16 Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Figs!

Figs are seasonal fruits native to Greece and Afghanistan. They belong to the mulberry family. The fruit has an opening called “ostiole” or the eye, which aids in its development by increasing communication with the environment. Figs are available in various colors – yellow, purple, red, black, and green. The fruit has a smooth skin and succulent flesh with small crunchy seeds. Read on further to know the health, hair and skin benefits of this tasty and succulent fruit.

Health Benefits of Figs:

1. Heart Health:

Figs are excellent sources of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure levels. The soluble fiber, pectin, present in these fruits moves freely through the body, preventing cholesterol. Fig leaves have been shown to lower triglyceride levels in the body, preventing heart attack and stroke. Dried figs contain phenol, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that help in lowering the risk of coronary diseases.

2. Weight Loss:

Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, but low in calories. High fiber foods keep you full, reducing hunger pangs. It acts as a natural laxative, thereby helping in eliminating the waste form the bowels. The lower the toxin levels, the easier your weight loss will be.

3. For Better Digestive Health:

As mentioned, the presence of fiber in figs enables it to act as a natural laxative. Thus, it is beneficial for those who are suffering from constipation. It is also known to cure irritable bowel movement. It also contains probiotics that support the good bacteria in the gut, improving digestion.

4. Thwarts Off Cancer:

Fig leaves are known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The antioxidants in fig eliminate the free radicals and other cancer causing substance in the body, preventing cancer. It is also known to protect from breast cancer after menopause.

5. Prevents Macular Degeneration:

Eating three or more serving of figs daily is known to lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration. It contains high amounts of antioxidants, carotenoids, and Vitamin A, C, and E, that renders better vision.

5. Anti-diabetic Properties:

The leaves of figs possess the ability to lower the amounts of insulin needed by the diabetics. Potassium in figs helps to regulate the amount of sugar absorbed after the meals.

6. For Stronger Bones:

Figs are a good source of calcium that is essential for bone density. Additionally, potassium in figs counteracts the calcium loss caused by high salt diet, preventing the bones from thinning out at a faster rate.

Skin Benefits of Figs:

A rich source of skin-friendly minerals and vitamins, including copper, phosphorus, Vitamin A, C and E, these fruits help in rendering a rejuvenated and refreshed skin. Some of the fig benefits for skin are:

7. For A Moisturised Skin:

The high levels of omega 3 fatty acids in figs helps to keep the skin moisturised and well- conditioned. Apply fig paste on the lips to treat cracked and dry lips.

8. Eases Skin Injuries And Infections:

Applying baked fig on the skin helps to treat skin conditions like inflammations, boils, and abscess. It is also beneficial for curing zits and pimples. Apply fig paste on the skin to tighten the pores and control excess sebum secretion.

9. For A Glowing, Healthy Skin:

The high water content in fig helps to flush out the toxins and waste from the body, preventing pimples and acne. It also treats eczema and psoriasis, giving you a healthy and glowing skin. Application of fig pulp on the face helps to transport nutrients into the dermal layers of the skin, replenishing it from within. Make a face pack combining fig paste and yoghurt. Apply it on the face and massage your skin with it for a few minutes. Wash it off after 15 minutes with lukewarm water.

10. Unclog The Pores For A Radiant Look:

To prepare fig scrub, combine powdered sugar, 2 teaspoon of orange juice and 2 table spoon of fig paste. Add a few drops of olive or almond oil and use it thrice a week to get a smooth and supple skin. The enzymes present in the figs will remove the dead cells while the sugar will mildly polish the skin.

11. For Lightening And Whitening The Skin:

The high levels of vitamin C in figs can help to lighten and even out the skin tone. Make a face mask using fig paste, oatmeal powder and dried ginger powder. Add a few drops of bergamot oil and stir to form a smooth paste. Use this mask thrice a week to get bright skin tone.

12. Natural Exfoliation:

The peels of figs contain several active enzymes, which can be used as an exfoliating agent to remove the dead cells from the skin. Wash the figs peels and leave them aside. Wash your face and scrub your skin with the inside of the peel to clear the debris.

Hair Benefits of Figs:

13. Hair Conditioner:

Figs are one of the most popular natural ingredients used in the hair care industry. It's extracts are used to create hair conditioners and masks. The extracts condition the hair, preventing breakage. It moisturises and conditions the hair without weighing it down.

Fig oil is ideal to soothe out dry, damaged, rough hair. It hydrates the scalp, making it lustrous and voluminous. Add a few drops of fig oil to your hair mask and apply it on the hair and scalp. Wash it off after one hour to get silky and smooth hair.

14. Promotes Hair Growth:

Figs contain nutrients like magnesium, Vitamin A, C and E, which are required for maintaining the health of the hair. These nutrients stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, accelerating hair growth.

15. For Better Collagen Production:

The high amounts of vitamin C contribute to the formation of collagen, a protein which makes the majority of our hair and scalp. Thus, it helps in thwarting loss of hair due to breakage and hair fall.

16. Prevents Premature Greying:

Fig is very beneficial for maintaining the natural color of the hair. It contains copper, a mineral which prevents premature greying.

Dried Figs:

Figs are dried, either by exposure to high sunlight or through an artificial process, creating a nutritious dried fruit. Dried figs are an excellent source of mineral, vitamins and antioxidants. It also provides high levels of energy. 100 grams of dried figs provides 250 calories. Try eating a handful of figs just after your workout to replenish the lost energy levels.

Figs, be it the fruit or dried variants, have a host of benefits in store for your hair, health, and skin. Start using them today and enjoy the benefits!