft and Flexible
Fig contains high amount of vitamin C which is a strong antioxidant to help decreasing darker skin tone. Mix 5 figs to obtain a soft paste. Add powder oat, 1 teaspoon of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of dry ginger. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth paste. Apply this face mask 2 times per week to achieve a smooth and soft skin.
What Are the Benefits of Fig to Hair?
Fig’s benefits to hair are as follows:
Fig Improves Hair Look
Fig is very popular in the hair industry. Because fig extracts are used for hair conditioners. These extracts moisturize the scalp and helps health hair growth. It moisturizes hair without making them heavy.
Fig Encourages Hair Growth
Hair loss is often due to incorrect diet. Fig contains magnesium, vitamin C and E which encourage hair growth. The nutrients in this fruit stimulates the blood circulation in the scalp for hair growth.
