Health benefits of Anjeer / Figs

Benefits of Anjeer / Figs

Dry fruits like raisins, almonds, cashew nuts or berries, etc are considered as a rich source of antioxidants. Out of these, anjeer or fig is considered very beneficial as they are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese.

Anjeer is a small pear or bell-shaped flowering plant that belongs to the mulberry family and scientifically termed as Ficus carcia. Fig is also known as anjeer in India.

Dried Anjeer or Fig, which is round in shape, is considered as a healthy snack that has a higher concentration of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.  It can also be used to make sweets, jams, and other preserves.

In India fig is commercially grown in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Coimbatore.

Figs or Anjeer are extremely sweet and tasty fruits with several crunchy seeds. These can be consumed fresh or dried and in fact, dried ones are available all through the year.  Anjeer is available in various colors ranging from purple, red, green, and golden.

Anjeer is extremely sweet, soft, succulent, juicy and paste of the fruit is used as a substitute for sugar. It is made into delectable jams and halwas as well as added into pies, pudding, cakes, baked goods.

Anjeers or Figs are low on calories. Around 100 grams of fresh figs provide just 74 calories and figs are rich in soluble dietary fiber.

Figs are a powerhouse of antioxidant flavonoids which include carotenes, tannins, chlorogenic acids, lutein and vitamins A, E and K which assists in scavenging free radicals and prevents some chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and reduces inflammation.

Moreover, fresh figs or anjeer are heaped with B complex vitamins like niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid and folates which acts as co-factors for metabolism. 

Nutrition Value Per 100g of Fresh Fig

Energy                  74 Kcal

Carbohydrates      19.18 g      

Protein                  0.75 g        

Total Fat               0.30 g        

Cholesterol           0 mg

Dietary Fiber        2.9 g

Folates                  6 µg 

Niacin                   0.400 mg  

Pantothenic acid   0.300 mg  

Pyridoxine            0.113 mg  

Riboflavin             0.050 mg  

Thiamin                0.060        

Vitamin A            142 IU       

Vitamin C            2 mg

Vitamin E            0.11 mg    

Vitamin K            4.7 µg                 

Sodium                 1 mg

Potassium             232 mg     

Calcium                35 mg       

Copper                  0.070 mg  

Iron                       0.37 mg    

Magnesium           17 mg        

Manganese            0.128 mg  

Selenium               0.2 µg       

Zinc                       0.15 mg  

  

Anjeer ayurvedic benefits

The goodness of essential nutrients present in anjeer as per ayurvedic principles helps in balancing the Vata and Pitta. Anjeer helps to remove harmful toxins from the body. Anjeer work as an effective home remedy for treating many problems like blood pressure, treats constipation, digestive issues, piles, and excess vata in the body.

Ayurvedam also uses anjeer for treating urinary stones and other urinary conditions. Drinking a concoction of anjeer water about 30 ml twice daily to dissolve kidney stones. Also, soak dried anjeer in water and drink this water to lower the vata inside the body.

Figs or Anjeer plays a major role in women's health. Eat 2-4 dried figs daily to refill the calcium and iron levels in the body. Moreover, strained anjeer decoction consumed for a week can help regulate the menstrual cycle. 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ANJEER

1. HELPS IN WEIGHT LOSS

Anjeer is the best food or snack for those who want to lose weight. Dried figs or anjeer consist of soluble fiber which helps in weight loss. As per the study published in the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, a high fiber diet assists in losing extra fats. Dried figs are high on calories, so it is recommended to limit portion size to about 2-3 figs per day. Moreover, dried figs serve as a healthy snack for gaining weight.

2. TREATS SEXUAL PROBLEMS

Figs or anjeer is a wonder fruit and highly used since ancient times for treating various sexual dysfunctions like low stamina, sterility, and erectile dysfunction.  Vitamins B6, A, and minerals potassium, copper, and magnesium increase semen production.

3. REGULATES BLOOD PRESSURE

The abundance of potassium present in anjeer helps in regulating high blood pressure. Potassium is a vital mineral that aids in controlling blood pressure.

Potassium present in figs helps to stimulate the functioning of muscles and nerves, balances the fluid in the system improves blood circulation and maintains the electrolyte balance. Thus anjeer are the best fruit to add on to a high blood pressure diet.

4. PREVENT CONSTIPATION

Dried Figs or anjeer are highly praised and recommended as one of the best fruits to replenish and soothe the intestines. Anjeer is a rich source of soluble fiber.  Anjeer rich in fiber content can promote normal bowel function, add bulk to stool and ease the bowel movement preventing constipation and serves as a natural remedy to treat digestive and stomach problems.

5. TREATS PILES

The natural laxative property of anjeer aids in lowering the pressure on the rectum thereby easing the hemorrhoids. Figs are used as a traditional remedy for treating hemorrhoids due to its laxative and antispasmodic properties.

6. STRONGER BONES

 Figs help in strengthening bones and lowers the risk of osteoporosis. Being rich in calcium and phosphorus anjeer promotes the formation of bones and stimuli regrowth of bones if there is any injury or deterioration of bones. A serving of freshly cooked figs offers you with 180 mg of calcium and vital vitamins C and K present in anjeer is necessary for strengthening the bone density.

7. MANAGES DIABETES

The American Diabetic Association recommends anjeer to be taken as part of a regular diet as it is high on fiber.  Including anjeer in your regular diet helps in stabilizing the blood sugar levels.

 Anjeer with ample amount of potassium helps to regulate blood sugar spikes post meals and maintain blood glucose levels under control. 

8. PROMOTES HEART HEALTH

Many evidence shows that figs lower the level of triglycerides in the bloodstream and reduce the risk of heart disease. Anjeer rich in soluble fiber pectin clears away the clogged cholesterol and eliminates it out of the body through the excretory system. Anjeer scavenges free radicals from the body and prevent the blockage of arteries and lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

9. TREATS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Some evidence strongly supports that a diet with a good amount of figs helps in treating neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and eases neuroinflammation. Anjeer is loaded with good amounts of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, vitamin K and antioxidants to reduce anxiety, promote memory, and improves the learning skills in Alzheimer’s patients.

10. PREVENT AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Fig is a very useful fruit as it assists in preventing age-related macular degeneration(eye problems), a major reason behind vision loss in elderly people. Regular intake of anjeer promotes healthy vision in all age groups.

11. TREATS INSOMNIA

Dry anjeer is highly useful for people suffering from insomnia and it is one of the sleep-inducing foods. The goodness of tryptophan present in anjeer promotes sound sleep by improving blood circulation in the body.

12. RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS

The richness of essential nutrients like protein, vitamins A, C and minerals iron, calcium, carbohydrates, the fiber in anjeer hydrates the respiratory system and naturally clears the phlegm, soothes the sore throat, reduces the cough.

13. DENTAL HEALTH

 The presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and phytochemicals in anjeer fruit exhibit potent antibacterial activities which reduces bacterial infections, guard gums, teeth.

Uses Of Figs For Skin Health

Figs are amazing and tasty fruit with the goodness of essential nutrients that work well for all types of skin. You can reap the benefit by eating them or using it as a DIY face mask.

Treats Warts

Anjeer is been used mostly in traditional medicine for treating various skin problems including eczema, vitiligo, and psoriasis. The latex properties of the fig tree show a remarkable anti wart property. The proteolytic activity of latex enzyme helps to remove warts on the body without causing any side effects.

Wrinkle Free Skin

The powerful antioxidant and anti-collagenase properties of fig extract is beneficial for lessening wrinkles and makes the skin look supple.

 Moreover, fig extract improves the skin hydration and works as a natural remedy for hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and acne.

Radiant Skin

The rich nutrients present in anjeer like vitamin C, E, and A and antioxidants are highly beneficial to nurture the skin and rejuvenate skin cells. Fresh anjeer is used in face masks.

For getting an instant glow and healthy skin, make a paste of fresh figs, gently apply on your face and allow it to stay for 15 minutes and rinse well with lukewarm water, this will make the skin glow naturally and look fresh. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants present in anjeer maintain the skin pH balance and promotes blood circulation. 

Figs For Hair Health

Figs or Anjeer are incredibly high on iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and E which play a key role in promoting the growth of stronger tresses. Figs extract is highly the praised formulation used in the beauty industry for strengthening and improving hair moisture makes the hair frizz-free, look lustrous and strong.