Everything you need to know about figs.

Figs are generally thumb size fruits that are filled with hundreds of tiny seeds. Although the only edible part is purple or green peel. Most of the time, the flesh of the fruit is pink and has a mild sweet taste.

Several scientific studies have proved that figs and their leaves are just packed with several nutrients. They provide several health benefits such as healthy dilation, decrease in risk of heart diseases and manage blood sugar levels.

40 grams of fresh figs may contain about 30 calories. Most of them just come from carbohydrates and fibre. Micronutrient content include copper, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, vitamin K.

Now go through the below mentioned health benefits of using figs.

• Figs promote digestive health.

Since olden times fix have been used as a home remedy or alternative treatment for digestive problems. This fruit contains fibre which may help in promoting digestive health by softening and adding bulk to stools. During several animal studies, it was found that fig fruit extracts or paste help in speeding the movement of food through digestive tract.

During a human study, on 150 participants with irritable bowel syndrome. It was found that those who consumed about four dried figs twice daily experience a significant reduction in symptoms.

• Optimise cardiovascular health.

Figs are known to improve blood pressure and blood fat levels. This will surely help you to improve your overall cardiovascular health and decrease the risk of heart diseases.

During one study, it was found that fig extract decreased blood pressure in rats with normal blood pressure. Handful of animal studies also revealed the fact of improvement in total good cholesterol levels.

During a five week study on 83 participants with high bad cholesterol levels. Experts noted that those who added about 14 dried fix to their diet daily had no changes in body fat levels.

• May help to manage blood sugar.

A human study on 10 participants with type one diabetes found that having fig leaf tea with breakfast decrease their insulin needs. Till the end of two months, their insulin requirement doses decreased by 12%.

Several other studies found that having good doses of fig fruit extracts have lower glycemic index then normal beverages.

• Potentially act as anti cancer.

Some of the most promising test tube studies revealed the beneficial effects of fig leaves on cancer cells. Fig leaves and natural latex extracts from fake plants show to exhibit anti tumour activity. These can help against colon cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer and liver cancer.

Although this topic needs to be thoroughly studied. This clearly do not means that eating figs or drinking fig leave tea will exert same effect.

Now just go through some of the potential downsides of overusing fig and it’s extracts.

Although figs are naturally safe for human use. But so it has some potential downsides Because it is fairly rich in vitamin K so it can interfere with blood thinning medications. Thus creating a barrier and making them less effective. If you are previously using any blood thinner medications for some heart issues. Then it is advised to take recommendations from your doctor or health expert before using Fig.