benefits of figs

Since fresh figs are one of the most perishable fruits, they should be purchased only a day or two in advance of when you are planning on eating them. Look for figs that have a rich, deep color and are plump and tender, but not mushy. They should have firm stems and be free of bruises. Smelling figs can also give you clues into their freshness and taste. They should have a mildly sweet fragrance and should not smell sour, which is an indication that they may be spoiled.

Before eating or cooking figs, wash them under cool water and then gently remove the stem. Gently wipe dry.Dried figs can simply be eaten, used in a recipe as is, or simmered for several minutes in water or fruit juice to make them plumper and juicier.

When preparing oatmeal or any other whole grain breakfast porridge, add some dried or fresh figs.Poach figs in juice or red wine and serve with yogurt or frozen desserts.Add quartered figs to a salad of fennel, arugula and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Figs are among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates, naturallyoccurring substances found in plants, animals, and human beings. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems. For this reason, individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating figs.

Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, copper, potassium, manganese, and pantothenic acid. Figs or Anjeer as it is popularly referred to in India originated in Arabia. It grows well in areas with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Although considered a fruit, it is actually an inverted flower and its seeds are the real fruit. It is a nutrient rich fruit which can be consumed in fresh or dried from.

To the nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an indepth nutritional profile forFigsis also available. This profile includes information on a full array of nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.

The health benefits of figs or anjeer include its use as a treatment for sexual dysfunction, constipation, indigestion, piles, diabetes, cough, bronchitis, and asthma. It is also used as a quick and healthy way to gain weight back after suffering through an illness. Figs are seasonal fruits that are found in the western parts of Asia, but dried figs are available almost everywhere, at any point during the year. The fig tree is a member of mulberry family.

There are 5 grams of fiber in every threefig serving. That high concentration of fiber helps promote healthy, regular bowel function andprevents 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.

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 mostfiberdense foodsavailable. High amounts of fiber in your diet can benefit your overall health by preventing certain types of abdominal cancer, as well as colon cancer.

Dried figs contain phenol, Omega3 and Omega6. 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 persons 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.