Dried Figs - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Dried figs are gaining popularity because of their singular chewy, soft, yet crunchy texture, rich, earthy taste, and adaptable structure. Dried figs account for 90% of the total yearly fig sales. Dried figs are more convenient to travel and store than fresh figs since they last for a longer period of time after being dried. Fresh, ripe figs are the precursor to the dried kind. The full-grown height of a common fig tree is 33 feet, making it as tall as a three-story house.

What are dried figs? 

Dried figs are the dried versions of the fruit that grows on the fig tree, or Ficus carica as their scientific name suggests. Despite their widespread adoration, fresh figs are a seasonal delicacy that must be savoured during their brief window of availability each year due to their fragility. A fresh fig's shelf life is only a week or two after it's been picked, and they're at their peak flavour during the first few days.

Where do figs grow?

Originally from the Middle East, fig trees are currently cultivated in many different parts of the world. The current leading fig producer is Turkey, which produces nearly twice as much as Egypt. Along with these major fig producers, Algeria, Iran, Morocco, Syria, the USA, Brazil, Spain, Tunisia, Albania, and India are also major players in the industry.

Nutritional value of figs: 

Protein, carbs, calcium, vitamin K, potassium, iron, and magnesium are just some of the nutrients that may be found in abundance in dried figs. Dried figs have the most dietary fibre of any fruit. There are fewer than 200 calories and nearly no fat in half a cup (9 dried fruits) of these figs. You may further improve your health by eating these dried fruits, which contain a wide range of antioxidants and active substances. Furthermore, small levels of glutamic acid, linoleic acid, and omega-6 fatty acids can be found.

Difference between fresh and dried figs: 

Whether eaten fresh or dried, figs pack a nutritional punch. Vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and fibre are all abundant in these naturally sweet fruits. They include a variety of potent antioxidants including quercetin, kaempferol, epicatechin gallate, and more. Their high sugar content belies their positive effects on health and their potential to aid in weight loss.

 Health benefits of dried figs: 

1. Packed with nutrients:

Dried figs include a wide variety of beneficial minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, antioxidants, iron, vitamins A and C, and polyphenols. To sum up, figs are a powerhouse food that everyone should incorporate into their diet. The great thing about eating figs is that they contain no fat or cholesterol, thus consuming them on a daily basis won't cause weight gain if done so moderately.

2. Lowers blood pressure:

Hypertension, often known as high blood pressure, is a serious health condition that can prove fatal in some people. Regular consumption of figs can be useful in the control of hypertension. This is due to the high potassium and fibre content of figs. Fiber in figs aids in the excretion of excess sodium by the body. And potassium helps correct the sodium and potassium imbalance that might cause a stroke or other cardiovascular complications.

3. Benefits digestion 

Due to their high fibre content, dried figs can be used as a gentle laxative. Dried figs have such a broad range of health benefits that they can be used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhoea and constipation. The consumption of figs has been shown to have significant positive effects for those suffering from digestive issues. This is due to the fact that figs have been shown to normalise stomach acidity. Figs are beneficial to digestive health because of the prebiotics they contain.

4. Fights diabetes:

When a person has diabetes, their blood glucose levels get too high. Incorporating figs into one's diet on a daily basis has been linked to positive effects for those with diabetes. This is due to the fruit's ability to improve insulin levels and reduce glucose levels in the blood. In addition, fig leaf extract helps the liver produce less glucose.

5. Great for hair and skin:

Are you confused as to why your hair and skin still look and feel the same after you've adhered to a time-consuming skin and hair care routine? Reason being, interior care for hair and skin is equally as important as outward care. When you eat figs, you're giving your hair and skin the nourishment they need to look and feel better from the inside out. Even if you're not like using masks, you may acquire fig leaves extract and add it to your regular skin and hair care routine to see results.

6. Improves bone health

Nowadays, everyone, from adults to teenagers, complains of a sore bone or two. Have you ever pondered why no one from ancient times suffered from bone weakness? They had a rich diet, and that had a role. Eating at least two figs everyday can also help us with our bone health issues. Both calcium and potassium can be found in abundance in figs. Regular consumption of these foods has been shown to improve bone mineral structure and reduce or eliminate associated pain.