FIGS, TYPE, BENEFITS AND USES

What Are Figs?

Figs are fruits that grow on the Ficus tree, a member of the Mulberry family or Moraceae. They belong to the genus Ficus, and their scientific name is Ficus carica.

Types Of Figs

There are five common varieties of figs. Each type differs subtly in flavor and sweetness. They are:
1.Black Mission – Black Mission figs are blackish-purple outside and pink inside. They are incredibly sweet and even ooze out the syrup. They are perfect to eat as a dessert or mix in cake or cookie recipes to increase the flavor.
 2.Kadota – Kadotas are green with purple flesh. They are the least sweet among all the varieties of figs. They are excellent to eat raw and also taste good if heated with a pinch of salt.
3.Calimyrna – Calimyrna figs are greenish-yellow on the outside and amber on the inside. They are larger when compared to another type of figs and have a unique and strong nut flavor.
4.Brown Turkey – The Brown Turkey figs have purple skin and red flesh. Their flavor is mild and less sweet than the other type of figs. They work well in salads.
5. Adriatic – Adriatic figs have light green skin and are pink on the inside. These figs are often used to make fig bars. They are also called white figs as they are very light colored. They are extremely sweet and can be enjoyed as a simple fruit dessert.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FIG

 

Prevent Constipation

There are 5 grams of fiber in every three-fig serving. That high concentration of fiber helps promote healthy, regular bowel function and prevents  constipation. Fiber works to add bulk and mass to the bowel movements, so it not only prevents constipation but also eliminates diarrhea and unhealthy or irregular bowel movements.

Weight loss

The fiber in figs helps reduce weight and is often recommended for obese people. However, their high-calorie count can also result in weight gain, especially when consumed with milk. A few figs are enough to get the recommended amount of nutrients, so don’t overeat.

Lower Cholesterol Levels

Figs contain pectin, which is a soluble fiber. When fiber moves through the digestive tract, it mops up excess clumps of cholesterol and carries them to the excretory system to be eliminated from the body. As a soluble fiber, pectin from figs also stimulates healthy bowel movements. They can have a laxative effect, as they are one of the most  fiber-dense foods available. High amounts of fiber in your diet can benefit your overall health by preventing certain types of abdominal as well as colon cancer.

Prevent Coronary Heart Diseases

Dried figs contain phenol, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases. Furthermore, fig leaves have an inhibitory effect on triglycerides, making their overall number drop. Triglycerides are another major factor behind various heart diseases.

Treat Colon Cancer

The presence of fiber helps stimulate the elimination of free radicals and other cancer-causing substances, particularly in the colon, since fiber increases the healthy movement of the bowels.

Prevent Breast Cancer

The fiber content in figs has been known to protect against breast cancer. After menopause, the hormonal balance in women can often fluctuate. The body’s systems are so interconnected that these hormones affect the immune system, which in turn affect the ability of antioxidants to fight free radicals. Free radicals are prime factors behind the development of cancer, so figs take care of one extra line of defense by providing fiber to the body.

Control Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association recommends figs as a high-fiber treat that helps to promote functional control of diabetes. Figleaves reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients who have to regularly take insulin injections. They are rich in potassium, which helps regulate the amount of sugar absorbed by the body after meals. Large amounts of potassium can ensure that blood sugar spikes and falls are less frequent, so figs can help diabetics live a normal life.

Prevent Hypertension

People usually consume sodium in the form of salt, but low potassium and high sodium level may lead to hypertension. Figs are high in potassium and low in sodium, so they are a perfect defense against the effects of hypertension. This makes them a relaxing food as well, one that can settle the nerves and bring some calmness to your day.

Treat Bronchitis

The natural chemicals in fig leaves make them an ideal component for a tea base. Fig leaf tea has been popularly prescribed for various respiratory conditions like bronchitis and is also used as a way to prevent and lessen the symptoms of asthma.

Treat Venereal Diseases

Figs have been traditionally used in the Indian subcontinent and a few other areas of the world as a calming salve for venereal diseases. Ingestion or topical application of these fruits work towards providing relief from sexually transmitted diseases, although further research needs to be done on the exact range of symptoms and diseases that figs positively affect.

Treat Sexual Dysfunction

For centuries, figs have been recommended as a way to reduce sexual dysfunction like sterility, endurance or erectile dysfunction. They have been a major part of mythology and culture, and most of the time are referred as a powerful fertility or sexual supplement. Their actual success as an aphrodisiac is questionable, but the huge amount of valuable vitamins and minerals is probably the reason for the sudden boost in energy and stamina that people mistake for a sexual surge. Soak 2-3 figs in milk overnight and eat them in the morning to enhance your sexual abilities.
 

Strengthen Bones

Figs are rich in calcium, which is one of the most important components in strengthening bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. They are also rich in phosphorus, which encourages the bone formation and spurs regrowth if there is any damage to or degradation in bones.

Prevent Urinary Calcium Loss

People that maintain a high-sodium diet may be affected by an increased  urinary calcium loss. The high potassium content in figs helps to avoid that condition and regulates the content of waste in your urine. It minimizes the calcium loss while increasingly eliminating the amount of uric acid and other harmful toxins out of your body.

Prevent Macular Degeneration

The major cause of vision loss among the elderly is macular degeneration. Fruits like figs are good at helping you avoid this common symptom of aging.

Relieve Throat Pain

The high mucilage content in figs helps heal and protect sore throats. The soothing nature of figs and their natural juices can relieve pain and stress on the vocal cords as well.

Increase Sexual Stamina

Figs are considered to be a great fertility and sexual supplement. They are rich in calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc. They are also rich in magnesium, the mineral that is required to produce the sex hormones androgen and estrogen
Figs help with various types of sexual dysfunction like sterility, erectile dysfunction, and sexual appetite. There is no strong science backup, but in many cultures, figs are considered as symbols of fertility. They also produce an amino acid that is responsible for increasing the production of nitric oxide, which expands the blood vessels and increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the sexual organs.
Soak figs in milk overnight and eat them the next day to enhance your sexual abilities.

Improve Liver Health

Figs clear obstructions in the liver, thereby enhancing its health. A study showed that an extract prepared from fig leaves exhibited hepatoprotective activity in mice, paving the way for its use in preventing hepatic damage in human.
 

Prevent Wrinkles

A study found that fig extract had an antioxidative and anti collagenase effect on wrinkled skin and reduced the percentage of wrinkle depth.
In another study, it was found that a formulation containing fig fruit extract decreased skin melanin, trans-epidermal water loss, and skin sebum significantly. It also increased skin hydration. Hence, figs could be used as a remedy for hyper pigmentation, acne, freckles, and wrinkles.

Condition Hair

 Figs are very popular in the hair care industry as their extracts are used to create amazing hair conditioners. These extracts provide moisture to the scalp and help in the detangling of hair. They moisturize the hair without making it heavy or weighed down.

Promote Hair Growth

 Hair loss usually occurs due to lack of proper nourishment. Figs contain hair-friendly nutrients like magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin E which promote hair growth. The essential nutrients present in this fruit stimulate blood circulation in the scalp to accelerate hair growth.

Other Benefits
Figs are quite useful in treating various respiratory disorders like whooping cough and asthma. They are also effective digestive aids and are helpful in treating constipation, indigestion, stomach ache, and various other intestinal conditions. They are good for fever, earache, boils, abscesses, venereal diseases, and are excellent for the liver. They have a high level of alkanes and therefore, help regulate the pH of the body. Figs are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which are antioxidants that prevent the damage caused by free radicals. They are known for their soothing and laxative properties and are also low in fat and sugar.

Uses of Figs
Figs are sweet and soft and their paste is often used as a replacement for sugar. Processed figs are used to make pies, pudding, cakes, assorted baked goods, jams, jellies, and preserves.

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