The Remarkable Benefits of Figs
Figs help treat many conditions. They come fresh or dried, and both are healthy and nutritious. Figs are very good for treating anemia and insomnia, and for the skin, hair, mouth, constipation and hemorrhoids. In Iran, figs are grown mainly in Fars Province, in the counties of Estahban and Neyriz.
Types of Figs
Figs are classified into 5 types:
- Black figs
- Brown Turkey figs
- Adriatic figs
- Kadota figs
- Calimyrna figs
Iranian dried figs are divided into 4 grades:
- Parak
- A
- AA
- AAA
Nutritional Properties of Figs
Figs are a rich source of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants, as well as of fiber and natural sugar.
Figs for Heart Health
Figs contain omega-3 fatty acids; they lower triglycerides, support heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Other Benefits of Figs
- Figs relieve constipation, and eating them every morning reduces digestive problems.
- The fiber in figs helps prevent colon cancer.
- Figs are good for pregnant women, growing children and teenagers, and people with anemia, and they raise the body's iron levels.
- In traditional medicine, figs have exceptional properties, including regulating blood sugar.
- Figs are high in fiber, and eating them during adolescence lowers the risk of breast cancer.
- Figs do wonders for the bones and lower the risk of fractures and osteoporosis; they are rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium.
- Figs help maintain healthy blood pressure.
- Figs boost sexual vigor and contain a mineral involved in producing the sex hormones estrogen and androgen.
- Figs help with asthma; drinking fig juice helps ease asthma and also treats sore throats and stress.
- Figs help reduce and prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
- Figs help prevent vision loss caused by cataracts in older people.
- The sulfur in figs gets rid of dandruff and makes hair thicker.
- Thanks to their vitamins E and C, figs promote hair growth and increase blood circulation in the scalp.
- Figs help whiten teeth, prevent swollen gums, relieve mouth inflammation and get rid of bad breath.
- Because they stimulate the appetite, figs promote weight gain and increase breast-milk production.
- Fig extract has anti-collagenase and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and reduces wrinkles. Used as a mask, it reduces pimples, acne and skin inflammation.
Side Effects of Figs
Eating too many figs can cause itchy skin, allergies and diarrhea.
People with allergies or sensitive skin should avoid figs.
Figs should not be eaten unripe: they produce a white latex containing furocoumarin compounds, which can cause a severe allergic reaction in the mouth and on the lips.