It lowers high blood pressure
Figs are good sources of the mineral potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure. Increased salt (sodium) consumption with Western-type nutrition and less consumption of vegetables and fruits, sources of potassium, lay the groundwork for cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension. Scientific studies have shown that a DASH-type diet rich in fruits and vegetables, poor in salt and saturated fat significantly reduces blood pressure.
It prolongs the satiety period!
Nutrition and Diet Specialist Dilan Eker stated that figs are also a good source of fiber, in other words, pulp, a natural sugar source, and said, “Instead of a dessert containing added sugar and saturated fat, consuming figs containing natural sugar and fiber helps to reduce daily energy intake by prolonging the satiety period. With this effect, it also contributes to the maintenance of weight loss diets. For example, consuming one fig together with a glass of milk or 10-15 raw nuts helps to balance glucose and gives a feeling of satiety. You can consume figs as a snack in this way, or immediately after a meal that contains low carbohydrate if you wish. However, excessive consumption should be avoided due to the fruit sugar fructose and glucose it contains.”
It helps to the fight against cancer!
Figs are a rich source of polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that protect the human body against oxidative stress. The damage caused by oxidative stress invites many chronic diseases and cancers. One of the most powerful weapons to deal with this is to take advantage of foods with high antioxidant capacity, including figs. Especially dark purple figs are rich in polyphenols that help fight oxidative stress. These beneficial chemicals are found together in the fig peel, fruit and leaf. Therefore, eating well-washed figs with the peel brings more benefits. Supports bone health .Figs are good sources of calcium, the most essential mineral that supports bone health. At the same time, it also helps to prevent calcium loss while reducing the amount of uric acid and other harmful toxins in the body.
Effective in preventing constipation!
The soluble and insoluble pulp contained in figs also supports intestinal functions. Figs contain prebiotics that feed the good bacteria that exist in the intestine and support digestive health. It supports the elimination and prevention of constipation by showing a natural laxative effect with its high pulp content. For the best effect in constipation, the pulp source foods should be consumed with plenty of water.
It balances glucose!
The pulp and potassium contained in figs contribute to the stabilization of glucose. A recent study has revealed that fig leaf extract reduces the amount of insulin needed by insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Dilan Eker, nutrition and diet expert, says that; “High pulp content, thanks to it's okay for people with diabetes to consume figs in a medium can be observed from fig. But it is important not to exceed this amount” however she also reminds that sugar and glucose with a high content of natural fruit figs need to be paid attention to the consuming quantity.