Best Health Benefits Of Figs

Figs grow on the Ficus tree (Ficus carica), which is a member of the Mulberry family. They are unique in that they have an opening, called the "ostiole" or "eye," which is not connected to the tree, but which helps the fruit's development by increasing its communication with the environment. Figs range dramatically in color and subtly in texture depending upon the variety.

1. Heart Health:

Figs are excellent sources of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure levels. The soluble fiber, pectin, present in these fruits moves freely through the body, preventing cholesterol. Fig leaves have been shown to lower triglyceride levels in the body, preventing heart attack and stroke. Dried figs contain phenol, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that help in lowering the risk of coronary diseases.

2. Weight Loss:

Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, but low in calories. High fiber foods keep you full, reducing hunger pangs. It acts as a natural laxative, thereby helping in eliminating the waste form the bowels. The lower the toxin levels, the easier your weight loss will be.

3. For Better Digestive Health:

As mentioned, the presence of fiber in figs enables it to act as a natural laxative. Thus, it is beneficial for those who are suffering from constipation. It is also known to cure irritable bowel movement. It also contains prebiotics that support the good bacteria in the gut, improving digestion.

4. Thwarts Off Cancer:

Fig leaves are known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The antioxidants in fig eliminate the free radicals and other cancer causing substance in the body, preventing cancer. It is also known to protect from breast cancer after menopause.

5. Prevents Macular Degeneration:

Eating three or more serving of figs daily is known to lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration. It contains high amounts of antioxidants, carotenoids, and Vitamin A, C, and E, that renders better vision.

5. Anti-diabetic Properties:

The leaves of figs possess the ability to lower the amounts of insulin needed by the diabetics. Potassium in figs helps to regulate the amount of sugar absorbed after the meals.

6. For Stronger Bones:

Figs are a good source of calcium that is essential for bone density. Additionally, potassium in figs counteracts the calcium loss caused by high salt diet, preventing the bones from thinning out at a faster rate.

Skin Benefits of Figs:

A rich source of skin-friendly minerals and vitamins, including copper, phosphorus, Vitamin A, C and E, these fruits help in rendering a rejuvenated and refreshed skin.

Some of the fig benefits for skin are:

7. For A Moisturized Skin:

The high levels of omega 3 fatty acids in figs helps to keep the skin moisturized and well- conditioned. Apply fig paste on the lips to treat cracked and dry lips.

8. Eases Skin Injuries And Infections:

Applying baked fig on the skin helps to treat skin conditions like inflammations, boils, and abscess. It is also beneficial for curing zits and pimples. Apply fig paste on the skin to tighten the pores and control excess sebum secretion.

9. For A Glowing, Healthy Skin:

The high water content in fig helps to flush out the toxins and waste from the body, preventing pimples and acne. It also treats eczema and psoriasis, giving you a healthy and glowing skin. Application of fig pulp on the face helps to transport nutrients into the dermal layers of the skin, replenishing it from within. Make a face pack combining fig paste and yoghurt. Apply it on the face and massage your skin with it for a few minutes. Wash it off after 15 minutes with lukewarm water.

10. Unclog The Pores For A Radiant Look:

To prepare fig scrub, combine powdered sugar, 2 teaspoon of orange juice and 2 table spoon of fig paste. Add a few drops of olive or almond oil and use it thrice a week to get a smooth and supple skin. The enzymes present in the figs will remove the dead cells while the sugar will mildly polish the skin.

11. For Lightening And Whitening The Skin:

The high levels of vitamin C in figs can help to lighten and even out the skin tone. Make a face maskusing fig paste, oatmeal powder and dried ginger powder. Add a few drops of bergamot oil and stir to form a smooth paste. Use this mask thrice a week to get bright skin tone.

12. Natural Exfoliation:

The peels of figs contain several active enzymes, which can be used as an exfoliating agent to remove the dead cells from the skin. Wash the figs peels and leave them aside. Wash your face and scrub your skin with the inside of the peel to clear the debris.

Hair Benefits of Figs:

13. Hair Conditioner:

Figs are one of the most popular natural ingredients used in the hair care industry. Its extracts are used to create hair conditioners and masks. The extracts condition the hair, preventing breakage. It moisturizes and conditions the hair without weighing it down.

Fig oil is ideal to soothe out dry, damaged, rough hair. It hydrates the scalp, making it lustrous and voluminous. Add a few drops of fig oil to your hair mask and apply it on the hair and scalp. Wash it off after one hour to get silky and smooth hair.

14. Promotes Hair Growth:

Figs contain nutrients like magnesium, Vitamin A, C and E, which are required for maintaining the health of the hair. These nutrients stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, accelerating hair growth.

15. For Better Collagen Production:

The high amounts of vitamin C contribute to the formation of collagen, a protein which makes the majority of our hair and scalp. Thus, it helps in thwarting loss of hair due to breakage and hair fall.

16. Prevents Premature Greying:

Fig is very beneficial for maintaining the natural color of the hair. It contains copper, a mineral which prevents premature greying.

Fiber Rich :

Food rich in fiber is a boon to the digestive system. Five grams of fiber in every three serving of this aromatic fruit is sure going to do wonders for your gut. But do not overdo. This is a benefit of fig but too much can cause undesirable effects.

Good Source Of Potassium :

Our food is normally high in sodium and low in potassium which means increased chances of hypertension and high blood pressure. Having the potassium rich fig helps balance out this excess sodium. In addition potassium helps control the heart rate and checks blood pressure.

Lowers Blood Sugar :

One of the benefits of figs for health is seen for diabetics. The leaves are not much talked about nor seen much but in many cultures the leaves of the figs are used to control insulin levels in the blood.

Also the potassium in the fruit regulates the absorption of sugar in the blood and keeps a check on spiking sugar levels.

Prevent Coronary Diseases :

In the dried form figs become a good source of phenol, omega 3 and omega 6. The leaves have a beneficial effect on the control of triglycerides. With these benefits figs towards the heart takes an instant leap.

Helps Control Weight :

Being a good source of dietary fiber the figs give a feeling of fullness for a longer period of time. When the stomach is satisfied and no hunger pangs felt the urge to munch of and on are reduced leading to control in weight.

Cures Kidney Stones :

Kidney stones can be very painful for those suffering from the condition. Regular consumption of figs boiled in water can bring relief.

Healthy Bones :

Being rich in potassium and calcium the bones benefit from the consumption of figs. Calcium helps strengthen the bones while potassium controls the urinary excretion of calcium caused by high consumption of sodium.

Prevents Macular Degeneration :

With age many problems come one of them being macular degeneration. Including figs in the daily diet helps counter this problem.

Relieves Throat Pain :

When suffering from sore throat and pain turn to figs for relief. The mucilage content in the fruit proves tobe healing as well as curing for a painful throat and vocal chords.

Prevents Colon Cancer :

The name of cancer is enough to scare any normal person but health benefits of figs can help prevent colon cancer. This fibrous fruit helps in the elimination of free radicals which can be cancer causing substances in the body.

Prevents and cures the constipation :

According to the research studies, 3 figs contain about 5 gram of fiber. Fiber is considered as the most important element in releasing the constipation. Thus fogs are considered as the most important fruit for the treatment of the constipation.

Helps in the weight loss

The figs also help to reduce the weight of the body up to great extent. As the figs contain handsome quantity of the fiber and fiber is also helpful in reducing the weight of the body.