Health Benefits Of Figs

The fig is an edible fruit that grows from a small, large leafed tree of the same name and is native to the Middle East. The fruit is pear shaped and has a hole which is referred to as an eye which makes it quite a distinctive fruit. The fruit uses the eye to take in more nutrition from the environment. Another thing that makes this fruit unique is the fact that it has an invisible flower. The flower is never seen as it blooms inside the fruit. Figs do not keep well and are therefore mainly available dried.

Figs have widely been known to be aphrodisiacs. However, there are numerous health benefits of figs.

The health benefits of figs result from the fruit having significant amounts of calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, vitamin K and fiber. In fact, dried figs are said to be the plants with the highest source of fiber and calcium. They also contain smaller amounts of vitamin C and A, zinc, selenium and iron. Fresh figs have higher concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids which include chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, rutin and catechin. These are antioxidants.

Some of the health benefits of figs are:

Lowering of blood pressure – Potassium is a mineral that is very important in controlling blood pressure. Figs are a good source of Potassium.

Lowering cholesterol – One of the health benefits of figs is that they can help lower blood pressure. Figs are high in fiber content. The insoluble fiber they contain attaches itself to cholesterol molecules in the digestive system and moves them out of the body before they get into the blood stream. High cholesterol levels have been linked to high blood pressure.

Preventing macular degeneration – Figs contain carotenoid compounds which are useful for good eyesight.

Stronger bones – This is one of the health benefits of figs that is widely recognized. Figs are a very good source of calcium, the mineral that is necessary for strong, healthy bones.

Protecting against breast cancer – The high fiber content in the figs protects women from post-menopausal breast cancer.

Lowering blood sugar levels – The chlorogenic acid in figs is known to control glucose levels and lower blood sugar levels.

Improving sexual function – Figs have been used for years to aid in sexual dysfunction. This is perhaps the reason they were thought of as having aphrodisiac power.

The health benefits of figs are not only gotten from the fruit but also from the leaves of the fig tree. The leaves have been shown to be beneficial to people with diabetes as they reduce the insulin needed by people who inject insulin into their bodies. The leaves are also a good remedy for stomach and peptic ulcers. The tea that is made from the leaves has also been used in the treatment of lung diseases such as bronchitis and asthma.