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Health Benefits of Figs

Updated: Oct 3, 2022


Figs are a sweet and tasty fruit that's often overlooked. While they are commonly used in baking, figs can also be eaten raw or cooked in many different recipes. They are full of fiber, which makes them great for weight management—and they are high in potassium, which keeps your heart healthy! Figs also contain prebiotics which helps improve digestive health by promoting the growth of good bacteria. There are so many health benefits to adding figs to your diet! In this guide, we will explore some of the most common uses for figs as well as how they might be able to help you achieve optimal health.


Health Benefits of Figs

Figs are good for your heart.


Figs are a good source of potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure. Figs are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which promote heart health. They also contain magnesium, which helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.


Figs help you fight cancer cells.


Figs are a rich source of antioxidants, which help fight cancer cells in the body. Resveratrol and ellagic acid are two of the most abundant antioxidants found in figs.

Fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer—and figs contain 3 grams per cup! Fiber also helps you feel full longer, so you will not be tempted to overeat at mealtime.


Figs keep your bones healthy.


Figs are a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. Figs contain more vitamin K than any other fruit. Vitamin K is essential to help maintain healthy bones and joints; it also helps prevent arthritis.

Figs are low on the glycemic index and are therefore helpful with diabetes management and preventing osteoporosis. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and obesity.


Figs can help you manage diabetes better.


There are many benefits of figs, which is one reason why they are a staple in our diet. Figs contain fiber, which helps manage blood sugar levels. The fiber in figs is found in the fruit's skin and can play an essential role in keeping you feeling full while also helping regulate bowel movements. In addition, when you eat figs that have been dried or cooked (such as fig newtons), they become even more beneficial because they slow down digestion so that your body absorbs fewer sugars than if you were eating fresh figs. All these things help contribute to better health by helping to prevent diabetes complications like heart disease and kidney disease.


Figs may help your weight loss journey.


The fiber in figs can help you feel full longer, which may help reduce your overall calorie intake. In one study, people who ate 200 grams (g) of dried figs per day for four weeks lost weight without changing their diet or exercise habits. The researchers think this might be because fiber helps you feel full and satisfied after eating.


Figs are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice if you are trying to lose weight by eating fewer calories. One medium-sized fig has about 20 calories; a half cup of sliced fresh figs contains about 65 calories.


When it comes to losing belly fat—the worst kind of flab—it is essential to ensure your diet is rich in fruits and vegetables. Fruits like strawberries contain antioxidants that fight free radical damage caused by stress and pollution and protect cells from damage that can lead to cancerous growths on breast tissue (ductal carcinoma).


They are great for pregnant women.


"Figs are a great source of iron, which helps prevent anemia in pregnant women," says Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, author of Eating in Color. "Iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to fatigue and weakness."

In addition to iron, figs provide potassium and fiber—both essential nutrients for pregnant women. Figs are high in potassium (more than bananas) and contain more fiber than most other fruits. A potassium-rich diet may help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy by improving insulin sensitivity. Additionally, fiber may help prevent constipation by slowly releasing carbs into your bloodstream rather than all at once, like digestible carbs do—a benefit that's especially important if you are having trouble keeping regular due to morning sickness or other digestive issues related to being pregnant.


Figs may improve brain function.


Figs are rich in iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are all critical for brain function.

Iron is a mineral necessary to produce red blood cells and make DNA. It also helps the body use oxygen efficiently. Getting enough iron in your diet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding is essential because it supports the growth of your baby's neural tube (the part of the nervous system that eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord).

Magnesium is an essential dietary mineral that helps maintain normal nerve function and muscle control and keeps bones strong by helping them absorb calcium from food.[3] Magnesium also plays a role in controlling blood pressure by relaxing muscles within our arteries.[4] Potassium helps keep our heart beating regularly


You can use figs to treat constipation.


If you are experiencing constipation, figs can help. Figs are high in fiber, which is excellent for your digestive system and helps keep things moving through your body. They can also help people lose weight because they are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. Figs contain potassium—a mineral that helps break down food—so eating them regularly can reduce bloating caused by poor digestion.


Figs may improve digestive health.


Figs are an excellent prebiotic fiber source, nourishing your gut bacteria. The body needs the right mix of good and bad bacteria to stay healthy, and having too many harmful bacteria can lead to diseases like diabetes, but having a lot of good bacteria can help keep you from getting sick in the first place. Prebiotics help feed that "good" or protective type of gut flora.

Figs also contain antioxidants that may prevent inflammation in your digestive tract and protect against colon cancer. One study found that eating dried figs helped improve insulin sensitivity in women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Mets are linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, among other conditions—so edibles like these could be helpful if you are trying to manage this condition!


Figs can treat erectile dysfunction.


  • Figs are a good source of fiber and magnesium.

  • Fibers help to keep the digestive tract healthy, and magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in muscle relaxation. This helps to improve blood flow to the penis, which can help treat erectile dysfunction.

The penis can benefit from eating carrots, too. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy eyesight. This is important because you need to be able to see where your penis is going in order to use it properly!


Figs contain prebiotics, which helps your gut bacteria thrive and protect against several diseases.


Figs are rich in prebiotics. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Good bacteria in the colon help fight harmful bacteria and keep your digestive system healthy.


If you are interested in adding figs to your diet, try them fresh or dried in smoothies, salads, sandwiches, or burgers!


Dried figs are great for snacking, but if you are interested in adding figs to your diet, try them fresh or dried in smoothies, salads, or even on sandwiches or burgers!

Figs are a sweet and filling fruit that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. They are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. Figs also contain potassium—a vital electrolyte mineral that helps maintain blood pressure already within normal range—and iron and calcium.


Conclusion


Figs are a great way to get more nutrients into your diet and keep yourself healthy. They contain lots of antioxidants and fiber, which can help reduce the risk of many diseases and improve digestive health. Plus, they taste delicious!

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