posted September 04, 2016 03:40 PM            

Health benefits of Figs

A few of the health benefits derived from figs include…
Prevention of constipation: There are 5 grams of fiber in every three-fig serving. That high concentration of fiber helps promote healthy, regular bowel function and prevents constipation. Fiber works to add bulk and mass to bowel movements, so it not only prevents constipation, but also eliminates diarrhea and unhealthy or irregular bowel movements.
Weight loss: The fiber in figs also helps to reduce weight and is often recommended for obese people. However, their high calorie count can also result in weight gain, especially when consumed with milk. A few figs are enough to get the recommended amount of nutrients, so don’t overdo it! Remember, it is possible to have too much of a good thing.
Lower cholesterol: Figs contain Pectin, which is a soluble fiber. When fiber moves through the digestive system, it basically mops up excess clumps of cholesterol and carries them to the excretory system to be eliminated from the body. As a soluble fiber, pectin from figs also stimulates healthy bowel movements. Figs can have a laxative effect, as they are one of the most fiber-dense foods available. High amounts of fiber in your diet can benefit your overall health by preventing certain types of abdominal cancer, as well as colon cancer.
Fig2Prevention of coronary heart disease: Dried figs contain phenol, Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Furthermore, the leaves of figs have a significant effect on the level of triglycerides in a person’s system. Fig leaves have an inhibitory effect on triglycerides, and makes the overall number of triglycerides drop. Triglycerides are another major factor behind various heart diseases.
Prevention of colon cancer: The presence of fiber helps to stimulate the elimination of free radicals and other cancer causing substances, particularly in the colon, since fiber increases the healthy movement of the bowels.
Protection against post-menopausal breast cancer: Fiber content in figs have been known to protect against breast cancer, and after menopause, the hormonal balance in women can often fluctuate. The body’s systems are so interconnected that hormones affect the immune system, which is turn affect the ability of antioxidants to fight free radicals. Free radicals are prime factors behind the development of cancer, so figs take care of one extra line of defense by providing its wealth of fiber.
Good for diabetic patients: The American Diabetes Association recommends figs as a high fiber treat that helps promote functional control of diabetes. Fig leaves reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients who have to regularly take insulin injections. Figs are rich in Potassium, which helps to regulate the amount of sugar which is absorbed into the body after meals. Large amounts of potassium can ensure that blood sugar spikes and falls are much less frequent, so figs can help diabetics live a much more normal life.
Prevention of hypertension: People usually take in sodium in the form of salt, but low potassium and high sodium level may lead to hypertension. Figs are high in potassium and low in sodium, so they are a perfect defense against the appearance and effects of hypertension, making figs a relaxing food as well, which can settle the nerves and bring some calmness to your day.
Bronchitis: The natural chemicals in fig leaves make it an ideal component for a tea base. Fig leaf tea has been popularly prescribed for various respiratory conditions like bronchitis, and it is also used as a way to prevent and lessen the symptoms of asthmatic patients.
Venereal Diseases: Figs have been traditionally used in the Indian subcontinent and a few other areas of the world as a calming salve for venereal diseases. Ingestion or topical application both work for relief from sexually transmitted diseases, although further research needs to be done on the exact range of symptoms and diseases which figs positively effect.
Sexual Dysfunction: For centuries, figs have been recommended as a way to correct sexual dysfunction like sterility, endurance, or erectile dysfunction. It has been a major part of mythology and culture, and most of the time, it is referenced as a powerful fertility or sexual supplement. Its actual success as an aphrodisiac is questionable, but the huge amount of valuable vitamins and minerals might result in the sudden boost in energy and stamina that people mistake for a sexual surge. Soak 2-3 figs in milk overnight and eat them in the morning to enhance your sexual abilities.
Strengthens Bones: Figs are rich in calcium, which is one of the most important components in strengthening bones, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It is also rich in phosphorus, which encourages bone formation and spurs regrowth if there is any damage or degradation to bones.
Urinary calcium loss: People that maintain a high-sodium diet may be affected by increased urinary calcium loss. The high potassium content in figs helps to avoid that condition and regulates the content of waste in your urine. It minimizes the calcium you lose, while increasing the amount of uric acid and other harmful toxins which you want to get out of your body.
FigbenefitsPrevention of macular degeneration: Vision loss in older people is normally due to macular degeneration. Fruits and figs are particularly good at helping you avoid this very common symptom of aging.
Relief for throat pain: The high mucilage content in figs helps to heal and protect sore throats. The soothing nature of figs and their natural juices can relieve pain and stress on the vocal chords.
Figs are quite useful in treating various respiratory disorders like whooping cough and asthma. They are also effective digestive aids, and they are helpful in treating constipation, indigestion, stomach ache, and various other intestinal conditions. Figs are good for fever, earache, boils, abscesses, venereal diseases and is excellent for the liver. Figs have a high level of alkines, therefore they help to regulate the pH of the body. Figs are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which are antioxidants that prevent the damage caused by free radicals. Figs are known for their soothing and laxative properties, and they are also low in fat and sugar.
Figs are sweet and soft and their paste is often used as a replacement for sugar. Processed figs are used to make pies, pudding, cakes, assorted baked goods, jam, jellies and preserves.
Precaution: It is possible to have too much of a good thing, and eating too many figs can cause diarrhea. Furthermore, dried figs are high in sugar and can potentially cause tooth decay. Also, there are those who are allergic to figs, or certain chemical components within them, and the resulting allergic reactions can be mild to severe. As always, before making a major change in your behavioral patterns or lifestyle, speak with your doctor or usual medical professional.
Finally, it is best not to consume too many figs in the week or two leading up to a surgery, because it can occasionally cause bleeding in the digestive tract in sensitive individuals.

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-figs-or-anjeer.html

posted September 04, 2016 03:44 PM            

Fig is a pear-shaped nutritious fruit that is related to mulberry plant family. These fruits have different colors like white, black and red. Taste of figs is honeyed, very deep and rich.

Fig trees were cultivated in ancient times, even in the Bible they are often mentioned. For example Adam and Eva covered their naked bodies with fig leaves.

Why figs are so popular?
This kind of tree is considered to be the oldest. Originated from Asia, this delicious fruit appeared in USA only in second half of sixteenth century. Nowadays figs are largely cultivated in America and Spain.

Figs are used in culinary and medical treatment. This fruit can be eatable fresh, dry, and preserved.
Jam is made of raw figs which have large amount of seeds and sickly-sweet taste. As natural medical remedy figs are used to cure cough, sore throat and lung diseases. People with anemia can consume figs regularly because there is large amount of iron needed for hemoglobin in them.

figs during pregnancyIf we consider the structure of fig fruit we`ll be pleasantly surprised by the great number of nutrients and other beneficial for the human health substances. It differs from other fruits in it’s rich tasty and remedial qualities.

It contains not so many vitamins – C, PP, B, but there`re richness and great variety of minerals – potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphor and some other elements. Figs are source of natural sugars and fats, organic acids. It seems to be rather fat product, but in vain.

What is interesting – in fact this fruit is low calorie and his fattening action is lesser than apple`s. This makes figs good treat even for people who are afraid of gaining weight.

Honeyed figs – perfect treat for expecting mother
figs with milk during pregnancyPregnancy is thought to be the time when mom-to-be should eat for two and choose nutritional natural food for everyday menu. Are figs good during pregnancy?

Figs are worth paying special attention to, they can offer numerous properties for expecting mother`s good general condition and proper development of her baby. So, what are the health benefits of eating fig fruits and dry figs during pregnancy?

If pregnant woman caught a cold or fell ill with flu, the situation can become critical. During pregnancy taking medicaments from chemistry is not desirable because their components may have negative effect on the child`s growth. Figs will be highly effective cough drop if you boil them in milk.
Figs contain folic acid which is irreplaceable in forming bones for growing baby.
Huge amount of iron help people consuming figs to get rid of anemia and weakness.
It is anti-constipation food.
Eating figs heals weakened nervous system and give mom-to-be positive mood. These fruits possess sedative effect.
There are some elements in figs which increase blood clotting and that is important in the period of childbearing.
These fruits normalize intestinal microflora.
Eating small quantity of figs make you feel satiety as if you would eat a lot of fruits – so nutritional figs are. And along with that they are low-calorie!
Figs are source of necessary organic acids and proteins which are needed for fetus.
It helps to overcome heart and lung diseases
Figs go well with different food – meat, pastry, juices, and salads.
Dry figs are hypoallergenic so pregnant woman can eat them safely.
Who should be careful with figs?
dried figs during pregnancyEven such healthy and nutritious product has some contraindications. For example people with high sugar level in blood or suffering from diabetes should refrain from eating figs.

The same is for people with urolithiasis, gout, and pancreatitis. In these cases figs can lead to exacerbation of these diseases. On the whole figs are recommended for food during pregnancy. Although these properties of figs are numerous these fruits must be consumed in moderate quantities only. Excessive consumption of figs can cause diarrhea. Also dried figs are rich in sugar capable of causing tooth decay.

You should remember that ripe figs are perishable fruits, that is why it is important to eat them soon after buying. If you have too many figs you can held them in airtight container but not for more than two or three days.
Eating figs – try various ways
How to eat fig fruits during pregnancy? You can eat exotic figs fresh. Remember that the skin of the fig is edible. That is you do not need to peel the fig before eating it.

figs beneficial properties during pregnancyAlso you can make fig preserves. Mix 500 g chopped figs with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan. Cook fruits on low heat for half an hour until thick preserves is formed. It is tasty and has beneficial qualities too, but fresh fruits are more enriched with minerals.

If you like bakery products you will surely use figs in breads, cakes and other flour-based baked things. They can be mixed with various fruits or simply used for decorations of dishes.

And one more popular way to use natural healthy remedy is combining figs and milk. Soaking dry figs in milk overnight and consuming it in the morning is believed to be good in weakness, tiredness, nausea and headache. Also it can be useful for enhancing sexual powers.

If you boil figs in milk, you`ll get an unusual milk taste which is quite useful for people with cough, high temperature, lung diseases, anemia and insomnia. It helps in strengthening of protective mechanisms of organism.
Are you going to buy figs? Don`t forget useful tips!
benefits figs during pregnancyThe luxury of a luscious ripe fig is extraordinary. But not all people are able to choose really good figs. Remember these advises: