Ten commandments about figs

11 November, 2011

One of the most under-publicised fruits, figs have all the potential to keep a person healthy and sharp without sweating it out in gymnasiums or consuming countless medicines just to be 'in shape'.

PEOPLE WITH a sweet tooth have a reason to rejoice as there is at least one fruit that does not come with any side effect, even after over consumption. Recorded in history for its ‘fruitful’ benefits, figs originally hail from Asiatic Turkey and Northern India. Although natural seedlings can be seen in most of the Mediterranean countries, figs have held the reputation of tasting the same even in their dried form.

Figs have always been recommended for their multiple benefits, which includes sweetness and fertility. Apart from consuming it raw, figs are also extensively used in the preparation of bakery products or just simple snacks. Dried figs are also compatible with any type of cuisine. However, the best part about figs is that they are low in all ingredients, which can prove harmful in the long run such as sugar, fat, and sodium. Instead, they are high on fibres. Dried figs, on the other hand, are rich in vitamin A and B, phosphorus, calcium, iron and manganese, which are essential components for the human digestive system.

With change in lifestyle, especially in the developed and developing cities in India, figs can be seen as the only bail out option that provide the maximum benefit at minimum cost. Some of the primary benefits of figs are:

1.) Figs help in keeping a check on hypertension. When sodium intake exceeds potassium a person suffers from hypertension. However, figs reciprocate the process by having more of potassium and less of sodium.

2.) Heart attack is one of the major life threatening diseases in India. Figs also have omega-3 and omega-6 acids along with phenol, which helps in preventing coronary heart disease.

3.) Pectin found in figs in abundance helps in controlling cholesterol, another life threatening issue in India. The soluble fibre builds a protective wall in the system so as to prevent the accumulation of cholesterol.

4.) Diabetics can keep their substitutes for sugar at bay for some time. The rich potassium content in figs helps in controlling blood sugar. Potassium also helps patients who lose a considerable amount of calcium through urine.

5.) Singers and artistes primarily can now breathe a sigh of relief. The countless tonics and tablets, which they consume for throat now can finally be discarded if consumption of figs is put into practice. Owing to figs’ high mucilage content, figs also help in keeping the throat clear.

6.) Couples dissatisfied with their intimate lives can try figs for sprucing up their moments of pleasure. Soaking a couple of dried figs in milk and consuming it the next day will brighten up the rest of their lives. However, this exercise needs to be practiced consistently.

7.) Teens and young ones who complain about acne and pimples can also discard their facial tubes and can also have food of their choice. Applying mashed figs on face and leaving it for ten to fifteen minutes will also bear fruitful results.

8.) Figs also help in boosting memory and enhance sharpness of the brain.

9.) Figs are rich in calcium, an important ingredient for keeping the bones strong.

10.) Weakness of the eyes can also be prevented in the later stages of life if figs are consumed religiously.