28 Amazing Benefits of Figs ( Anjeer)
Figs ( Ficus Carica) or Anjeer is a flowering plant in the mulberry family and is also known as the common fig. They are native to the Middle East and Western Asia but are now grown commercially in many regions of the world. They are an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibers, etc, and provide many health and beauty benefits.
Health Benefits of Figs (Anjeer)
Some major health benefits of figs are as follows
(1) Improves Digestive Health
Figs are good for the stomach and improve our digestive health.
They are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin K, and other antioxidant compounds such as phytonutrients, etc.
These compounds protect our digestive system from free radical damage and reduce the risk of colon cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.
The laxative properties of dietary fibers in figs improve bowel movement and relieve constipation and other digestive problems such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and flatulence, etc.
(2) Helps In Weight Management
Figs help in weight management and can be used for both weight loss and weight gain.
A 100 grams of raw figs contain about 74 calories of energy, and dried figs contain 249 calories of energy for the same weight.
Because of their low caloric value, raw figs promote weight loss, and dried figs can be used for weight gain because of their high calorific value.
Dietary fibers in figs provide stomach satiety and control overeating, a major cause of obesity.
Consuming dried figs with milk is a popular remedy for weight gain.
Source-Pixabay.com(3) Maintains Cholesterol Level
Figs help in cholesterol management as they contain dietary fibers that reduce LDL cholesterol.
This reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls.
It is a leading cause of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
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(4) Provide Relief From Hypertension
Figs relieve hypertension by containing potassium, a natural vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood circulation.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition that affects millions around the world and is a leading cause of cardiovascular and other health problems.
Despite the advantage, eat figs in moderation as otherwise, they may drop blood pressure below the healthy range, and cause nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing, tiredness, and irregular heartbeats.
If you take blood pressure medication, add figs to your routine only after consulting with your doctor to avoid the risk of food-drug interference.
(5) Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Figs improve our cardiovascular health as they are loaded with antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin K, and other relevant compounds such flavonoids, etc.
These compounds protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers in figs help in cholesterol management and improve cardiovascular health.
Figs contain potassium, a natural vasodilator that provides relief from hypertension, a leading cause of cardiovascular problems.
Other compounds such as Phenols, Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids in figs also significantly improve cardiovascular health.
(6) Protects Against Cancer(s)
Figs are loaded with antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and other antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids.
These compounds protect our cells from free radical damage and reduce the risk of various cancers such as colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
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(7) Helps In Managing Diabetes
With a low glycemic index of 51, figs reduce the rate at which sugar is released into the bloodstream. This prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, and aids in managing diabetes.
Dietary fibers in figs reduce the rate at which sugar is released into the bloodstream and prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
Antioxidants and polyphenols in figs also play a significant role in reducing blood sugar.
However, dried figs are high in sugar and may cause high blood sugar when consumed in excess.
If you take diabetic medication, consult your doctor before adding figs to your routine to minimize the risk of food-drug interference.
(8) Improves Respiratory Health
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds such as flavonoids in figs protect our respiratory system from free radical damage.
Anti-inflammatory compounds such as pectin and vitamin A in figs protect our lungs from inflammation and reduces the risk of inflammatory respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchial asthma.
Drinking tea made from fig leaves provides relief from the pain and discomfort of asthma symptoms.
(9) Helps In Treating Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The antimicrobial properties of figs help in treating bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
As per anecdotes, consuming as well as topical application of figs helps in treating venereal diseases or sexually transmitted diseases.
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(10) Aids In Treating Sexual Dysfunctions
Dried figs are being used as an aphrodisiac agent for centuries for treating sexual dysfunctions like sterility, endurance, stamina, and erectile dysfunction.
Because of its high calorific value of 249 calories per 100 grams, dried figs boost our energy level and enhance our stamina.
Potassium in figs relaxes blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and strengthens penile erections.
(11) Strengthens Bones And Reduces Risk of Osteoporosis
Figs make our bones and teeth stronger due to the presence of bone-strengthening minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus.
Calcium is an essential mineral for bone health as it promotes the growth and development of bones, and reduces the risk of bone disorders such as osteoporosis.
Potassium neutralizes acid load and reduces the loss of calcium from the bones.
It improves bone density.
Magnesium and phosphorus in figs also play an important role in improving bone density.
Figs contain manganese, a trace mineral that increases calcium absorption and improves bone density.
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in figs minimizes pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, a bone disorder in which protective tissues at the end of bones wear down.
(12) Minimize Urinary Calcium Loss
The excess calcium in our body is removed from our body through the urine. However, sometimes our boy loses more calcium than required. It weakens our bones, reduces bone density, and increases the risk of bone disorders such as osteoporosis.
Potassium in figs neutralizes acid load and reduces the loss of calcium from bones. It improves bone density.
The low sodium content of figs also contributes to reduced loss of calcium through urine.
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(13) Good For Eyes
Figs are beneficial for our eyes as they contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, etc.
These compounds protect our eyes from free radical damage and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Vitamin A in figs is an essential nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents dryness of the eyes, and reduces the risk of night blindness.
(14) Provides Relief From Throat Pain
Regular and moderate intake of figs provides relief from sore throat because of its high mucilage content.
Natural juices in figs soothe our vocal cords and relieve pain and stress from the vocal cords.
Additionally, antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A in figs protect our respiratory system from free radical damage and reduces throat inflammation.
(15) Provide Antioxidant Benefits
Figs contain many antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, and flavonoids.
These compounds protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and reduce the risk of various cancers such as colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Antioxidants also provide several other benefits such as strengthens immunity, improves cardiovascular health, improves respiratory health, promotes digestion, improves cognitive benefits, and so on.
(16) Prevents And Treats Anemia
Figs help in the prevention and treatment of iron-induced anemia, a blood disorder caused by the deficiency of iron in the body.
It is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain, etc.
Iron in figs is an essential mineral that increases the production of red blood cells in our body.
Red blood cells carry oxygenated blood to cells and tissues of the body and nourish them.
This helps in reducing the risk of iron-induced anemia.
Vitamin C in figs increases iron absorption and further benefit against anemia.
Beauty Benefits of Fig For Skin
Some major beauty benefits of figs for the skin area are as follows.
(1) Keeps Premature Aging At Bay
Essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals in figs nourish our skin and improve skin health.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds such as phytonutrients and flavonoids in figs protect our skin from free radical damage.
It reduces fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, skin blemishes, and other signs of premature aging at bay.
Vitamin C in figs enhances the production of collagen, an essential amino acid that maintains skin elasticity increases skin smoothness, and prevents wrinkles and skin sagging.
(2) Improve Skin Health
Figs improve our skin health because of their rich nutritious profile.
Vitamins and minerals in figs provide nourishment to our skin and make it soft, supple, and radiant.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds in figs protect our skin from free radical damage and reduces various signs of premature aging.
Figs improve skin pigmentation and bring out the natural glow of the skin.
They are also a wonderful skin exfoliator and are ten times more beneficial than papaya when it comes to skin exfoliation.
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(3) Excellent Natural Skin Exfoliator
Figs are loaded with exfoliating enzymes and are a natural skin exfoliator that helps in getting rid of dead and dry skin cells.
It brings out the natural glow of the skin and improves skin pigmentation.
For skin exfoliation, wash and clean some fig peels and gently use them as a scrub ( on your skin).
Regular use removes dead skin and makes our skin smooth, supple, and flawless.
(4) Can Be Used As Facial Mask
Topical application of figs facial mask improves skin health and makes our skin soft and supple.
To use figs as a facial mask, do as follows.
Cut a fig, and remove flesh from it in a separate bowl.
Use a fork to mash the fig flesh deeply.
Apply the mashed fig flesh on the skin, and let it dry for 5 minutes.
Rinse off with clean water.
Regular use improves skin health and increases skin smoothness.
(5) As A Skin Moisturizer
Figs moisturizes our skin and improves skin health.
For skin moisturization, apply fig paste on the skin and after 5 minutes, rinse off with water.
Regular use moisturizes our skin and increases skin smoothness.
Fig paste helps in treating cracked lips.
It prevents the excessive secretion of sebum from the sebaceous glands of the skin and tightens skin pores.
(6) Helps In Treating Acne
Acne is a common skin problem mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other impurities within the skin pores.
Figs help in treating skin problems like acne and pimples.
Detoxifying compounds such as dietary fibers and vitamin C in figs removes toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.
When there are fewer toxins in our system, they are less likely to accumulate in our skin pores and reduces the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Dietary fibers regulate the secretion of excess oil from the sebaceous glands of the skin and prevent the worsening of acne.
The antimicrobial properties of figs protect our skin from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, and reduces the risk of skin problems.
(7) Keep Our Skin Fresh And Rejuvenated
Figs rejuvenate our skin because of their rich nutritious profile.
Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, etc in figs provide nourishment to the skin and make it soft, supple, and radiant.
Antioxidants in figs protect the skin from free radical damage and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Figs exfoliate the skin and keep it well moisturized.
Topical application, as well as consumption of figs, make our skin smooth and radiant.
(8) Provides Natural Glow To Skin
Figs help in bringing out the natural glow of the skin.
To improve skin glow, add a teaspoon of yogurt to some mashed figs, and mix well to form a paste.
Apply this paste on the face, and gently massage on your face for about 15 minutes.
Wash off with lukewarm water.
Regular use improves skin radiance and skin smoothness.
(9) Can Be Used As Skin Toner
Figs are a wonderful skin toner that tightens our skin pores and reduces the risk of skin problems.
Vitamin C in figs protects the skin from free radical damage and enhances the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity. It improves skin smoothness.
Because of their astringent properties, figs tighten our skin pores and prevents them from getting clogged by toxins, pollutants, and other impurities.
This reduces the risk of skin problems.
Beauty Benefits of Fig For Hair
Some major beauty benefits of figs for hair are as follows.
(1) Aids In The Treatment of Gray Hair
Figs are good for our hair and scalp.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidants such as flavonoids, etc in figs protect our hair and scalp from free radical damage.
This reduces premature greying of hair, dry hair, hair loss, and split ends.
Applying figs paste on the hair helps in maintaining hair color because of copper enzymes.
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(2) Promotes Hair Growth
Vitamins, minerals, and other essential compounds in figs improve our scalp health.
These compounds nourish our scalp and promote hair growth.
Vitamin C and other antioxidants in figs protect our scalp and hair from free radical damage.
(3) Keep Our Scalp Moisturized
Applying fig paste on the scalp keeps it well moisturized, and removes tangles from the hair.
Disclaimer
The information contained in the post is for general purpose only and shouldn’t be considered as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice. Although I’ve tried my best to keep the information contained in this post as accurate and updated as possible, I make no guarantee of the accurateness of the same.
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