History
Figs have a history as rich as their flavor. Dating back as far as 5,000 B.C., the fig is said to be one of the first flora ever cultivated by humans. After discussing its historical background, we will discuss the health benefits of figs fruit. Archeological findings in Neolithic villages found fossils of figs, predating other recognized varieties of agriculture like wheat and barley.
Figs are stated often inside the Bible, as they were cultivated in lots of regions of the sector where biblical events befell. In truth, some believe that within the tale of Adam and Eve, the forbidden fruit may also, in reality, be a fig in preference to an apple. They’re now and again represented as a signal of peace, abundance, and prosperity.
Figs had been so popular among the various Greeks that there were even laws made to prevent exportation, and they’re a critical detail inside the Mediterranean weight loss program, one of the healthiest diets in the world. Aside from being an awesome source of dietary fiber, this curious fruit is scrumptious and full of some essential vitamins and minerals. After this, we will explore the health benefits of figs.
What are figs?
Common figs develop on the ficus tree (ficus carica), which is a member of the mulberry family. Originally from Western Asia and the Middle East, they’re now grown in temperate climates around the sector.
Figs are truly advanced from inverted vegetation known as syconium. The fig flesh is crafted from mature flora, which blooms inside the pores and skin and is therefore by no means visible. Wild fig bushes can live to tell the tale for up to one hundred years and might develop as high as one hundred feet.
Fig tree leaves release a pleasing, woodsy, inexperienced fragrance. Some people dry the leaves and use them in perfume or potpourri for their houses. Fig timber produces an herbal latex sap; this is also used for some realistic and medicinal functions.
Figs taste
Figs taste like candy. It contains juicy flesh, soft pores and skin, and crunchy seeds. They’re quite perishable and usually dried to keep them.
Unlike many other fruits and veggies, studies have proven that the fitness benefits of figs increase after drying. They can be prepared in some ways and make an outstanding pairing with meats and cheeses.
Figs Nutrition Facts
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327207
One massive fig (approximately 64 grams) offers about:
- Calories: 47.4
- Total Carbohydrates: 12.3 g
- Fiber: 1.9 g
- Sugar: 10.4 g
- Total Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.04 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04 g
- Trans fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 0.6 mg (0.03% DV*)
- Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg (6% DV)
- Manganese: zero.1 mg (4% DV)
*Daily Value: Percentages are primarily based on an eating regimen of 2,000 calories an afternoon.
A half-cup serving of dried figs (approximately 74.5 grams) incorporates approximately:
- Calories: 186
- Total Carbohydrates: 37.6 g
- Fiber: 7.3 g
- Sugar: 35.7 g
- Total Fat: Zero.7 g
- Saturated Fat: Zero.1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans fat: 0 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 7.5 mg (0.3% DV*)
- Copper: 0.2 mg (22% DV)
- Manganese: 0.4 mg (17% DV)
- Magnesium: 50.5 mg (12% DV)
- Potassium: 505 mg (11% DV)
- Vitamin K: 11.6 mcg (10% DV)
- Calcium: 125.5 mg (9% DV)
- Iron: 1.5 mg (8% DV)
- Thiamine: 0.1 mg (8% DV)
- Riboflavin: 0.1 mg (8% DV)
- Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg (6% DV)
- Phosphorus: 49.9 mg (4% DV)
- Zinc: 0.4 mg (4% DV)
*Daily Value: Percentages are primarily based on a weight loss plan of 2,000 calories an afternoon.
Health Benefits
Figs nutrients carry many vitamins and minerals that provide health benefits to some bodily structures. They’re a smooth, healthy snack and may be added to many foods for any other enhancement of nutrients.https://pharmeasy.in/blog/6-fantastic-health-benefits-of-fig/
Some of the most important fitness advantages of fig nutrients include:
Powerful Antioxidant
Figs provide a big provider to the human frame with their antioxidant abilities. Because oxidation affects nearly all body structures, the harm it causes has been linked to many important diseases, including growing old and most cancers. As high-antioxidant meals, figs help stave off those situations.
Some sorts of figs have more than others; however, most are rich in polyphenols, which help fight oxidative strain. These herbal health boosters are positioned inside the fruit, leaves, pulp, and skin.
Studies additionally show that nicely dried figs may be an excellent source of phenolic compounds and have accelerated levels of antioxidants compared to their raw or improperly dried counterparts. This might be why figs had been revered at some point in history—easily saved, dried figs should provide exceptional fitness blessings for long voyages and dry climates that averted getting access to sparkling fruit.
Potential anticancer properties
Figs have a reputation in traditional medicine as a treatment for lots of health troubles, such as cancer. For instance, a study by the Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry at China Pharmaceutical University found that a few elements contained in figs are poisonous to diverse human cancers.
Although there are extra studies wanted, there are hints encouraging researchers to discover more approximately how figs’ bio-active compounds can combat infection because of the fulfillment of numerous findings up to now. Perseverance with research is promising when it comes to labeling the fig as a cancer-preventing food. In truth, a 2022 systematic assessment cited that the fruit “and its phytochemicals have the capability for most cancer prevention and remedy.”
Treat common illnesses
Because of the fig’s long record, it’s been used to deal with a huge range of commonplace ailments for thousands of years. More than 40 ailments linked to the digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory structures had been handled with fig fruit, extracts, and components of the fig tree.
Studies have shown figs to be an effective supply of remedies for anemia, most cancers, diabetes, leprosy, liver disorders, paralysis, skin illnesses, ulcers, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract infections, and more. Figs and the fig tree are taken into consideration as promising applicants for helping broaden new drugs, and researchers wish to keep finding new medicinal uses for the plant.
Antibacterial and anti-fungal effects
The fig is a natural antibacterial and anti-fungal fruit. An assessment through the Drug and Herbal Research Center of Malaysia cited studies that showed fig extract’s capability to fight a strand of oral bacteria as well as diverse fungi and microbes.
There are also studies carried out in grass carp that show effectiveness in figs’ capacity to stimulate immune gadget reactions, therefore making figs extraordinary immune gadget boosters. This might also explain why figs are such notable commonplace illness combatants, which might be normally the paintings of microorganisms and different invaders.
Treasure of nutrients, potassium, and fiber
Potassium and fiber are vital components of a healthy weight-reduction plan that many Westerners genuinely don’t get enough of. Figs are an excessive-fiber meal, whether raw or dried, and in addition, they offer a healthy dose of potassium; thus, consuming figs facilitates triumph over low potassium ranges.
Fiber helps aid the digestive gadget, reduces the danger of heart disorders, and facilitates weight loss by supporting your experience. Potassium is observed in each cell and is crucial to maintaining regular body features.
Dried figs are likewise exceptional sources of manganese, magnesium, and calcium, all of which also don’t appear in our diets as much as they ought to. Snacking on figs is a low-calorie way to increase your consumption of those critical vitamins.
Anti-diabetic Effects
If you are lucky enough to get admission to a fig tree, the leaves of the tree are also rather valuable to your fitness, often because of their antioxidant abilities. The leaves may be dried and made into teas or extracts, which is not unusual in areas with significant fig tree increases.
Preliminary research indicates a reduction of glucose in the blood of rats while given an extract crafted from fig tree leaves. Further consequences show there has been additionally a decline in cholesterol levels, as well as a normalizing antioxidant hobby to help fight oxidative pressure because of diabetes.
Fig fruit has also been tested as an effective remedy for the side effects of diabetes in animals. With their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, figs can normalize many bodily features damaged once in a while with the aid of diabetes, making them a potential natural treatment for diabetes.
Good for skin cancer
Fig leaves are outstanding sources of bioactive compounds that are awesome at preventing unfastened radical damage. As a result, a few studies have used records about the makeup of the fig leaf to develop better kinds of photodynamic therapy to deal with positive sorts of skin cancer.
Anti-Wrinkle Capabilities
There has been more than one research study on using fig tree leaf extract (combined with other studies and on my own) that has shown successful examples of its anti-wrinkle abilities. Individuals who used creams together with fig leaf and fig fruit extracts showed full-size decreases in period and intensity of facial wrinkles, thanks to antioxidant and anti-collagen interest.
Another study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences even concluded that lotions containing fig extract may also be used to help with hyperpigmentation, zits, and even freckles.https://fusionwords.com/about-face-beauty-fine-lines-and-wrinkles/
How to pick figs
Figs can be found at the most important grocery shops. Prime harvesting is mid-June to mid-October, with ripe figs only lasting seven to 10 days once they’re picked.
Choose ones that have a wealthy color and are tender, but not mushy. Once you convey the fruit home, Whole Foods Markets recommends storing them outside of the box to procure them in a small bowl within the fridge. They will best shop for some days earlier than going terrible, much like an avocado.
How to store figs
Drying figs can extend their shelf life and offer healthy snacks when needed. When well stored, dried figs can last 18 to 24 months.
You can oven-dry figs by following these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 140 degrees F (or the lowest setting with the oven door open).
- Wash figs very well with water. Dry.
- Cut the figs in half from stem to tip.
- Lay figs cut-side up on a well-ventilated rack.
- Place the figs in the oven, turning from time to time via the drying technique.
- Let figs dry for 8–24 hours, until the outsides are leathery and no juice may be visible on the
inside.
Figs are normally made into jams and preserves to allow them to keep longer. You can also freeze figs within 12 hours of harvesting to increase their freshness.
Figs Side effects
People with skin and hypersensitive reactions to mulberry, herbal rubber latex, or weeping figs ought to be able to react to fig tree components, together with the fruit and leaves. If you’re harvesting the fruit at once from the tree, it’s excellent to wear lengthy sleeves and gloves.
People with diabetes need to be careful while consuming or using figs medicinally, as they have effects on glucose levels inside the blood. This also goes for those on diabetes medicine and insulin, as the fruit can regulate their effectiveness. As always, speak with a health practitioner before using figs medicinally or as a complement.
Summary
- Figs vitamins can be boosted by drying the fruit.
- Figs offer effective antioxidants, help combat most cancers, deal with common illnesses, include antibacterial and antifungal properties, and offer potassium, fiber, and other depleted nutrients.
- Fig leaves are anti-diabetic, help deal with pores and skin cancers, and feature
anti-wrinkle abilities.
- Figs simplest last seven to ten days after they’re picked; however, you can dry figs to
extend their shelf life and raise a number of their nutrients.
- Figs make a wonderful addition to many recipes and are also a splendid, healthy snack.
