Bell shaped, brightly colored, soft and pulpy – this is the fig for us. Not only is it seasonal but also spoils very quickly. This makes it important to consume this aromatic fruit as soon as possible. At the most it will rest on the fridge shelf for a day or two. But the health benefits of figs will hardly let you leave it for that long. It will be gone before the end of the second day.
Being the storehouse of health figs should be available year round but we cannot fight the rules of nature. But we can make things work to our advantage and hence we have the dried form of fig.
Health Benefits of Figs
As a dry fruit too we get all the benefits of figs for health and happiness. The taste does change a bit but either ways it cannot be ignored.
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So what are these health benefits of figs that we are talking about? Given here are some. Once you include this fruit in your daily diet you will notice many more on your own.
1. 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.
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2. 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.
3. 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.
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4. 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.
5. 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.
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6. 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.
7. 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.
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8. Prevents Macular Degeneration
With age many problems come one of them being macular degeneration. Including figs in the daily diet helps counter this problem.
9. Relieves Throat Pain
When suffering from sore throat and pain turn to figs for relief. The mucilage content in the fruit proves to be healing as well as curing for a painful throat and vocal chords.
10. 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.
These are merely a handful of benefit that this wondrous fruit caries but are enough to give it a thought. So the next time you go shopping do bear in mind the health benefits of figs and be sure to get some home – be it fresh or dried.