Fig fruit health benefits

The fig is often thought of as a fruit, but it is really the flower of the fig tree. It is in fact a false fruit or multiple fruit, in which the flowers and seeds raise jointly to form a single mass. They are the extremely healthy and important as food and a natural remedy. Dried figs are available throughout the year but they are even tastier if consumed fresh during their season.

Nutrients in dried figs

One serving of dried figs weights somewhere around 150g and it contains approximately 371 calories. This food is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, but it is a rich source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and vitamin K.

One serving will provide 58% or recommended daily value (RDV) for dietary fiber, 29% of RDV for vitamin K and as much as 28% of RDV for manganese, 29% of RDV for potassium, 25% of RDV for magnesium and 24% of RDV for phosphorus.

A large portion of calories comes from the sugars. There are 71 grams of sugar per one serving.

Health Benefits of Fig Fruits

Potassium, a compound of figs, is a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Potassium acts as an electrolyte and cancels the effects of sodium. For this reason, natural sources of potassium are important in controlling blood pressure.

Dietary fiber, found in figs, are favorable in a weight management program. Fibers are adding the volume to the food and promoting the feeling of fullness. This is the best possible way to prevent fool cravings and hunger, while trying to lose the excessive weight. Additionally, fibers are good for achieving normal bowel movements and normal bowel habits.

Being a rich source of calcium, figs are good for optimum bone density and development of skeletal system. Post-menopausal women are often advised to introduce more natural sources of calcium in their diet, and figs may be the perfect solution.

Figs leaves also possess powerful health properties. They are actually good for lowering blood sugar levels. Liquid extract made of leaves is most commonly used as a natural remedy able to produce insulin-lowering effects.

Figs are also beneficial in lowering the levels of triglycerides and lowering the risk of age related macular degeneration. This way, eating three or more servings of figs per day may help to maintain good eyesight.

Fig fruits can also make extremely beneficial effects on different respiratory ailments such as asthma and whooping cough. At the same time they are good for earache, boils, venereal diseases and boils.