Description

ABOUT

We all are familiar with figs as soft, pear-shaped fruits that are commonly eaten dry. These fruits, which belong to the mulberry family, provide a variety of health benefits such as vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, vitamin K, vitamin A, iron, calcium, magnesium, folate, and also abundant in antioxidants, polyphenols, fibre, and other essential nutrients, should be incorporated as a nutritious snack in your regular diet. 

Ficus Caric is the scientific name for figs, which are inverted flowers rather than fruits. Figs have a bell-shaped form and a leathery, slightly wrinkled skin. They come in a variety of colours and sizes, including brown, purple, green, yellow, and black. Figs are among the sweetest fruits due to their high sugar content. Each fig ‘fruit’ is actually a flower head with many tiny flowers and seeds wrapped within it.

TYPES OF FIGS

Black genoa figs have dark purple skin, the meat is white, and the seeds are white and red. 

Adriatic figs are recognised for having a strong flavour, particularly when dried.

Brown Turkey figs have a purplish-brown peel and a sweet, juicy pulp and are medium to large in size.

Purplish-black figs with red flesh are called Mission figs. They have a rich flavour and a juicy, chewy texture, and are best eaten fresh. 

Calimyrna figs are large, green-skinned fruits with white flesh. They have a pleasant honey/nut flavour to them.

Kadota figs are medium in size and have a thick yellowish-green skin. There are barely a few seeds in the fragrant, white to amber-pink pulp. 

ABOUT FIGS IN AYURVEDA

Anjeer is a sweet and astringent fruit that is difficult to digest and has a cooling effect.

According to ayurveda principles, the goodness of vital nutrients in anjeer helps to balance the Vata and Pitta. 

Figs aid in colon cleaning and the elimination of toxins from the body.

Figs are a powerful natural cure for lowering blood pressure, constipation, piles, digestive problems, and excess Vata in the body. 

Figs or Anjeer is strongly recommended by Ayurveda for the treatment of urinary stones and other urinary problems. To dissolve kidney stones, drink a 30 ml combination of anjeer water twice a day. To reduce Vata in the body, soak dried figs in water and drink the water. Women should eat 2-4 dried figs each day to replenish calcium and iron levels in the body. 

HOW TO CONSUME FIGS

Simply soak 1-2 figs or anjeer in 1/2 cup water over night. Consume it the next morning on an empty stomach. Other dry fruits like almonds and walnuts can also be soaked along with figs and consumed for better health benefits  

BENEFITS OF FIGS 

Figs provide a good source of calcium, which helps to keep your bones healthy. Because our bodies do not produce calcium on their own, we have to depend on food sources such as milk, soy, green leafy vegetables, ragi and figs.   

Because of their high polyphenol content, figs, especially dried ones, are high in antioxidants. According to studies, figs have a higher polyphenol concentration than both red wine and green tea. Antioxidants protect you from free radicals, which are harmful to your health.  If you’re on a weight-loss programme, figs can also be included in your diet plan.

Figs provides a good amount of fibre to your body, which is important for weight loss. Consuming moderately is the key as its rich in calories which may lead to weight gain. Figs are high in fibre, and its gut friendly. People who suffer from constipation can avoid it by include figs in their diet. This will also help them maintain a healthy gut.

 In type II diabetes, eating soaked figs can help regulate blood glucose levels. Chopped anjeer can be used to salads, smoothies, cornflakes bowls, or oats to make this dry fruit part of your diet. Figs are high in potassium, which helps to keep your blood sugar levels in check.