Figs are one of the world’s healthiest foods. They have many health benefits and are one of the earliest fruits man grew. A rich source of fiber and loaded with vitamins and minerals. The taste is unique and sweet and the texture is soft and chewy. Figs popularly known as Anjeer in India are available in dried form almost throughout the year. You have to start consuming them because of its numerous medical values and health benefits. Below is the list of 10 reasons why you should start eating dried figs.
1. Improves digestion
Dried figs commonly known as Anjeer in India, are rich in dietary fiber. Since it is a natural laxative, it helps in preventing constipation and other digestive problems.
2. Helps in curing iron-deficiency anemia
Having dried figs in your regular diet helps you to increase your hemoglobin levels by increasing the iron levels in your body. Iron is an important mineral that carries hemoglobin throughout the human body.
3. Helps losing weight
Figs are low in calories. So, dried figs are an ideal snack if you want to lose some weight.
4. Rich in antioxidants
Dried figs are richer in antioxidants, than natural figs. According to a study, dried figs have superior quality of phenols, the antioxidants, in comparison to other fruits that attribute their antioxidant property to vitamin C and E.
5. Helps in preventing heart diseases
The rich antioxidant content in dried figs eliminates free radicals that can damage blood vessels and trigger heart disease. Also, there are some studies that say that dried figs reduce the triglycerides levels that play a major role in heart disease.
6. Helps in preventing cancer
Antioxidant-rich dried figs can help prevent cellular DNA damage due to free radicals that can produce dangerous cells.
7. Strengthens the bones
Together with other food that is rich in calcium, dried figs can improve bone density and strength. One dried fig consists of 3% calcium.
8. Improves reproductive health
Ancient Greeks used figs as an aphrodisiac as they were considered to be a sacred fruit and were related to fertility and love. Figs can improve fertility and libido because they are rich in minerals, zinc, manganese and magnesium which are very important in boosting reproductive health.
9. Good for diabetes
Dried figs are good for people with diabetes. However, dried figs have high sugar content, so make sure you consult a doctor about the figs quantity you can consume.
10.Helps in preventing hypertension
The sodium levels in our bodies increase when we have more salt. Then the sodium-potassium balance is disturbed, which results in hypertension. Dried figs are great for restoring this balance and preventing hypertension. One dried fig has 129mg of potassium and 2mg of sodium.
Nutritional Value of Dried Figs (uncooked) per 100 grams is given below.
(Source: Wikipedia)
Calories 249
Total Fat 0.9 g
Saturated fat 0.1
Polyunsaturated fat 0.3 g
Monounsaturated fat 0.2 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 10 mg
Potassium 680 mg
Total Carbohydrate 64 g
Dietary fiber 10 g
Sugar 48 g
Protein 3.3 g
They are also rich in Vitamin A, C, D, B-6, B-12, Calcium, Magnesium and Iron.