Before the use of sugar, a certain type of fruit served as a sweetener to all desserts of ancient history. This fruit is called a fig. Figs are fruits from the Ficus tree, a member of the Mulberry family. They are native trees in the Middle East that originates from Western Asia. Fresh figs come in deep purple or golden yellow colour. They are chewy and sweet while their seeds are crunchy.
Figs are one of the oldest trees in the world. They were accounted for in the Bible way back in King Solomon’s time. Figs are also considered one of the healthiest fruits on earth. Since time immemorial, they are used as herbal ingredients and medicines. With lots of calcium, fibre, iron, and potassium, there are many health benefits of dried figs.
Where to Get Dried Figs?
Figs originated in Asia Minor and spread throughout the Mediterranean Region. Today, figs are popular in the Middle East and the United States. Below are the top 12 countries on where to get dried figs.
- Albania
- Algeria
- Brazil
- Egypt
- India
- Iran
- Morocco
- Spain
- Syria
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- The U.S.A.
Health Benefits of Dried Figs
Dried figs are a rich source of minerals, natural sugars, soluble fibre, and vitamins. They have high calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and potassium content. They also contain a high level of Vitamin A and K. Below are the most common health benefits of dried figs.
Dried figs are the sweetest way to lose weight. Fibre-rich foods positively affect weight management. Dried figs are rich in dietary fibres that easily fill the stomach and stimulate bowel movement. Dried figs also contain beta-carotene and ficin that aids in digestion and metabolism. A healthy digestive system and metabolization promote weight loss.
Dried figs can boost circulatory and respiratory health. Since dried figs contain powerful antioxidants, they can lower the blood fat level. This promotes healthy circulation of the blood and oxygen. As such, dried figs boost circulatory and respiratory health.
Dried figs can lower high blood pressure. Being a good source of potassium, dried figs can lower high blood pressure. Potassium is a mineral that gets rid of sodium and excess water in the human body. When the potassium level of an individual is high, his sodium level is low. Healthwise, this is important because a low sodium level relaxes the blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
Dried figs can lower the insulin level. Dried figs are rich in natural sugar that aids in lowering the insulin level. They are also rich in dietary fibres that help control the production of insulin in our bodies.
Dried figs have potential anti-cancer properties. The proteolytic enzymes found in figs are used to treat infections and inflammations in the body. Research has also shown that they can prevent cancer of the breast, cervix, colon, and liver.
Dried figs promote healthy skin. The antioxidants of dried figs prevent the breakdown of collagen in the skin. They also relieve allergies and dermatitis. Dried figs can also prevent the aging of the skin through their collagen properties.
