Fig - Benefits And Harms

The fig is widely used in folk medicine due to its exceptional useful properties. Basically, the leaves and fruits of this tree are used.

Fig fruit contains sugar in the form of easily digestible glucose and fructose. Also vitamins A, B1, B2, C; cellulose, pectin, proteins, organic acids. Water and milk decoctions of the fruit have useful properties and are used for inflammation of the respiratory tract, colds, and as a gargle - for inflamed gums and angina.

Figs are useful in the prevention of hypertension in cases of venous insufficiency. It contains finicin, an enzyme that reduces blood clotting. The fruit reduces the strong heartbeat, is an excellent hematopoietic agent and has a mild laxative effect. It is useful in anemia, liver and spleen diseases.

Health benefits of figs

Figs supply the human body with a large amount of antioxidants. Because oxidation affects all systems in the body, its causes are linked to serious diseases - aging and cancer. And high-antioxidant foods like figs help avoid these problems.

Some varieties of figs have more antioxidants than others, but in general most are rich in polyphenols that help fight oxidative stress. Studies show that dried figs are an even better source of all the beneficial compounds, but they must be dried naturally without further processing. Figs are easy to store, durable and consumed in different ways, perhaps this is why they are one of the foods that have been part of history.

Figs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a remedy for many health problems, including cancer. Whether this is the case for sure, each case can speak for itself, but the facts show that figs generally have similar properties. Research is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the positive effects in the fight against cancer cells and which compounds help fight disease.

As already mentioned, figs have been present in human history for centuries. More than 40 diseases related to the digestive, reproductive, endocrine and respiratory systems have been treated with figs, fig tree extracts and components.
Studies show that figs are a good remedy for anemia, cancer, diabetes, leprosy, liver disease, ulcers, infections.

Figs act as a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent. Two studies conducted at universities in Malaysia show the ability of fig extract to fight oral bacteria, various fungi and microbes.

Potassium and fiber are extremely important components of a healthy diet, and we often do not get enough of them. Eating a few figs can help deal with their deficiency. Fiber is extremely important for heart health, digestive system and maintaining a good weight. Potassium is found in every cell in the body and is essential for maintaining normal bodily functions.
Dried figs also provide manganese, magnesium and calcium, which are significantly lower in raw quantities. So a few dried fruits from time to time as an afternoon snack will help you get these useful elements as well.

Health benefits of fig leaves

If you have access to a fig tree that has not been treated with detergents, you can also benefit from the leaves of the tree. They can be dried and made into teas or extracts.

Studies in rats have shown a reduction in blood sugar if they are given fig extract. The same effect is observed on cholesterol. Fruits also have an effect on diabetes, and anti-inflammatory properties normalize many bodily functions, sometimes damaged as a result of the disease.

Fig leaves supply bioactive compounds that are involved in the fight against free radicals. Compounds of fig leaf composition have been used in studies to develop better forms of photodynamic therapy for the treatment of certain skin cancers.

The extract of the leaves and fig tree are successfully used to combat wrinkles. Creams that include these elements show a significant reduction in the depth of wrinkles due to their antioxidant properties. There is a claim that creams with figs help with acne, hyperpigmentation and even freckles.

Milk juice from figs

The milky juice of the tree, when taken internally, contributes to the excretion of sand in the kidneys, helps with tumors.

Fresh juice has a beneficial effect on anemia. The leaves and roots of the tree are used in urolithiasis and cystitis.

Nutritional value

The nutritional value of figs varies according to whether they are raw or dried.

• 74 calories
• 19 grams of carbohydrates
• 0.7 grams of protein
• 0.3 grams of fat
• 3 grams of fiber
• 232 milligrams of potassium
• 4.7 micrograms of vitamin K
• 17 milligrams of magnesium
• 35 milligrams of calcium
• The content of figs also includes small percentages of vitamins C, A, B6, manganese and thiamine.

• 249 grams of calories
• 63.9 grams of carbohydrates
• 3.3 grams of protein
• 0.9 grams of fat
• 9.8 grams of fiber
• 0.5 milligrams of manganese
• 15.6 milligrams of vitamin K.
• 680 milligrams of potassium
• 68 milligrams of magnesium
• 162 milligrams of calcium
• 2 milligrams of iron
• 67 milligrams of phosphorus

Contraindications

People with frequent skin allergies may have a reaction to contact with the fruit if they are picked, for example, so it is good to wear gloves. Diabetics should be careful when consuming figs, as the fruit affects blood sugar levels. This is also true for people with type 1 diabetes, as figs can alter the effectiveness of insulin. Consult a doctor before including figs in your diet, despite the good indications for diabetes.

Fig is contraindicated in acute inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract.