Figs are also part of the superfoods category, recognized by nutritionists, having a significant content of nutrients, beneficial in unexpected uses in everyday life.
Figs contain potassium, a mineral that helps control blood pressure. As long as people do not eat enough fruits and vegetables but consume significant amounts of sodium (salt being the main source), they may have a potassium deficiency. If consumption of foods rich in potassium is low, especially associated with high consumption of foods containing sodium, this leads to hypertension.
Nowadays, nutritionists recommend figs for everybody, but especially for patients who have deficiency of minerals, the recommended daily portion is about five fruits a day. According to experts, a quarter cup of figs has an intake of 224 mg of potassium, 53 mg of calcium and 1.2 mg of iron – this is a significant percentage of the recommended daily dose. In addition, 250 grams of dried figs eaten daily will improve digestion, giving the body a considerable amount of fiber. Figs are fruits with many benefits for the body: without fat, cholesterol or sodium they are ideal for any type of diet.
Helps in weight loss:
Figs are a good source of dietary fibers. Fiber-rich foods can have a positive effect on weight loss diets. According to a study, women increase the amount of fiber with the help of supplements, but they significantly lower the energy production, and the feeling of satiety does not change. Figs, as other foods rich in fiber can be very helpful in such diets.
Prevent breast cancer:
Fruits and cereals containing fibers protects against breast cancer. Also, according to a study involving over 50.000 women, high intake of fruits rich in fiber reduces breast cancer by 50%. Other fiber-rich fruits are: apples, pears, plums and dates.
Fig leaves will lower the insulin requirements of diabetics:
Surely you have not thought of fig leaves being so beneficial, but because of that in some cultures are part of the daily menu. Fig leaves have hypoglycemic properties, and can reduce the amount of insulin to a person suffering from diabetes. The fluid extracted from fig leaves should be taken only in the morning.
Cardiovascular effects:
In a recent study was demonstrated that fig leafs helps lower triglycerides, while in another study with cells in vitro, fig leaves proved to inhibit cancer cell growth. However, researchers have not determined exactly which substances in fig leaves are responsible for these remarkable effects.
Protects bones:
Figs are rich in calcium, a mineral with many beneficial functions, including the improvement of bone density. Also, because of the potassium, figs are very helpful in lowering urine calcium loss caused by diets rich in salt.
Fig trees are also known as “trees of health,” and their fruits were used as antidote for various diseases by Greek kings who urged their population to eat figs every day to stay healthy.