Regularly eating figs can improve digestion, regulate blood sugar levels and enhance cardiovascular health. Figs have nutritional properties that can bring benefits in controlling some health problems.
1. Supports regulating blood sugar levels
Although fruits are often known for their high natural sugar content, some evidence suggests that eating dried fruit, such as figs, can improve blood sugar levels.
Research shows that eating fig regularly helps regulate blood sugar levels, supports healthy weight management and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Another study shows that drinking fig leaf tea daily helps reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes.
The abundant fiber content in figs can also slow down the process of sugar absorption into the blood.
2. Digestive health can be improved
Figs contain nutrients and beneficial compounds that support digestive health. Fiber in figs helps promote regular bowel movements, while prebiotics in figs provide nutrients for beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
A study showed that people with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) felt less pain and had less hard stools when they ate dried figs twice a day.
3. Can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems
Initial research shows that figs can improve cardiovascular health by helping to control high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In an animal study, consumption of fig extract was linked to blood pressure reduction.
A separate laboratory study showed that figs extract increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, also known as "good cholesterol", while reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides - fats in the blood.
Although these preliminary results are promising, further human studies are needed.
4. Cancer growth rate may slow down
Some initial findings show that antioxidants in figs have the effect of preventing the development and spread of cancer cells. Studies have been conducted on animals and in laboratories. Clinical trials on humans are needed to confirm this potential link between figs and reducing the risk of cancer.
5. Promote healthy skin and hair
Figs, with high iron content, can help maintain healthy hair. In some people, iron deficiency can lead to hair loss.
In addition, figs extract seems to support healthy skin in some ways. The antioxidant properties in figs can improve the appearance of wrinkles and reduce collagen breakdown in the skin.
When applied to the skin daily, figs are more effective in treating skin inflammation (skin irritation) symptoms than conventional hydrocortisone creams.
6. Supported bone health
As a source of calcium and potassium, figs can be a good food choice to promote strong bones and prevent osteoporosis (a disease that weakens bones).
One study also showed that figs can block the activity of bone-destroying cells, which contribute to bone disorders by breaking bone tissue.
7. Can fight inflammation
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients, figs can help fight against inflammatory compounds called cytokines.
Evidence suggests that cytokines trigger inflammatory responses and accelerate the process of damage in the body, potentially promoting the development of autoimmune diseases.
8. Sexual health can be supported
Researchers have been and are learning how figs can help treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Some studies on animals show that they can help improve sexual function and high blood pressure.
Another study on animals concluded that consuming figs and a mixture of two other plants seemed to help increase sexual activity.
Although diet is considered a factor affecting the development of erectile dysfunction, more human studies are needed to find out what role figs can play.
