Indians and their love for dry fruits are beyond imagination. Every festival or special occasion is incomplete without a variety of dry fruits. What makes this delicious bond even stronger is that they are loaded with enormous health benefits. Today, in this article, we will be talking about one such royal dry fruit – Anjeer or Fig.
What is a Fig?
Figs, commonly known as Anjeer are the fruit of the ficus tree, a part of the mulberry family. Fresh Figs are usually soft from the center accompanied by crunchy seeds. This unique texture makes it a great fruit to enjoy just the way it is. Most of us remember Fig or Anjeer in the form of a dry fruit when the seeds turn more crispy and the flesh dries up. Fresh figs are seasonal and perishable. Dried Anjeer can be enjoyed all year round. They are often part of the healthy diet as a replacement to the table sugar and thus act as a natural sweeter.
Nutritional Value of Figs:
Figs are a natural source of sugar, soluble fiber, and lots of minerals. The one mineral which is very important for all of us and mostly growing women is Iron. Figs both fresh and dry are an excellent source of iron. Figs are a powerhouse of nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, antioxidants like vitamin A and Vitamin L which can contribute to overall health and wellness.
Interesting Fact: It is being observed that figs due to their high alkalinity can help people to quit smoking by reducing their desire to smoke.
Health Benefits of Figs:
1: Helps Relieve Constipation:
Figs are well-thought-out to be an age-old remedy to cure constipation and thus help nourish the intestines. Figs act as a natural laxative due to their high soluble fiber content. Thus, eases out the strained bowel process. Try consuming 2 to 3 dry figs empty stomach to help relieve the constipation.
2: May Aid Weight Loss:
Fibre-rich anjeer can be a perfect snack or mid-morning munchies, especially for the weight watchers. Dried Anjeer makes a great nutritious snack. 2 or 3 dried figs can make you feel fuller for longer and this can help keep longer gaps between your two meals.
3: Might Control Blood Pressure:
Fast-food consumption has been increasing day by day and this can lead to high blood pressure problems. High blood pressure often leads to an imbalance of potassium levels in your body. Figs being a good source of potassium can naturally improve potassium levels and thus might control blood pressure.
4: Can Improve Digestive Wellness:
Figs are a great source of prebiotics. Prebiotics can support the function of probiotics which can help improve the digestion process and overall gut health. Being fiber-rich, also adds bulk to the stool, enabling normal bowel movement.
5: Figs for Fertility:
Figs were reflected as love fruit since ancient Greek times, where figs were considered a symbol of fertility. This was later researched and was termed true based on its high iron content. Iron plays an essential role in the entire ovulation process in females. For males, low iron may affect sperm quality and motility. It is very commonly consumed with milk even today to boost reproductive health.
7: Could Improve Heart Health:
Being high in fiber and potassium, it helps remove the excess fat from the body and pressure from the heart. This can drastically help improve the health of your heart. Along with these two functions, Figs are also a great source of antioxidants which not only reduces the free radicals but also helps reduce triglycerides and bad cholesterol. Therefore, making your heart stronger and lets it live for longer.
Uses of Figs:
Both fresh and dried figs are readily available in the market. Fresh figs are seasonal and can be seen flooded in the market between July-September. Dried Figs are available around the year. They can be eaten raw or cooked. You can enjoy figs by making a milkshake or a smoothie out of it.
Create a nutritious bar using figs and nuts. Or while preparing oats during breakfast, simply add some chopped figs and relish the power. They are also used as a natural sweetener in cakes, pudding, jams, barfis etc.
Fresh figs are perishable and should be consumed within few days of purchase. Dried figs can be easily stored for a month at room temperature and even for a longer period in the refrigerator.
Key Takeaway:
Figs, commonly known as Anjeer belongs to the mulberry family. It is a high nutritious fruit. Its fiber, potassium, antioxidant content can help control blood pressure, aid digestion, helps with your weight loss journey, protects your heart, prevents constipation, cures reproductive problems, and may also support strong joints.
Figs are vivacious fruit that can be relished either raw or cooked or mixed in your favorite delicacy. Make sure to enjoy this fruit in a moderate amount, because anything in excess can become harmful to your body.
Weight | 250 gram, 500 gram, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg |
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