Figs
stand out for their health benefits as well as their delicious taste. Containing dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, a medium-sized fig contains only 35-40 calories. Figs, which offer significant health benefits, contain the minerals sodium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins C, B3, B6, B2, and K, and are also a good source of fiber.
Some vitamins and minerals found in figs:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- B vitamins
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Manganese
- Iron
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FIG?
- 1) Figs contain high amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. This feature enables cell renewal.
- 2) They contain high amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. Eating 100 grams of dried figs meets the body's daily calcium needs, 0 of iron and magnesium, 0 of phosphorus, 5 of vitamin B1, and 4 of vitamin B2.
- 3) It benefits blood pressure. It is rich in potassium, which plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. People who don't consume vegetables and fruits regularly and consume processed foods high in sodium may experience potassium deficiency, which can lead to hypertension.
- 4) It helps control weight and is used in the treatment of obesity. Fiber and fiber-rich foods have a positive effect on weight control. Figs are also very rich in dietary fiber. One medium-sized fig contains an average of 1 gram of dietary fiber, which meets 6 of our daily fiber needs. Figs also satisfy your sweet tooth, allowing you to avoid or reduce your intake of unhealthy foods. With these properties, figs can be used in weight management, weight loss, and maintenance programs when portion control is maintained.
- 5) It protects the body from some harmful bacteria. Figs facilitate digestion thanks to the fiber they contain, and this feature plays a role in protecting your body from harmful bacteria.
- 6) It positively affects bone and tooth health. Thanks to their high phosphorus and calcium content, they are good for bones and teeth. The calcium in figs is more easily digested than other foods, so figs are recommended for those who cannot drink milk.
- 7) It protects against cancer. The substance called benzaldehyde found in figs prevents the growth of cancer cells, and the antioxidants it contains also have an inhibitory effect on the growth of cancer cells.
- 8) It has a laxative effect. An infusion made specifically with dried figs is a highly effective laxative that can be used safely on children. It's prepared as follows: 2-3 dried figs are chopped, boiled, and steeped for 10-15 minutes. It's recommended to drink 2-3 glasses a day.
- 9) Prevents wart formation. The milk inside the leaves of tender figs is effective against warts. To achieve this effect, the milk from tender fig leaves is applied to the wart. When used regularly, the wart disappears.
- 10) Prevents boil maturation and hemorrhoids. A decoction is prepared with dried fig leaves. This decoction is effective against hemorrhoids and boils.
- The decoction is prepared as follows: Tender fig leaves are dried in a well-ventilated area, away from sunlight, and then the leaves are crushed. 2 or 3 teaspoons of dried fig leaves are boiled in a glass of water for 30 minutes. A cloth soaked in the decoction is then wrapped around the hemorrhoids or boils. Drink 2-3 glasses of this decoction, which is effective against hemorrhoids, throughout the day.
- 11) Studies have shown that it prevents breast cancer after menopause. A study conducted on 52,823 women who had been menopausal for approximately eight years found that those who included fibrous fruits in their diet had a four percent lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who did not. The high fiber content of not only fruits but also grains indicates that they also reduce the risk of cancer.
- 12) They are a storehouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals: Fresh figs, especially those with darker colors, contain many antioxidant compounds such as carotene, lutein, and tannin, as well as vitamins A, E, and K that are beneficial to our health. Thanks to their rich antioxidant, mineral, and vitamin content, they protect the body from harmful compounds and also help strengthen our immune system.
- 13) They balance insulin secretion. Because they contain high amounts of potassium and magnesium, they balance insulin secretion. Thanks to this feature, even diabetics can consume figs.
- 14) They protect heart health. Their potassium content helps regulate blood pressure, thus positively affecting heart health.
- 15) Cleanses the body.
- Thanks to the antioxidants it contains, figs play an active role in cleansing the blood and intestines, and they also build resistance against eye and respiratory diseases that may occur in adults.
- 16) Good for stomach disorders. Thanks to their high fiber content, they have positive effects on the stomach. Studies have shown that they are good for stomach disorders such as ulcers, reflux, and gastritis.
- 17) Good for skin diseases. The antioxidants contained in figs have positive effects on skin health.
- Those suffering from acne problems can purify figs by pureeing them and applying them to their face for 20 minutes.
- 18) It nourishes the hair. With magnesium and vitamin C, figs nourish the hair and hair follicles, giving the hair a natural look.
- 19) It has positive effects on osteoporosis, eczema, psoriasis, and diabetes. If consumed in appropriate portions, it has been shown to be beneficial for diabetes due to the fiber it contains and its ability to satisfy sweet cravings.
- 20) It is good for constipation. The high fiber content in figs cleanses the intestines and is good for constipation.
- 21) It lowers blood pressure. It is recommended that those with high blood pressure add figs to their diet.
