As per the California Fig Board, figs are actually inverted flowers which are found on the trees of the Ficus genus. They were originally grown in Arabia and grow well in hot dry summers or cold wet winters. Figs have green skin color which turns purple when ripe and dried figs usually look brown in color.
They are packed with nutrients which are considered beneficial for general health. Consuming dried figs helps enhance health and should be included in the diet. Figs are eaten raw or used to make cakes, cookies or desserts.
Nutritional Value Of Dried Figs
The benefits of figs are closely linked with the nutrients and vitamins available in the ‘fruit’,
- Dried Figs can be used as a healthy snack. Figs are low in sodium and are loaded with potassium. Potassium is important to ensure active functioning of the nerves and the muscles.
- Figs are also a good source of calcium. Calcium is important to built healthy bones and prevents the risk of developing fractures. Further calcium is also linked its ability to lower blood pressure levels.
- They are also a great source of Magnesium. Magnesium is important to relax the muscles and the nerves and helps in management of chronic fatigue and muscle soreness.
- Dried Figs are also loaded with manganese which is a trace mineral required for supporting several enzymatic reactions essential for the production of energy and strengthening the immune system.
- They are also a good source of iron, which is essential for synthesis of hemoglobin and improves the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
- Dried Figs are also a good source of copper.
Health Benefits Of Eating Dried Figs
Figs are beneficial in the management of a wide range of illness and helps in enhancing overall health of an individual. Some of the specific health benefits associated with figs includes,
- Dried figs are beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels of the blood and protecting the heart. This is attributed to the fact that figs are low in fats and have a high concentration of dietary fibers, which prevent the absorption of fats by the intestine.
- High fiber content of figs helps in the management of a host of gastrointestinal disorders like constipation, gastritis, diarrhea, diverticulitis, etc. The high fiber content is also considered beneficial in weight management and aids in weight loss by restricting the absorption of fats by the intestine.
- Dried figs are also beneficial in reducing blood pressure levels which is attributed to low sodium, high calcium and high potassium levels.
- They are also considered beneficial in management of migraine headaches, asthma and chronic fatigue. This is attributed to the high concentration of magnesium in the fruit.
- Figs are beneficial in the management of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions due to the presence of copper, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
- Manganese in dried figs is considered to have strong anti-oxidant properties which can help in delaying the onset of aging and also has protective action against development of cancers.