What is Fig?
Figs belong to the ficus family and are very tasty. They have been cultivated for innumerable years. They probably originated in Asia, but are now available in all parts of the world. They are of course native to Middle East. The production of the fruit is at its best in temperate climates. Even in the Neolithic sites one has come across fig remnants. One also has come across it in Rome and Greece.
Fruit latex is primarily used due to its medicinal properties. However, Figs have high source of copper, iron and calcium and Zinc. It is rich in vitamin A and C however 30-40% of vitamin A is lost if it is taken in dry form. Vitamin B complex and vitamin D are also present moderately in this fruit. They have laxative, expectorant and diuretic properties.
Figs are available in a variety forms. The common fig is widely cultivated commercially. Fresh figs do not remain for long in the refrigerator, not more than 4 days. They freeze and dry well though. Dried figs are very popular as a snack. Figs have smooth skin and crunchy seeds and are luscious to eat and chew. They are useful as ingredients in culinary dishes. The color of the fruit varies. It is green, almost black and purple. The flesh of the fruit can be either red, amber or pink.
Not only are figs tasty, but also have several benefits for maintaining good health. Let us have a look at them:
Health Benefits of Figs
- Periods: In case a women is suffering from delayed periods then they must try this. Take some roots of fig and boil it in water. Filter it properly and take the decoction for 2-3 weeks once a day. This will set the cycle normal in most cases
- Hyper Acidity: Burn fig fruit and store its ash. This ash is very basic in nature. Take 1 tsp of this ash 15 minutes before meal and it might not let the problem occur
- Anaemia: High iron content in the fruit makes it an ideal food for people suffering from anaemia. It is best to include fig in regular diet
- Worm: In case a person is suffering from worm infestation especially tricharus and ascaris types then this might be one of the best herb to get rid of nasty worms. The ficin enzyme present in fig latex makes it anthelmintic which fights with worms
- Leucoderma: Leucoderma which is also known as vitiligo is a skin disease which causes white spots or patches. Take fig in any form for 2-3 months and it might show improvement
- Burn Ulcers: Fig is beneficial in burn ulcers. Take the bark of fig plant, bark of margosa, sacred fig and mango tree and boil them in water. Apply it on burns to get fast relief
- Dysuria: Make a decoction out of boiling figs with water. Take 30 to 50 grms of this decoction 2 times a day and it would cure most of the urinary disorders and could also melt small stones
Other Benefits
- Provides energy as a snack
- Promotes healthy functioning of the bowels
- Contains a lot of fiber
- It is high in alkaline, thus is able to balance the pH in the body
- Contains a lot of potassium and is therefore beneficial in regulating blood pressure
- Helps in losing weight
- Beneficial for those suffering from breast cancer
- Useful for post-menopausal women
- Beneficial for those suffering from diabetes. It contains properties which are anti-diabetic
- Figs also increase bone density
- They are beneficial for cardiac health
- Help in preventing constipation
- Useful in preventing anemia
- Beneficial for cancer
- Helps in digestion
