Dried Figs

BENEFITS OF DRIED FIGS

Blood Pressure: Fig is a fruit rich in potassium. The potassium mineral helps to stabilize
blood pressure.High blood pressure is one of the most common health problemS, due to
today's diet generally contains less potassium, less fruit, more sodium, more ready-to-eat
canned food and fast food. Having a balanced diet with potassium-rich vegetables and fruits
such as figs (dark green leafy vegetables, white beans, fish, mushrooms, bananas…) helps
prevent high blood pressure and related cardiovascular diseases.

Constipation: Constipation occurs due to the insufficient nutrient fiber and the hardening of
the stool due to consuming lesser amounts of fluid than the body needs, making it difficult to
pass through the intestines. Nutritional habits are the main cause of constipation. In order
to have a proper digestive system and to go to the toilet regularly, you should consume
nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits and increase the amount of water you drink during the
day. At this point, figs contain a high percentage of nutrient fiber and stand out as one of the
recommended fruits to be consumed against constipation. Especially dried figs come first
among the foods that help regulate bowel movements.
Diabetes: If you are looking for a suitable fruit for your diabetic diet list, figs are for you. Figs,
rich in nutrient fiber, slow down the digestion and absorption of sugar from food. With this
feature, it is among the fruits recommended for both type 2 diabetes patients and people at
risk for type 2 diabetes.
Bone Health: Almost all vegetables and fruits contribute to bone health and help protect us
from bone diseases. However, figs contain magnesium, calcium and vitamin K, so figs hold
a special place in the fruit and vegetable family. Magnesium helps calcium to be processed
by the body, while vitamin K helps calcium strengthen bones.
Antioxidant: Dried figs are one of the richest antioxidants in terms of dried fruits. It is known
that fruit-derived antioxidants are more effective in protecting eye health than antioxidants
from vegetables. You can regularly eat dried figs to avoid the yellow spot (macular
degeneration), an eye disease common among adults over the age of 55.
Iron: 1 fig meets 1% of your daily iron needs. If you are consuming iron-rich vegetables and
fruits due to iron deficiency, I suggest you add figs to your list.
Weight Loss: Nutrient-rich foods slow down digestion and prevent blood sugar fluctuations.
In this way, having a sufficient amount of nutrient fiber results in a longer feeling of
satisfaction and you will stay fuller for longer. Figs with high fiber content can help you lose
weight both as a delicious snack and with the ability to increase the feeling of satisfaction.
Heart Health: Figs contain potassium, which balances high blood pressure, which can help
protect you from heart diseases. You can also improve your heart health by preparing tea
with fig leaves.

Vitamins B: Fresh and dried figs include vitamin B5, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B3 (niacin)
and vitamin B6. All these B vitamins are used by the body during processing of
carbohydrates, proteins and fats taken through foods.
Breast Cancer: According to a survey of 51,823 women, women who consume more fruit-
derived dietary fiber in post-menopausal periods are 34% less likely to develop breast
cancer. Other fruits rich in fiber include apples, dates, figs, pears and plums.
Cholesterol: When pectin (water soluble fiber) in fig enters the digestive system, it cleans
the excess cholesterol and facilitates its excretion from the body.
APPLICATION AREAS
I have tried to give you some information about the health benefits of eating figs above.
Below you will find some information about the traditional uses of figs and fig leaves.
Acne: Freshly crushed figs on acne, leave for 15-20 minutes and then clean with warm
water. You can use it as a cleansing and brightening face mask for your entire face.
Sore Throat: 1-2 pieces of dried figs with 2 teaspoons of honey in hot water to mix and drink
like tea.
Mouth Sores: Chew 2-3 pieces of fresh fig leaves. Fig leaf helps in the treatment of mouth
sores and prevents the smell of breath.