6 Health Benefits of Dried Figs (Anjeer)

benefits of dried figs, benefits of anjeer.  Figs can be eaten either fresh or dried. When fresh figs are in season, dwell into its sweetness and take advantage of its nutrients. But when not is season, you can try its dried form – popularly known as Anjeer. In addition to tasting sweet both are highly nutritious, though the fresh ones have less calories than the dried counterpart. This is because the dried figs have lost all the moisture and so more dried figs will be needed to make a cupful. Let’s understand what nutrients these dried figs abound in…. who should consume it and who should avoid it…..

How Does Dried Figs (Anjeer) Benefit Us?

1. Figs & Digestive Health : 4.9 g of fiber is what ½ cup of dried figs offer. This high fiber is enough to add bulk and ease bowel movements. Figs are also rich in enzyme ‘ficin’ which contributes to its laxative properties. Thus figs can keep constipation at bay. Add more Fiber Rich Recipes to your Menu.

2. Figs & Bone Health : Figs contain calcium and phosphorus required for bone health. They encourage bone formation. Adults need approx. 1000 mg of calcium / day. ½ cup of dried figs meets about 8% of calcium requirement. Check recipe of Fig and Apricot Shake along with full List of Calcium Rich Foods.

Fig and Apricot Shake ( Pregnancy Recipe)

3. Figs & Cancer Prevention : Figs contain antioxidants named ‘phenols’ which helps to ward off growth of cancer cells. Regular consumption of dried figs along with other antioxidant rich foods will help dodge various types of cancer. 

4. Figs & Blood Pressure Control : Being a good source of potassium, dried figs can help balance the sodium and potassium ratio, thus controlling blood pressure. It is recommended to consume 4700 mg of potassium daily by way of diet. ½ cup of dried figs is enough to fulfill 7% of this total requirement. Read in detail about Potassium needs.

5. Figs & Weight Loss : Yes, figs contain a good amount of fiber which is sure to benefit you by keeping you full for longs hours and helping in weight loss. Try the recipe of Anjeer and Mixed Nut Barfi, which is totally devoid of sugar. But do not overlook the fact that they are high in calories too. So do not over eat. Have it in restricted quantity and preferably early in the morning or in between morning meals so that the energy released from it can be burnt in the remaining part of the day. Know more about weight Loss Recipes.

Anjeer and Mixed Nut Barfi

6. Figs & Heart Health : The antioxidant phenol and fiber both work together to eliminate free radicals which would otherwise damage blood vessels and trigger heart diseases. They also serve as a suitable way to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Have them as it is, they taste really good. Else ocassionally try and make a dessert out of it, but without using much sugar like we have done in the recipe of Fig and Cardamom Delight. Check the comprehensive list of heart healthy foods.

Fig and Cardamom Delight

Who Needs to Avoid Dried Figs (Anjeer)?

Figs & Diabetes : Dried Figs, per se, have a high carb count and glycemic load, thus they are best avoided by those suffering from high blood sugar levels. Check out a few other Diabetic-friendly sweets.

No worries, you can yet benefit from dried figs…. Soak 4 to 5 dried figs in warm water for 1 hour and they are soft and ready for you to chew easily. Enjoy it!

Nutritive Information for Dried Figs (Anjeer):

½ cup of chopped dried figs is about 50 grams

RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.

Energy - 125 calories

Protein – 1.6 g

Carbohydrate – 31.9 g

Fat – 0.5 g

Fiber – 4.9 g

See full nutritional details of Dried figs in Dried figs glossary click here.