7 Reasons to Eat Figs

Lisa Franchi August 18, 2014

Figs have always taken a good spot in the world of natural health. For centuries, they have been used to treat a wide variety of health problems, such as haemorrhoids, diabetes, as well as liver, respiratory and urinary diseases. Whilst dried figs are available throughout the year, nothing really beats the unique taste of fresh figs that are lusciously sweet and smooth.

Here are some interesting health facts about figs that make them a superfood:

Figs may help lower blood pressure.

Most people today eat a lot of processed foods and less fruits and vegetables. As a result, they tend to be deficient in potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral that has a role in controlling blood pressure. Low levels of this, plus high levels of sodium can lead to hypertension. Adding figs to your diet is one way to boost your intake of the said nutrient.

It has insulin-lowering effect – a great option for diabetics.

You might think that the fruits are the only edible part of the fig tree. Well, in some parts of the world, the leaves are eaten too. What’s more, fig leaves have repeatedly been shown to have anti-diabetic properties and can actually reduce the amount of insulin required by diabetic patients, in the same way like artificial insulin does.

Figs promote heart health too.

Whilst researchers couldn’t determine yet what compound in the fig leaves is responsible for this effect, it was found that they may also lower the amount of triglycerides in the blood (also called the ‘bad cholesterol’). Aside from potassium, figs are also a great source of manganese which is also important to keeping your heart healthy.

It is a sweet way to shed excess fats.

Figs can promote weight loss because it is packed with fibre – nutrient needed for better digestion. Study after study shows that a diet high in fibre is more likely to result in weight loss than a diet that lacks fibre.

Figs may aid against macular degeneration.

Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables can protect you against macular degeneration – the most common cause of blindness in older adults. A study reported in the Archives of Ophthalmology journal suggests that eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration. Tossing a couple of diced figs in your fruit or vegetable salad is one way to reach your 3 or 5-a-day portions.

It has anti-cancer properties.

Eating figs regularly has been linked to lower risks of prostate and breast cancers – two of the most common cancers these days. Findings from a prospective study involving 51,823 postmenopausal women showed a 34% reduction in the likelihood of breast cancer for those consuming the most fruit fibre compared to those consuming the least. This sweet fruit is believed to also lower the risk of colon cancer.

Figs can flush away disease-causing chemicals from the body.

Fresh figs contain adequate levels of certain antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin A, E, and K. Altogether, these phytochemicals can help eliminate the free radicals from the body, and thereby protect you not only from cancers and diabetes, but also from a wide range of degenerative diseases and infections.

Enjoying Figs

There are many ways figs can be enjoyed. Aside from adding dried or fresh in salads, you can top them on your morning oatmeal, cereal or porridge. You may also poach figs in juice or red wine and serve with your favourite frozen desserts or yogurt. Furthermore, figs are utterly sweet and delicious and therefore can be eaten without any addition!