6 Health Benefits Of Including Figs In Your Diet
Ancients Greeks and Indians had a lot in common. Apart from being the first republics of the world, both civilisations made remarkable contributors to the development of early literature and architecture. Literature from both civilisations were extremely mythological and assumed several foods to be sacred. One such food was figs. People from both India and Greece considered the sacred it as a symbol of love and fertility and a natural aphrodisiac. But, apart from strengthening your libido, figs have several other incredible health benefits. Here are 6 benefits of including figs in your diet, as told to us by nutritionist Seema Singh.
Fig is the fruit of the ficus tree from the mulberry family. They have unique sweet taste that is soft and chewy in texture. Fresh figs are delicate and perishable. That’s why, they’re often dried to preserve them for the whole year. “Figs can be eaten as a snack between your meals or tossed into your salad. They were often used a sweetener before the day artificial sugar. They can also be eaten raw as a fruit or soaked overnight in milk and water,” says Singh.
1. Weight Management
Figs are found to be excellent sources of fibre. Fibre-rich foods are often associated with weight management. Infact, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a fibre-rich diet can help you shed the extra kilos. But, as dried figs are high in calories include them in your diet in low calories, but frequently.
2. Goodbye Constipation
Since figs are rich in fibre and have contain high level of oxalates they aid our digestive system in maintaining regular bowel movements in the body. But, they must be eaten in moderation as excessive consumption of figs can have a laxative effect on the body.
3. Keeps Diabetes At Bay
“According to the American Diabetic Association, figs have high potassium content and their regular consumption can keep the glucose levels in your blood in check,” says Singh. The chlorogenic acid found in figs also help in lowering sugar levels and control blood-gluscose levels in type-II diabetes.
4. Keeps Your Heart Healthy
Figs also help to reduce the levels of triglycerides, which are fat particles that circulate in the bloodstream and are a major cause of heart diseases. It’s high potassium content helps to maintain a healthy blood pressure by eliminating free radicals from the body. Lower blood pressure also keeps coronary heart diseases at bay. Additionally, they are rich in Omega 3,6 fatty acids that are considered essential for a healthy heart.
5. Strengthens Our Bones
Dried figs are a good source of calcium. Our body needs atleast 1000mg of calcium per day which often falls short even after regular milk consumption. Including figs in our diet can provide the body with an alternative source of calcium to keep the bones healthy.
6. Boosts Sexual Health
Figs are mentioned in ancient Indian literature as a natural aphrodisiac that not only rejuvenate your lost sexual drive but also cure erectile dysfunction and boost fertility. It is loaded with important minerals like zinc, magnesium, iron, and manganese - all of which improve reproductive health.
