Health Benefits of Figs
Figs are delicious fruits that have been enjoyed internationally for many years. In the recent years, many enjoy figs in cookies and other sweets. While fig cookies and other traditional desserts may be tasty, they are highly processed. Most of the desserts are full of sugar and quite unhealthy. It is important to enjoy figs on their own or with other fruit when they are in season; there is nothing like eating fresh figs! The fruit itself is very healthy when eaten whole. Learn about all the health benefits of figs here, and then start adding them to your grocery list when they are available. There are many types of figs, and each type has slightly different nutritional benefits. Identifying the particular health benefits that you’re looking for will help you choose the fig that is best for you and your diet. If you are not looking for specific health benefits, you may want the figs that are available at the grocery store.
Figs are Known for Fighting Cancer
Let’s start right out with one of the biggest health benefits of figs, their ability to fight cancer. Figs have been used to treat and prevent many types of cancers for a very long time. Modern medicine and studies are just starting to catch up on these health benefits. One
study has found that figs contain a compound that is toxic to a variety of human cancer cell lines. This compound does not cause damage to healthy cells while fighting off the cancer cells. Whether looking to help your body fight off cancer, or hoping to prevent it, figs are an excellent fruit to add to your diet. More research is needed to identify how effective figs can be. In
fact, many people are recommending specific studies get funding to help in this area because of all the evidence already in place regarding the ability of the figs to fight cancer.
Rich with Antioxidants
One of the reasons that figs are seen to be anticancer foods is the high concentration of powerful antioxidants. The
antioxidants don’t just fight cancer, though, they are also ideal for
reducing the risk of a variety of other diseases and even slowing down the aging process. The antioxidants in figs are known as polyphenols. These antioxidants are found in just about all parts of the fruit including the pulp, skin, leaves, and flesh of the fruit. This helps make it easier to get the nutrients you need you can eat any part, or the whole, fruit.
Ideal for Bacteria and Fungus
Bacteria and fungus cause some of the most common health problems in the world. These things can cause everything from
minor rashes to serious health problems, and helping your body to fight them off is crucial. A review of two
studies found that the fig or the extract from the fig can fight many types of oral bacteria, and many types of fungi. Non-human
studies found that figs help to boost the immune system as well. This means that in addition to fighting off the bacteria and fungus directly, figs will also help your body's immune system. Of course, human studies should be done to confirm this, but at this point, the evidence is pointing strongly in this direction.
Fight Anemia
Anemia, or low iron, is a very common condition that many people suffer from. It is an especially serious issue for
vegans and vegetarians since they don’t get the iron from meat. Just one serving of dried figs (100 grams) offers 11% of the daily recommended amount of iron. This boost can be enough for many people to ensure their blood has the iron it needs. Iron is essential for allowing the body’s immune system to function properly, which means figs can boost your overall health while addressing the problem of anemia.
Excellent for Treating Common Health Issues
Figs have been a traditional home remedy to treat many common health issues for thousands of years. While specific scientific studies are still needed to confirm how figs can benefit humans fighting these conditions, the anecdotal evidence is hard to ignore. Figs have been
seen to help people with diabetes, leprosy, liver disease, paralysis, skin disease, gastrointestinal tract infections, urinary tract infections, ulcers, and much more.
Packed with Important Nutrients
While just about all fruits have essential nutrients, figs are loaded with many of the nutrients that people in today’s modern society are severely lacking. For example, potassium and fiber are missing in many people’s diets, and they are critical for proper health. Raw figs have 7% of the recommended daily value of potassium (dried figs have 19% of the RDV). Fresh figs also contain 3 grams of fiber (dried contains 9.8). This is a simple and delicious way to get these important nutrients that may be missing in your diet.
Adding Figs to Your Diet
There are two main ways to get figs into your diet. Either buying and eating them raw or consuming dried figs. Both taste great, and both will give you a lot of excellent health benefits. Dried figs contain more important nutrients per gram than fresh, and they make an easier snack. If you do purchase dried figs make sure they do not have added sugar or other harmful additions. All natural dried figs are an excellent snack that will provide you with all the health benefits listed above.