Fig fruit - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

A fig is a fruit that can be either green or purple inside and has a thin skin. Figs are a fruit that can be eaten from stem to nut because their scarlet flesh is delicious. In appearance, figs are quite distinctive, as they resemble a teardrop. They have a purple or green edible peel and many tiny seeds, and are roughly the size of your thumb. The pink flesh of the fruit has a delicately sweet flavour. The scientific name for the fig is Ficus carica.

Figs and their leaves may be beneficial to your health in a number of ways due to their high vitamin content. They may aid with digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, and stabilise blood sugar.

What is fig fruit?

Figs are berries that develop on the Ficus tree, which belongs to the Moraceae family together with Mulberries. They are known by their scientific name, Ficus carica. The genus Ficus contains these trees.

The word for "fig" varies greatly between languages. Anjeer in Hindi, Athi Pallu in Telugu, Atti Pazham in Tamil and Malayalam, Anjura in Kannada, and Dumoor in Bengali are all names for these insects.

The fig tree can reach heights of 7-10 metres and has leaves that fall off. It has smooth, white bark. In the wild, fig trees thrive in hot, dry climates with deep, fertile soil. In addition to flourishing in rocky areas, these plants are also able to thrive in soils with low fertility.

Traditional uses of fig fruit: 

Figs have been considered a symbol of prosperity and good health since ancient times. The ancient Greek goddess of harvest and motherhood, Demeter, is represented by these plants. The Romans offered them to Bacchus, the god of wine.

Unlike most fruits, figs are composed of inverted flowers that would blossom from the inside out if given the chance. They prefer hot, sunny, and dry conditions and typically thrive in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Figs were commonly used as a sweetener before sugar gained popularity, and they continue to be used in some regions. You'll understand what I'm talking about if you're familiar with the term "figgy pudding." Now that consumers are shying away from refined sweeteners, many are turning back to figs as a healthier alternative.

Nutritional value of fig fruit:

Though a few fresh figs add up to a few calories due to their natural sugar content, they make for a healthy and low-calorie snack.

However, the sugar in dried figs is concentrated, making them a calorie-dense and sweet snack.

Figs contain trace levels of many beneficial minerals, including copper and vitamin B6.

Copper is a vital mineral for the production of red blood cells, connective tissues, and neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system. As an added bonus, it helps with metabolism and generating energy.

Protein digestion and protein synthesis both require vitamin B6, which is essential to both processes. This is also crucial for maintaining healthy brain function.

Health benefits of fig fruit:

1. Lowers blood pressure

Cardiovascular disease and stroke are just two of the complications that can result from hypertension. An excessive intake of salt and insufficient intake of potassium can lead to hypertension.

Figs, which are a good source of potassium, can aid with this. In contrast, the high fibre content of figs aids in the excretion of salt.

2. Boosts Your Digestion

Constipation and diarrhoea are just two examples of the wide range of digestive issues. More fibre intake can be beneficial at either extreme. Figs' dietary fibre content is one one method they aid digestion. Prebiotics, which are beneficial to gut health, can be found in abundance in these foods.

3. Makes bones stronger

Both calcium and potassium can be found in figs. This combination of minerals has been shown to increase bone density, which in turn reduces the risk of bone illnesses like osteoporosis.

Bone health can be improved and bone resorption slowed, according to research, by eating foods rich in potassium. Additionally, research has indicated that children and adolescents who consume more calcium have stronger bone mineral structure.

4. Helps relieve constipation

Boosts bowel regularity, for those who have been suffering from constipation Due to the high levels of soluble fibre in figs, they are often used as a laxative. So, it eases the discomfort associated with defecation. Try eating two or three dry figs first thing in the morning on an empty stomach if you have problems relieving yourself.

5. Promotes fertility: Since the time of the ancient Greeks, figs have been seen as a symbol of love and fertility. Later, this was investigated and determined to be true because it contained a lot of iron. Ovulation in women is not possible without iron playing a crucial role in the process. In men, low iron levels can reduce sperm motility and quality. When combined with milk, it is still commonly used to promote fertility.

How many figs can you have in a day?

A couple of figs each day is a reasonable amount of raw fruit consumption. Limit yourself to no more than three dried figs at a time, and never eat them without first soaking them overnight. The nutrients in dried fruits and nuts are more easily absorbed by the body after a good soak.