Are figs healthy?

Are figs good for human wellbeing? Are they good for newborns? Are they safe for diabetes patients? Can pregnant women eat figs? When and how much is it best to eat? Struggling with these questions and more? Read this article to find your answers.

Nutritional value of figs:

This fruit consists of 84% pulp and 16% skin. Though the chemical composition varies according to the type, the average composition per 100 gram of edible figs is as following:

· Moisture – 80.8%

· Protein – 1.3%

· Mineral matter – 0.6%

· Carbohydrates – 17.1%

· Calcium – 0.06 mg

· Phosphorus – 0.03 mg

· Iron – 1.2 mg

· B-carotene – 270 I.U.

· Nicotinic acid – 0.6 mg

· Riboflavin (B2) – 50 micro gm

· Ascorbic acid – 2 mg per 100 gm

Fresh figs deteriorate quickly that’s why the dried fruit is most common in peoples eating habits. The former type is judged to be better; nevertheless, the former do not lose their nutritional value in the process of drying. The nutritional value of 100 g of dry figs is as follows:

· Dietary Fiber: 10 g

· Carbohydrates: 64 g

· Sugars: 48 g

· Protein: 3 g

· Fat:1 g

Figs owe their value mostly to their mineral, sugar, and vitamin contents.

Is consuming figs safe for diabetes patients?

Contrary to popular belief, it is highly important for people suffering from diabetes to include fruits in their diets. Nutritionists list several fruits that can be safely consumed under these dire conditions; figs conquer this list thanks to their rich texture. Indeed, whole fruit sugar is not as bad as free sugar contained in other types of food such as drinks and sweets. Because of the thick fiber content in figs, sugar is not immediately released into the system. Fiber, also, helps with insulin function.

Different studies found that figs are healthy; they proved to be effective in controlling blood sugar levels, especially for their high fiber content and low carbs. Type 2 diabetes is a condition wherein glucose or blood sugar levels are too high and without proper treatment, it might lead to serious complications. Thus, adding a few fruits of figs to one's breakfast can be a rewarding natural treatment, though not sufficient by itself.

Are figs healthy food for pregnant women?

Nutritionists place high hopes on eating figs during pregnancy. This magical tasty fruit can minimize the symptoms of morning sickness and help provide the nutritional elements necessary for the body. Consuming a maximum of three fruits daily is a safe recommended practice. Moderation is a key point when consuming figs for they bear the potential to raise blood sugar levels one eaten excessively.

Numerous benefits are attributed to figs. Their high levels of calcium assist in the development of bones and teeth for the fetus; it strengthens the mother's bones too, thus keeping her fit for movement throughout the pregnancy period. Being rich in omega 3 and folate, they contribute to brain development as well. Figs contain a valuable percentage of iron, that’s why they may protect against anemia and therefore ensure that oxygen is sufficiently supplied to the fetus.

Figs are essential to balance blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, treat skin pigmentation, and fulfill the mother’s need for glucose. Furthermore, dietary fiber aid in digestion and promotes bowel regularity hence avoiding constipation.

One must keep in mind that if used with excess, this blessing can shift to causing severe side effects. Maintain moderate usage and consult a doctor to avoid any unexpected allergic reactions due to hormonal changes.

Health benefits of figs for skin and hair:

Vitamin E, and C, and a good amount of calcium are part and parcel of the texture of the figs. These compounds can work wonders on your skin. They treat wrinkles, freckles, and skin pigmentation. Eating the fruit or applying it as a face mask or simply using beauty products that contain fig extracts are all rewarding practices. A famous face treatment consists of mixing dried fig texture with yogurt or honey and scrubbing gently on the face. Several testimonies showed a remarkable boost in the skin and promising improvement. Fears of age traces and degeneration are no longer valid; there is no need to stress yourself thinking about the effects of time on the body and sadly cherishing the days when your skin still looked fresh and young. With natural products such as figs, age is but a number and permanent fresh refined skin is a priceless treasure.

Additionally, this fruit is quite popular in the industry of hair products. Indeed, fig extracts provide moisture for the scalp and assist in the detangling of hair. They also play an important role in hair growth thanks to nutrients like magnesium, vitamin C, and E which promote blood circulation in the scalp hence hair development.

Culturally associated health benefits of figs:

Science may sometimes fall short of getting to the bottom of a few cultural beliefs. This, however, fails to forbid practices deeply integrated into ancient history. One of these culturally transmitted convictions is that figs can boost sexual stamina. The numerous minerals present in figs could enhance the production of sex hormones. Popular belief even has confidence in this fruit's ability to treat sexual dysfunction like sterility and sexual appetite. Some cultures do even believe that fig extracts can provide relief from venereal diseases. There is not enough evidence to back such claims, yet nothing bad might result from consuming natural organic food.

People also consider figs for medicinal use in cases of asthma and throat pain. Ficus carica contains phytochemical compounds that fight the radicals responsible for triggering asthma. Their relatively high amount of mucilage soothes sore throats and reduces pain in the vocal cords.

The range of fig usage is unlimited; whether scientifically proven or culturally presupposed, all applications have quite often proved their effectiveness and showed fantastic results. Go forth and include figs into your diet and enjoy endless health improvements because the answer is yes! Figs are extremely healthy!