Health Benefits of Fig (Anjeer)

Figs have a high sugar content, so they are great producers of energy. They are best eaten raw and fresh; however, dried figs may also give nourishment to the body, especially in the winter. Figs are laxative because of the mucin and pectin they contain. They are a high calcium food, high in carbohydrates, and turn into energy very quickly.
It is always best to use unsulfured figs. The black figs are high in potassium. One remedy for arthritis is black Mission figs and raw goat milk. This combination acts as a purge to the intestinal tract, and helps develop a toxin-free body.
In fresh form, figs will mix with all fruits. Dried figs will mix well with starches, vegetables, and subacid fruits, but not with acid fruits such as tomatoes, grapefruit, and oranges.
Figs can be stuffed with cheese or nut butters and used for weight building. When used in combination with soy milk they are wonderful between meals as a weight builder. Fig juice can be used with other juices to balance their nonlaxative qualities. The fig sugars are very quickly taken up by the intestinal tract and used by the body.

A few of its health benefits include :
• Prevent constipation: There are 5 grams of fiber per three-fig serving. So, it helps in healthy bowel function and prevents constipation.
• Helps to reduce weight: The fiber in figs also helps to reduce weight and is recommended for obese people.
• Lower cholesterol: Figs contain Pectin, a soluble fiber. When fiber goes through the digestive system, it mops up globes of cholesterol and carries them out of body.
• Prevent coronary heart disease: Dried figs contain phenol, Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Prevent colon cancer: The presence of fiber helps to mop up and usher out cancer causing substances.
• Protection against post-menopausal breast cancer: Fiber content in figs give protection against breast cancer.
• Good for diabetic patients: The American Diabetes Association recommends figs for a high fiber treat. Fig leaves reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients who have to take insulin injection. Fig is rich in Potassium. Potassium helps to control blood sugar. Fig leaves have anti-diabetic properties
• Prevention of hypertension: People used to take more sodium in the form of salt. Low potassium and high sodium level may lead to hypertension. Figs are high in potassium but low in sodium. So, it helps to avoid hypertension.
• Strengthens bones: Figs are rich in Calcium. Calcium helps to strengthen bones.
• People having high calcium diet may be affected by increased urinary calcium loss. Potassium content in figs helps to avoid that.
• Prevent macular degeneration: Vision loss in older people is due to macular degeneration. Fruits and figs generally are good for avoiding this condition.
• Relief for throat: The high mucilage content in figs, helps to heal and protect sore throats.
• Sexual weakness: Figs are known since ages for reducing sexual weakness. Soak 2-3 figs in milk overnight and eat them in the morning to enhance your sexual power. It also helps in gaining weight.
• Urinary calcium loss: People having high salt diet may be affected by increased urinary calcium loss. Potassium content in figs helps to avoid that.

Figs are quite useful in various respiratory disorders including whooping cough and asthma. Since they are also good for digestion, they help in treating constipation, indigestion, stomach ache, etc. Figs are also good for fever, earache, boils, abscesses, venereal diseases and is excellent for the liver. Fig is a highly alkaline food, therefore helps to regulate the pH of the body. Figs are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. These are antioxidants, which prevent the damage caused by free radicals. Fig is known for its soothing and laxative properties. Figs are low in fat and sugar.