Health Benefits of Figs

Health Benefits of Figs

Ficus carica
Moraceae
A common fruit tree in subtropical climates, the fig is not only delicious to eat, but medicinal in several aspects.The Fig is a soft sweet pear shaped and with many seeds, which grows on a tree related to the mulberry species, available in various colours. Dating back to Biblical times , the fig has been used for various skin afflictions. For painful boils, the ripe, fresh fruit should be split open and laid over the lesion. Its powerful proteolytic enzyme ficin helps to liquefy and dissolve necrotic tissue. The osmotic effect and high sugar content help to draw poisons from the wound, as well as inhibit the multiplication of disease-producing bacteria. Other sores may similarly respond. A fig tree finds its place around the patio of most southern homes, if for no other reason than for the delicious fruit it bears.

1. Figs are high in dietary  fiber  and a rich source of magnesium as well as potassium.

2. It  is relatively high in vitamins A, B, and C and low in calories, about 50 calories each. One large raw fig, approximately 65 grams is 77.5 percent water, yields .8 g protein, .2 g total fat, 23 mg calcium, .4 mg Iron, 50 IU vitamin A, 2.1 g dietary fiber, 3.8 mcg foliate, .3 mg niacin, and 1 mg vitamin C.

3. It also helps to reduce some forms of cancer.

4. Choosing figs more frequently means that you'll naturally cut down on potentially harmful foods and this is great for your lifelong health.

5. According to the California Fig Advisory Board, it is believed that the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables protect against a number of diseases.

6. In a study done by the University of Scranton, it was determined that dried figs had a much higher level of the phenol makeup, which is rich in antioxidants, than other fruits. Phenol is used as an antiseptic to kill micro-organisms. The level of phenol in figs is much higher than that in other fruits and vegetables.

7. It is an ideal food for losing weight.

8. Figs are also thought as a medicine which gives strength and energy to long-term patients as they seek to recover.

9. Figs eliminate  physical and mental difficulties and give the body strength and energy.

10. Figs are also recommended in the treatment of asthma, coughs and chills.

11. It benefits the nervous system by its phosphorous content.

12. It is recommended for athletes and children.

13. It also cures the obese, asthma, and diabetic patients.

14. It is recommended that five pieces of figs be taken for at least four to ten months regularly, early in the morning, which completely eliminates piles.

15. It benefits the pregnant and nursing women, helps in reducing acidity, rheumatism and helps the brain.

16. Its ashes, when taken with oil, treats pimples, skin pigmentation and whiten teeth.

17. For treating wounds it is used in a preparation made with hot milk.

18. Fig fruit is used widely for the treatment of  major diseases like cancer and paralysis. Dr. Kochi (Japan), who specializes in using  Figs for its medical value, has treated some twenty kinds of cancer from it. With little or no side effects and high success rate it is becoming the preferred way to treat cancer. It is thus a truly blessed fruit, beneficial to the humanity.

19. The fruit contains a proteolysis enzyme that is considered an aid to digestion and is used by the
pharmaceutical industry.

20. Due to its high alkalinity it has been mentioned as being beneficial to people who wish to quit smoking.

21. It is a good nourishing tonic and provides protection against the effects of toxins.

22. It is useful in pharyngitis, chest congestion and heaviness and bronchitis.

23. It is also useful for liver and spleen ailments.

24. It is a good expectorant.

25. During fevers, if it is chewed, the patient feels relief from the dryness of mouth.

26. Syrup made from Methi seeds,  Figs  and Honey is very effective in cough and Bronchial Asthma.

27. Bake dry  Figs  till it  is  roasted properly, crush it and make  a  powder for  dental ailments, it  removes the different  stains. Similarly this powder  is also used  for spots on the face and skin.