What is Fig?
Fig tree is native to temperate regions of Asia Minor or Turkey, a
nd today, grown as an important fruit of commerce in the eastern Mediterranean climates, USA, and Spain. It also cultivated as a fruit tree in the home gardens in many other regions as well. During each season, fig bears several hundreds of pear-shaped fruits twice a year, which vary in size and color depending on the variety. inside the , fig fruit features numerous, tiny club shaped ovaries extending towards central hollow cavity. In their natural habitat, “caprifigs” pollinated by tiny “gall wasp” (Blastophaga psenes) insect that enters flower clusters through a small opening at the apex.
Health Benefits of Fig
Prevention of constipation: The high concentration of fiber helps promote healthy, regular bowel function and help to prevent constipation. Fiber works to add bulk and mass to bowel movements, so it not only avoids constipation, but also eliminates diarrhea and unhealthy or irregular bowel movements.
Weight loss: Fiber in figs helps to decrease weight and is often suggested for obese people. However, their high calorie count may also result in weight gain, particularly when consumed with milk.
Lower cholesterol: Figs consist of Pectin, which is actually a soluble fiber. When fiber moves through the digestive system, it mainly wipes up excess masses of cholesterol and carries them to the excretory system to be removed from the body. As a soluble fiber, pectin from figs stimulates healthy bowel movements. Figs can have a laxative effect, as they are one of the most fiber-dense foods available. High amounts of fiber in your diet can benefit your overall health by avoiding certain types of abdominal cancer, as well as colon cancer.
Treat Common Illnesses: Since ancient time, a fig has been used to treat a wide range of common ailments. More than 40 ailments related to the digestive, endocrine, reproductive and respiratory systems have been treated with the regular use of fig fruit, extracts and components of the fig tree.
Prevention of coronary heart disease: Phenol, Omega-3 and Omega-6 are found in dried figs. These fatty acids help to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Additionally, the leaves of figs have a significant effect on the level of triglycerides in a person’s system. A fig leaf has an inhibitory effect on triglycerides, and makes the overall number of triglycerides drop. Triglycerides are another major factor behind various heart diseases.
Prevention of colon cancer: Fiber present in fig helps to stimulate the elimination of free radicals and other cancer causing substances, mainly in the colon, since fiber increases the healthy movement of the bowels.
Prevention of hypertension: People usually take in sodium in the form of salt, but low potassium and high sodium level may lead to hypertension. Figs are high in potassium and low in sodium, so they are a wonderful defense against the appearance and effects of hypertension, making figs a relaxing food as well, which helps to settle the nerves and bring some calmness to your day.
Bronchitis: Natural chemicals present in fig leaves make it an ideal component for a tea base. Fig leaf tea has been popularly recommended for several respiratory conditions like bronchitis, and it is also used to prevent and lessen the symptoms of asthmatic patients.
Sexual Dysfunction: Since ancient times, figs are recommended to correct sexual dysfunction like sterility, endurance, or erectile dysfunction. It is referenced as a powerful fertility or sexual supplement. Its actual success as an aphrodisiac is doubtful, but the huge amount of valuable vitamins and minerals might result in the sudden boost in energy and stamina that people mistake for a sexual surge. Soak 2-3 figs in milk overnight and eat them in the morning to enhance your sexual abilities.
Strengthens Bones: Figs consist of good amount of calcium, which is one of the most important components in strengthening bones, and decreasing the risk of osteoporosis. It is also rich in phosphorus, which inspires bone formation and spurs regrowth if there is any damage or degradation to bones.
Urinary calcium loss: People with high-sodium diet may be affected by increased urinary calcium loss. The high potassium content in figs helps to avoid that condition and controls the content of waste in your urine. It reduces the calcium you lose, while increasing the amount of uric acid and other harmful toxins which you want to get out of your body.
Prevention of macular degeneration: Vision loss in older people is normally due to macular degeneration. Fruits and figs are mainly good at helping you avoid this very common symptom of aging.
Relief for throat pain: High mucilage content in figs helps to heal and protect sore throats. The calming nature of figs and their natural juices relieve pain and stress on the vocal chords.
Uses of Fig
- Latex from the stem is normally applied on warts, corns, skin ulcers and sores, and taken as a purgative and vermifuge.
- Fruit and leaves are pulverized and gargled to relieve sore throats.
- Unripe green fruits are cooked with other foods as a galactogogue and tonic.
- Roasted fruit is emollient and used as a poultice in the treatment of gumboils, dental abscesses.
- Leaves are used in the treatment of jaundice.
- Paste of figs is given in prescriptions, also as cooked vegetable for emaciation and debility, as a diuretic in urinary stones.
- Leaves are added to boiling water and used as a steam bath for painful or swollen piles.
- It also has an analgesic effect against insect stings and bites.
- Roots are used to treat leucoderma and ringworms.