Figs are one of the most widely popular fruits known to man. Figs are one of the oldest known fruits consumed by humans. According to some researchers, it was this fruit that was plucked by Eve and not an apple as mentioned in the Holy Bible. In the holy book of Islam, figs are mentioned as ‘The Fruit of Heaven‘. Figs hold significant importance in several mythologies, cultures, countries and are widely seen as a sacred fruit. Figs are the edible fruit of the flowering plant in the mulberry family. Figs are native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia where it has been planted and cultivated since ancient times. It is now widely grown throughout the world for its fruit and as an ornamental plant used as decorations. Buy figs from reputed vendors or authentic farms to get the best quality ingredients available.
The fig was one of the earliest fruit trees to be cultivated. In ancient Greece, figs were one of the primary foods that were consumed due to their unique taste and many uses. Figs were so revered in ancient Greece that special laws were made to regulate their export and trade. The Spartans held it in high regard due to which figs were a staple during public dining. The fig plant is a small tree or bush that stands from 1 meter to 12 meters high. They are broad deciduous leaves that are deeply entrenched into their roots. The stems and leaves of the fig tree exude a white latex-like substance when it is broken or removed. When you buy figs you own a fruit that has immense cultural and historical significance.
Figs are either borne as one or exist in pairs above the scars or the axils of the leaves. Masculine and feminine flowers are enclosed within a very rigid structure. Long flowers are the hallmark of the edible fruits of most orchard fig trees or fig gardens. The first fruit of the fig tree produced at the end of spring is commonly known as breba. Its delicate skin and its unique flavour are similar to that of figs although they are not as sweet. The fig is considered a false fruit as it contains hundreds of tiny fruits that are commonly called pips. It is used for consumption in fresh, dried and is commonly pureed or crystallized for confectionery uses. Among most of its sub-products, dried figs are considered the most important as it is obtained by drying the fresh fruit. The humidity of the fruit is reduced to around 15% so that the nutritional content of the figs stays intact. So buy figs and use them in the prescribed form which matches your specific purpose. Figs also offer various health benefits which we will look into today. Some of them are
1. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Figs are found to improve cardiovascular health by reducing other mitigating factors that affect heart health. Figs help improve blood pressure and blood fat levels which can decrease the risk of the onset of various heart diseases. Studies have also shown improvements in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people who consume figs regularly. Consumption of figs in your daily diet is found to have decreased blood pressure levels in people with elevated blood pressure levels. So buy figs and incorporate them into your daily diet to decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases and keep the heart healthy.
2. Promotes Digestive Health
Figs have been used in several types of treatments or as a home remedy to alleviate digestive problems such as constipation, indigestion, etc. Figs contain high levels of fiber which helps promote digestive health by softening and adding bulk to stools. Regular consumption of figs also serves as a food source for the healthy bacteria that reside in your gut and thereby decreasing issues such as constipation. Consuming figs also help speed up the movement of food through the digestive tract and reduces the risks of digestive issues in an individual. So buy figs and consume them in moderation to gain relief from digestive issues.
3. Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Scientific studies have shown that moderate intake of figs or consuming fig extracts has lowered the insulin needs for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes. Foods that are rich in figs have a lower glycemic index than other beverages with no fig extracts meaning they have a more positive effect on blood sugar levels in an individual. Consume figs in moderation as dried figs and other fig fruits are high in sugar and may increase blood sugar levels if consumed regularly.
4. Aids in Weight Loss
Figs are foods that are rich in fibre and thus are a perfect snack or a meal especially for people who wish to monitor and control their weight. Consumption of figs helps make you feel full and curb your appetite. This helps keep long gaps between meals and thus reduces one’s food intake. Buy figs and consume 2-3 figs as a snack between meals to make you feel full for longer and thereby reducing weight over time.
5. Improves Fertility
Figs were seen as a love fruit since ancient times where figs were hailed as a symbol of fertility. This is now found to be true through rigorous scientific research as figs are high in iron content. Iron plays a crucial part in the ovulation process in females. For males, low iron content in their bodies affects sperm quality and thus reduces their fertility rates. So buy figs and incorporate them into other items such as milk to boost your reproductive health.
6. Promotes Skin Health
Figs have various beneficial effects on one’s skin especially in people with dry or itchy skin. Fig fruit items or fig extracts were also shown to have antioxidant effects on skin cells, decrease collagen breakdown and improve the appearance of wrinkles in human skin. So buy figs and incorporate more fig fruit items to help clear your skin and promote healthy skin.
7. Treats Asthma
Figs are found to be very effective in controlling and treating bronchial asthma. Consuming fig-rich food items help moisturize the mucous membrane and drain the phlegm from one’s body giving relief to people with asthma. They are found to even reduce the draining effects of asthma in an asthma attack. Buy figs and consume them in moderation to clear up your phlegm and treat asthma.
8. High Nutritional Content
Figs are home to several nutrients and minerals that are required for the efficient functioning of the human body. Raw and dry figs are highly nutritious and are a rich source of minerals and vitamins such as potassium, proteins, minerals, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin B6, etc. So buy figs and incorporate them into your diet to gain the various nutritional benefits figs offer.
