Figs are sweet and delicious fruits with a smooth skin and crunchy seeds. The fig is a member of the Mulberry family and is packed with a variety of nutrients. Unsurprisingly, the health benefits of figs are many.

Bet you didn’t know that the fig was among the first plants cultivated by humans! This bell-shaped fruit can be eaten both fresh and dried. Since the dried form is available throughout the year, the nutritional benefits of figs are always close at hand.

Six Important Benefits Of Figs

Here are are few reasons as to why you should include figs in your diet. The fig fruit:

1. Promotes Weight Loss

   Figs are low in calories and high on fiber.  As they make you feel fuller for longer, you’ll automatically find yourself cutting down on unhealthy snacks and this in turn will help you lose weight.

2. Fights Cancer

   The fiber content of figs also helps in flushing out toxins from the body and provides protection from breast and colon cancer.

   A study involving more than 50,000 postmenopausal women proved that those who ate the most fruit fiber showed a 34 percent reduction in the risk of breast cancer than those who consumed the least.

   Figs also contain antioxidants and vitamins. Together, these two compounds fight against harmful free radicals and eliminate them from the body.

3. Improves Cardiovascular Health

   Figs are a great source of potassium, a compound that helps maintain a stable heart rate and prevents hypertension. Dried figs in particular have high concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which are very useful in preventing coronary heart diseases.
   In addition to this, figs are rich in the fiber pectin, which absorbs excess cholesterol from the digestive tract and pushes it out of the body. Copper and iron present in this fruit play important roles in producing red blood cells. If you want a high-fiber treat, figs are your answer.

4. Controls Diabetes

   One of the various benefits of figs is their ability to lower blood sugar levels. The antidiabetic properties of figs reduce the amount of insulin that is required by diabetic patients through injections. In fact, liquid extracted from fig leaves is known to increase insulin sensitivity.

5. Strengthens Bones

   Figs are rich in both calcium and potassium, which help counter the weakness and brittleness of bones that come with aging. Calcium promotes bone density, while potassium brings down the loss of calcium through urine. These two compounds combine to prevent diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis.

   Those who are allergic to dairy products or are lactose intolerant can eat figs as an alternate source of calcium.

   

6. Boosts Vision

   Figs are rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, and vitamins. These prevent age-related deterioration of eyesight by slowing down macular degeneration, so for optimum eye health, don’t forget to include figs in your regular diet.

The benefits of figs can be obtained by adding the fresh or dried variety of this fruit to salads, cakes, jams, tarts, and other dishes. If you want a simple and instant snack without having to mess about in the kitchen, just grab a few figs and bite into them!