Benefits of Fresh Figs, Fresh Anjeer

Fresh figs are a pear-shaped fleshy fruit with soft skin and many seeds within it. Most of us must have enjoyed eating dried figs. But, believe it or not - the natural sweet flavour of fresh figs is incomparable. They serve as a good snack option in between meals. They keep you full for long hours. They are truly a healthy addition to our diet. When compared to the dried figs, the fresh figs are much lower in calories. Let’s peep into its nutrient profile.

Innumerous Healthy Benefits of Fresh Figs, Fresh Anjeer

1. Figs have a Fantastic Fiber Count : Each fig adds on 1 g of fiber to your meals. Daily fiber requirement is around 25 to 30 g.

Munching on 3 to 4 figs a day will benefit you in following 4 ways:

I. Avoid unnecessary bingeing on calorie laden foods & aid in weight loss.

II. Control blood sugar levels & manages diabetes.

III. Keep arteries free of clogging and thus protect heart.

IV. Tone the intestine & act as a laxative – thus relieving constipation.

2. Figs build an Intense Immune System : One fig fulfills almost 6% of your day’s requirement for vitamin C.

This vitamin poses following 4 health benefits:

I. This is the vitamin which is very important to build a strong line of defense against infections. Carry it to work and enjoy as many as you can to stay steer off diseases.

II. It helps in collagen synthesis which is important for glowing skin, shiny hair and smooth nails.

III. It helps in iron absorption.

IV. It aids in calcium absorption – the much needed mineral for our bones.

3. Figs Abound in Antioxidants : The phenols are the antioxidants present in fresh figs.

These antioxidant destroy the harmful free radicals in the body and are beneficial to us in following 4 ways:

I. Reducing inflammation.

II. Delaying the onset of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes etc.

III. Fighting cancer cells and preventing their multiplication.

IV. Preventing premature ageing of skin.

4. Figs have Magnanimous Mineral Count : Calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium are the minerals fresh figs have to offer.

These minerals are advantageous in following 4 ways:

I. Calcium and phosphorus are the 2 nutrients termed as ‘bone building minerals’.

II. Phosphorus helps maintain normal heart rate.

III. Iron builds hemoglobin count along with RBC (Red Blood Cell) count and prevents fatigue.

IV. Potassium helps to keep blood pressure under control by balancing the sodium levels in the blood.

Who Can Benefit from Fresh Figs?

1. Diabetes

2. Heart patients

3. Cancer patients

4. Hypertension

5. Athletes

6. Weight Watchers

7. Kids

8. Senior Citizens

9. Constipation

10. IBS

11. Anemia

12. Pregnancy

13. Lactation

11 Menus Figs Can be a Part of….

1. Low Cholesterol Diet

4. IBS Diet

6. Constipation Diet

8. Anti-ageing Diet

10. Immune Building Diet

11. Osteoporosis Diet

When are Fresh Figs in Season?

The best of the figs are available in the cold months of November through beginning of February.

How to Buy and Store Fresh Figs?

While many enjoy this fleshy fruit, they sometimes do turn their face off as they find it too mushy. This is because fresh figs are highly perishable.

Here’s the trick on buying it – Buy a few perfectly ripe (but not extra soft) fresh figs and few which are half ripe (the tapering pear shaped end will be light green in colour). This will help you enjoy the partially ripe figs the next day. Buy the ones that are plump and have deep red-purple colour. They should be devoid of blemishes, molds and bruises. Try it and you can judge the sweetness through its fragrance too.

Here’s a tip on storing fresh figs - If you have bought a mix of fully ripe and partially ripe fresh figs, sort them out. Wash and pat dry the ripe fresh figs you want to use it later and preferably keep them stored in the refrigerator as fresh figs undergo ripening process rapidly. This will help maintain their freshness too. Remove and thaw them for half hour before consuming it. Remember to eat it with its flesh, as that abounds in many nutrients it offers.

The partially ripe ones can be stored in a cool place at room temperature (away from gas range) for a day or 2 till they ripen followed by storage in the refrigerator.

An added tip on storing - If you bought fully ripe figs a box, remove and discard the bed of leaves from the bottom of the box. This is to prevent them from over ripening due to the warmth of the leaves.

Nutritive Information for Fresh Figs (Fresh Anjeer):

1 fresh fig is about 45 grams

RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.

Energy - 17 calories

Protein – 0.6 g

Carbohydrate – 3.4 g

Fat – 0.1 g

Fiber –1 g

See full nutritional details of Fresh figs, fresh anjeer in glossary click here.

Must Read….
6 Health Benefits of Dried Figs