Figs, little, spherical fruits about the size of a thumb, are beautiful and tasty. Once opened, its core contains many small seeds in a delicious, edible peel that might be purple or green. Pink fruit flesh with a delicate, sweet flavor enhances the sensory experience. Fig plant, Ficus carica, adds flavor and may be healthy. The fruit and leaves of the fig tree are nutritious. Figs may improve digestion, lessen heart disease risk, and regulate blood sugar. Eat this thumb-sized treat for a taste explosion and potential health benefits due to its rich nutritional profile.

Nutrition Facts

Fresh figs offer nutrients and minimal calories to a healthy diet. Figs are rich in copper, which is needed for metabolism, energy synthesis, blood cells, connective tissue, and neurotransmitter creation. They also include vitamin B6, which breaks down protein and supports brain function. Fresh figs are tasty and healthy. One 40-gram fresh fig nutrition value includes:

• 30 calories
• No fat
• No protein
• 8 grams of carbs
• 1 gram of fiber
• Modest amounts of copper, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, and vitamin K.

Despite their inherent sugars, fresh figs are a low-calorie snack. However, dried figs are heavy in calories and sugar due to sugar concentration after drying.

Health Benefits of Figs

Improves Digestive Health

Figs promote digestive health, notably constipation. Historically, figs were used to alleviate constipation owing to their characteristics. They reduce constipation by softening and bulking up stools due to their high fiber content. Additionally, figs are prebiotics that promote intestinal bacteria development. Animal and human research shows fig nutrition facts that fig fruit aids digestion. These therapies relieve constipation and may assist ulcerative colitis patients.

Good findings have been found in IBS-C studies. Patients experienced less pain, bloating, and constipation after eating four dried figs twice a day. Another study found that 10 ounces of fig fruit paste daily reduced constipation after eight weeks. These studies show that figs can naturally and efficiently enhance digestive health. Figs' fiber-rich structure and prebiotic characteristics make them a complete solution for digestive pain and intestinal health.

Improves Heart Health

Figs may help regulate blood pressure and heart health, according to research. Rat studies showed that fig extract might reduce normal and high blood pressure. This may improve cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease.

Animal research on fig nutrition facts 100g showed that fig leaf extract can lower cholesterol. Total HDL and triglyceride values improved. These findings are intriguing because figs may improve several cardiovascular health factors. Human studies show higher complexity. Daily consumption of 14 dried figs did not affect blood fat levels in those with high LDL cholesterol. This discrepancy highlights the need for more research on how figs affect the cardiovascular system.

The new findings are exciting, but more human-centric study is needed to understand how figs affect heart health. Figs may be a tasty way to enhance vascular health and lower heart disease risk. However, additional research is needed to determine the nature of this link and its effects on human health. Although animal studies indicate promise, further research is required to apply these advantages to human cardiovascular health.

Maintains Blood Sugar Level

A 1998 study of 10 type 1 diabetics found that fig leaf tea may reduce insulin demands. After a month, participants who drank fig leaf tea with breakfast had 12% lower insulin levels. This early study revealed fig leaf tea may help type 1 diabetics manage insulin needs.

In a recent study, drinks with high dosages of fig fruit extract had a lower GI than those without. Lower GIs improve blood sugar. This supports the expanding corpus of studies on figs' blood sugar-regulating benefits. Though promising, fig fruits, especially dried figs, are naturally sugary. This high sugar content may temporarily raise blood sugar levels for those who struggle to manage their blood sugar. Therefore, reduce your dried fig intake if you are trying to control your blood sugar.

While early research suggests fig leaf tea may reduce insulin needs and recent studies show fig fruit extract may lower the glycemic index, the high sugar content in figs—especially dried ones—should be considered by those managing blood sugar. Contact a doctor for individualized advice based on your health requirements and situation.

Helps With Cancer

Fig leaves may inhibit certain cancer cells, according to promising test-tube research. This research found that fig leaves and latex had anticancer effects against some cancer cell lines. Fig leaf and latex components showed antitumor effects, indicating a promising start in studying figs as a natural anticancer source.

However, these results must be used carefully. In test-tube research, fig leaves may affect cancer cells, but leaf tea may not. The complicated interactions of these substances in the human body, bioavailability of active components, and therapeutic doses are yet unknown. Test-tube investigations can uncover possible therapeutic compounds, but more research, including human trials, is needed to confirm these findings and translate laboratory results to clinical applications. Before using fig-related items to treat cancer, consider dose, side effects, and safety.

Test-tube investigations on fig leaves and cancer cells offer promising anticancer research. These first findings are intriguing, but additional research is needed to connect lab tests to real-world applications to fully grasp the advantages and hazards of figs in cancer prevention and therapy. Ask doctors for individualized recommendations depending on your health.

Skin Benefits

Figs can help with dryness on your skin and other related disorders. A study of 45 children with dermatitis found that a cream containing dried fig fruit extract, applied twice a day for two weeks, was more effective than hydrocortisone cream. Thorough research has found antioxidant benefits from various fruit extracts, including fig. This study showed reduced collagen breakdown and wrinkle relief. These findings were found in animal and test-tube research.

However, determining whether these good benefits are due to fig nutrition value or other extracts investigated is difficult. The effects of figs on skin health and whether fig extract alone is responsible for the benefits need more study. Therefore, early studies show that figs, especially in extract form, may benefit allergic dermatitis patients and enhance skin health.