Benefits Of Figs
Figs belong to the Mulberry family and are botanically known as Ficus Carica. This fruit first originated in parts of Northern Asia and it is one of the oldest fruits that humans have ever known. Figs are small and juicy fruits that have a chewy texture and sweet smell. This fruit has been a favorite fruit of many historical figures and thus occupies a significant place in many cultures all over the world. Figs are consumed both in fresh and dried forms and are available in shades of colors, like green, purple, and brown. This fruit has a high nutritional value and numerous health benefits for people using them regularly. These benefits include:
1. Helps to prevent constipation.
Figs contain a very high amount of fiber, which makes it a perfect fruit for keeping away form constipation. The fiber adds bulk to the food and supports its proper digestion so that the user has a healthy bowel function.
2. Aids to reduce cholesterol.
Figs contain rich quantities of Pectin- a soluble fiber. When this fiber pectin reaches the digestive system, it swabs up the globes of cholesterol and removes them out of the body.
3. Helps in reducing weight.
The fiber present in figs also aids in reducing weight. Regular intake of figs is thus quite recommended for obese people.
4. Prevents coronary heart disease.
Dried figs contain rich amounts of Omega-3, Omega-6 and phenol. The presence of these fatty acids makes figs a perfect fruit for reducing the occurrence of coronary heart disease.
5. Protects the body from colon cancer.
The presence of dietary fiber in figs helps to swab up and remove cancer causing substances from the body. It also protects the body form the risk of colon cancer.
6. Beneficial for women.
Regular intake of figs protects women form the occurrence of post-menopausal breast cancer. This is again due to high content of fiber present in figs.
7. Aids in preventing hypertension.
Low intake of potassium and high intake of sodium causes hypertension. Figs contain rich amounts of potassium and low quantity of sodium, thus preventing hypertension.
8. Helps to strengthen bones.
Figs contain rich amounts of Calcium, which is an important mineral providing strength to the bones.
9. Helps prevent macular degeneration.
The most common cause of loss of vision in older people is macular degeneration. The nutritional content of figs makes it a perfect fruit for avoiding this condition.
10. Relieves sore throat.
Figs contain good amount of mucilage that helps in healing sore throats.
Although this fruit is highly nutritious, too much usage of the fruity must be avoided. Excessive use of figs can cause diarrhea. Dried figs contain high quantity of sugar and might result in tooth decay.
