Though figs are seasonal fruits, they are available throughout the year in the dried form. They taste more yummy in its dried form and are very nutritious as they contain vitamins A, B, and minerals like phosphorus, calcium, iron and manganese.
Figs are bell shaped fruits with wrinkled and leathery skin. They are one of the sweetest fruits and also have a very sweet aroma. They can vary in size, shape and colour. Figs are mainly classified by colour – white, black or red. These are some more popular varieties of fig:
- Black genoa
- Adriatic figs
- Brown TurkeyMission
- Calimyrna
- Kadota
Health Benefits Of Figs:
1. Mouth:
Chew 2-3 tender fig leaves and gargle with water to overcome bad breath and ulcer.
2. Sexual Vitality:
Fig is an orthodox remedy to increase sexual weakness. Soak 4-5 figs in milk overnight and eat in the morning to overcome weakness.
3. Kidney Stones:
Boil 6 figs in a cup of water. Consume this daily up to a month to remove kidney stones.
4. Acne:
Apply mashed fresh figs all over your face and let it dry for 15-20minutes. This remedy is useful for curing acne.
Also milky juice of fig stem and leaves can be applied daily several times to cure warts.
They also have anti-ageing properties.
5. Diabetes:
Since figs are high in potassium, they help reduce insulin. Daily, consume fig seeds with one teaspoon of honey to control diabetes. Try doing this for a week to see good results.
Also Fig leaves can be consumed for anti-diabetic properties
6. Healthy Bones:
Figs have good amount of calcium in it. This helps to strengthen bones.
7. Chicken Pox:
Early stages of chicken pox can be treated with figs.
8. Weight Loss:
Figs include good amount of dietary fibers, which are helpful for reducing body weight.
9. Sore Throat:
Mix dries fig and honey in water to get rid of sore throat.
10. Constipation:
Consume 2-3 soaked dried figs with a tablespoon of honey. Use this continuously for a month every morning to relive constipation.
Some Important Tips:
1. Always wash figs thoroughly and gently.
2. Use fresh Figs for best results.
3. When cutting or chopping, dip knife in warm water to prevent sticking
4. Avoid limp figs.
5. If dried figs have become too hard, try soaking them in water.
6. Store figs in a bag in coldest part of the fridge.
7. Use figs regularly for best results
8. Eating too much of figs can cause diarrhoea and tooth decay.
