Fig Benefits, Seasons, Risk and More

Fig Nutrition

Figs are the fruit of a tree that is part of the Moraceae family. Figs have a unique, sweet taste and soft, chewy texture, scattered with slightly crunchy, edible seeds. Figs are rich in natural sugars, minerals, and soluble fiber. Figs are rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper and are a good source of antioxidant vitamins A and K, which contribute to health and well-being.

Fig Benefits

1. Gastrointestinal Health

Figs have long been used as a home remedy or alternative treatment for digestive problems such as constipation. They contain fiber, which can help promote digestive health by softening and bulking stool, reducing constipation, and acting as a prebiotic, or food source for the healthy bacteria that live in your gut. Fig fruit extract or paste helps reduce constipation and improve symptoms of digestive disorders such as ulcerative colitis by speeding the movement of food through the digestive tract.

2. Heart health

Figs help reduce triglyceride levels in the body, which are fat particles that circulate in the bloodstream and are a major cause of heart disease. Additionally, the high antioxidant content of dried figs, combined with their blood pressure-lowering properties, can help scavenge free radicals from the body, which can clog coronary arteries in the long run and prevent coronary heart disease.

3. Bone Health

Figs contain calcium, potassium, and magnesium, all of which support bone health. Figs increase bone density and reduce bone destruction that begins with age. Calcium is important for maintaining healthy bones, and figs are one of the best sources. Figs also contain potassium, which counteracts the increased urinary calcium loss caused by high-salt diets. This prevents the bones from thinning.

4. Eye Health

Figs may help prevent macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Figs contain high amounts of vitamin A, which helps improve vision and prevent macular degeneration. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that improves eye health. Protects eyes from free radicals and prevents retinal damage.

Side Effect

• It is high in fiber, so excessive consumption may cause symptoms such as stomachache and diarrhea.
• Figs have a cooling nature, so if a person with a cold body consumes too much, they may experience symptoms such as stomachache and diarrhea.
• Fig leaves, bark, and roots are toxic, so people with sensitive skin may experience symptoms such as allergies and itching.

References

🔹Good Food: Top 5 health benefits of figs
🔹PharmEasy: Benefits of Figs Soaked in Water Overnight