8 beneficial properties of dried figs for human health
Figs have received well-deserved recognition in folk and evidence-based medicine due to their beneficial properties. It was used in ancient times for throat diseases, anemia, was used to relieve asthma attacks, as well as to increase appetite in exhausted patients.
According to the ideas of modern scientists, with regular intake, dried figs improve the health of the cardiovascular, digestive and endocrine systems, as well as have a beneficial effect on the condition of hair and skin. It is even used to produce medicines (Psoberan) for the treatment of skin diseases.
Content
How it is useful — 8 facts
Below are 8 basic facts about the health benefits of figs, which have a scientific basis.
1. The content of valuable substances
Dried figs have a fairly high caloric content (about 75 calories per 100 grams of product) and a rich composition:
| Item Name | Content in 100 grams | Approximate percentage of daily requirement |
| Carbohydrates | 19.2 g | 15 % |
| Squirrels | 0.75 g | 1,5 % |
| Fats | 0.3 g | 1 % |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 7 % |
| Folic Acid | 6 mcg | 1,5 % |
| Niacin | 0.4 mg | 2,5 % |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.3 mg | 6 % |
| Pyridoxine | 0.113 mg | 9 % |
| Riboflavin | 0.05 mg | 4 % |
| Thiamine | 0.06 mg | 5 % |
| Vitamin A | 142 ME | 5 % |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg | 3 % |
| Vitamin E | 0.11 mg | 1 % |
| Vitamin K | 4.7 mcg | 4 % |
| Sodium | 1 mg | less than 1 % |
| Potassium | 230 mg | 5 % |
| Calcium | 35 mg | 3,5 % |
| Copper | 0.07 mg | 8 % |
| Iron | 0.37 mg | 5 % |
| Magnesium | 17 mg | 4 % |
| Manganese | 0.128 mg | 5,5 % |
| Selenium | 0.2 mcg | less than 1 % |
| Zinc | 0.15 mg | 1 % |
It is noteworthy that dried fig fruits have the highest concentration of antioxidant substances compared to other dried fruits. According to the data scientists from the USA, antioxidants are extremely important for maintaining the health of the whole body: they normalize the lipid profile, reduce the risk of developing malignant neoplasms and pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
2. Prevention of type II diabetes mellitus
Type II diabetes mellitus is an extremely common disease that leads to quite serious complications.
Regular consumption of figs, according to the data of Indian specialists, leads to an increase in the sensitivity of peripheral tissues (muscle and fat) to insulin and a decrease in the concentration of glucose in the blood.
Also installed that the plant reduces the level of fatty acids in the blood, which is also an important method of maintaining sugar levels within normal limits.
The described effects show that figs can be used for the prevention (with a burdened family history) of type II diabetes mellitus.
3. Improvement of skin condition
Figs are widely used for a variety of skin diseases (eczema, vitiligo, psoriasis).
The works of Indian scientists demonstrate that dried figs can actually be used to treat psoriasis.
The plant also moisturizes the skin and protects it from the harmful effects of solar radiation.
Iranian scientists proved the effectiveness of figs against warts.
When used topically (masks, lotions), figs slow down skin aging, inhibiting free radical mechanisms, and also prevents the early appearance of wrinkles on the face.
4. Hair strengthening
Figs are part of many natural shampoos, conditioners and hair masks. It strengthens and moisturizes the hair, stimulates its growth. The effect is provided by a large amount of valuable vitamins and minerals.
It is also important to note that figs contain a sufficiently high volume of copper and zinc, which prevent hair loss and the development of baldness. These properties revealed in the course of research by Korean scientists.
Polish specialists demonstrated similar results. They found that figs are effective in preventing hair loss in postmenopausal women. Positive effects are associated with the presence of zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, magnesium, vitamins C and group B.
5. Protection of the cardiovascular system
In the opinion of American scientists, a rich set of antioxidants in dried figs protects the endothelial lining of arterial vessels from the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
An additional positive role is played by phenols, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, the use of which is associated with low cardiovascular morbidity.
Also proven that regular consumption of figs (for 15 weeks) leads to a significant reduction of total cholesterol and its atherogenic fractions (LDL, TAG) in the blood.
Figs also reduce the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, chronic cerebral ischemia, atherosclerotic vascular damage of the lower extremities.
6. Cancer prevention
Fruit is rich in dietary fibers
, which contribute to the restoration of adequate intestinal microflora and inhibit chronic inflammation at the colon level.
Dysbiosis and prolonged course of inflammatory processes are the leading causes of colorectal cancer.
As claim experts from the USA, the use of dried figs is also associated with a decrease in the likelihood of developing breast cancer in women in adolescence and middle age.
7. Liver protection
Employees of the University of Medical Sciences named after Junbishapura Ahvaz (Iran) discovered
that fig leaf extract protects liver cells from any damage (infectious diseases, food poisoning or other poisoning).
The plant stabilizes the membranes of hepatocytes and increases their resistance to aggressive factors.
Figs are also able to slow down the progression of fibrous changes observed in cirrhosis of the liver or fatty hepatosis.
8. Weight Loss Aid
Presumably, eating figs helps to lose weight and maintain an adequate body weight.
The effect is presumably associated with a large number of antioxidants in the composition, which normalize metabolism at the level of adipose tissue, accelerate the oxidation of adipocytes.
Based on a plant even are being manufactured medications for the treatment of obesity.
However, this issue remains controversial. Figs have a high energy value (especially in dried form) and stimulate appetite. After eating it, the craving for food increases significantly.
Possible harm and contraindications
Taking dried fig fruits is associated with some risks and potential harm to health. It is contraindicated in the following conditions:
- Increased individual sensitivity. Unfortunately, allergies to figs are quite common. The manifestations of allergies are usually mild (allergic dermatitis, urticaria, isolated itching of the skin). Allergic reactions may develop in the presence of allergies to oranges, latex, birch pollen (cross-allergy).
- Diseases of the small and large intestines. Figs have a pronounced laxative effect and can cause or worsen the manifestations of diarrhea, which occurs in infectious and inflammatory pathologies of the digestive system, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
It is necessary to approach the use of figs with extreme caution in the presence of diabetes mellitus. The plant has a powerful hypoglycemic effect, which, when taken together with hypoglycemic medications, can provoke fainting and loss of consciousness.
It is important to note that figs are recommended for inclusion in the diet of pregnant women. It increases the overall tone of the body, but does not stimulate the muscle tissue of the uterus.
The plant also contains a lot of nutrients (vitamin C, iron, folic acid), which are extremely necessary for the formation of the tissues of the unborn child. There is a decrease in the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus and pyelonephritis of pregnant women when eating figs during pregnancy.
Answers to frequently asked questions.
The most controversial points regarding the consumption and use of figs are discussed below.
- Which fruit is healthier: fresh or dried? During drying, the energy value of figs increases 4 times, the sugar content increases 5 times. The volume of fiber also increases , of starch and a number of organic acids. Of course, dried figs bring much more benefits to the human body, however, if consumed excessively, they can cause obesity and worsen the course of diabetes mellitus.
- At what time is it better to consume it? Figs can be eaten in the morning on an empty stomach. But at night it should not be consumed, as it can cause an overload of the digestive system and various sleep problems. It is recommended to consume the fruit no later than 2-3 hours before bedtime.
- How much can adults and children eat? Children can be given figs from the age of 1.5 years – 1 fruit 1 time in 2-3 days. The recommended maximum daily allowance for adults is 3-4 fetuses per day.
- Application of jam. Fig fruit jam is usually used to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, treat liver diseases, increase immunity in acute respiratory infections, as well as to combat constipation. However, due to the high sugar content, its intake should be severely limited (no more than a few teaspoons per day).
- Application of leaves . In the classic version, fig leaves are used to make tea, which is used to treat bronchitis, Bone strengthening , increase libido and prevent the development of coronary heart disease.
Conclusion
- Thus, the consumption of figs is associated with many benefits for humans.
- It reduces the risk of developing malignant neoplasms, can contribute to weight loss, improves the health of the cardiovascular, endocrine and digestive systems.
- The plant is extremely often used to enhance the aesthetic qualities of skin and hair.
- The presence of contraindications and adverse reactions should be carefully considered. Allergy to figs is quite common.
