10 health benefits of figs

1. Figs are incredibly healthy and have many benefits for your body. Remember that figs are packed with vitamins and minerals. Especially the vitamin B complex is well represented. Also vitamins A, C and K are found in the fig, as well as the minerals potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, copper, manganese and iron.

2. Figs are incredibly healthy and have many benefits for your body. Remember that figs are packed with vitamins and minerals. Especially the vitamin B complex is well represented. Also vitamins A, C and K are found in the fig as well as the minerals potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, copper, manganese and iron.

1. You will not find fruit richer in calcium than the fig. So perfect against osteoporosis and to promote the density of your bones. Potassium appears to help lower blood pressure. If you have a sore throat, figs can provide relief. In addition, research shows that fig tree leaves can help fight diabetes.

2. You will not find fruit richer in calcium than the fig. So perfect against osteoporosis and to promote the density of your bones. Potassium appears to help lower blood pressure. If you have a sore throat, figs can provide relief. In addition, research shows that leaves of the fig tree can help to fight diabetes.

1. Fruit is also a source of polyphenols and figs are at the top of the list for that property. Polyphenols have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and can protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease.

1. A study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that the risk of Alzheimer's disease can be reduced by 76 percent by drinking fruit juice regularly. The polyphenols in fruit are responsible for this.

1. The fig can also work wonders for your appearance. Figs are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which can help keep your skin looking radiant. Due to the anti-inflammatory substances in figs, redness in the skin caused by acne, for example, can be reduced.

1. If you want to lose weight, add the fig to your diet. Certain enzymes in figs seem to contribute to faster weight loss.

1. And that's still not all. Figs are bursting with antioxidants. Antioxidants clean up free radicals in your body. Free radicals can damage cells and tissues, resulting in a variety of diseases. The antioxidants protect your DNA, slowing down aging processes.

1. Figs are a good help to support your bowel function and against hemorrhoids.

Figs against osteoporosis

1. As mentioned in the introduction, figs help to prevent osteoporosis. It is first important to find out how osteoporosis develops. Did you know that your skeleton renews itself every 10 years? This is because your bones are in full motion. Just like your skin renews itself every month, your bones are also always keeping themselves strong.

2. As mentioned in the introduction, figs help to prevent osteoporosis. It is first important to find out how osteoporosis develops. Did you know that your skeleton renews itself every 10 years? This is because your bones are in full motion. Just as your skin renews itself every month, your bones are also always keeping themselves strong.

1. Fortunately, otherwise you would have a real problem with a fracture.

1. Unfortunately something goes wrong with strengthening the bones when you suffer from osteoporosis. In that case, your bone density is much lower than that of someone with healthy bones.

1. A diet that is low in calcium is often cited as the cause of osteoporosis, but it is not necessarily the only cause.

1. Incorrect hormone levels such as a low amount of estrogen in women and a low amount of testosterone in men can cause osteoporosis. Incorrect growth hormones can also prevent your body from absorbing calcium properly.

2. An incorrect hormone level such as a low amount of estrogen in women and a low amount of testosterone in men can cause osteoporosis. Incorrect growth hormones can also prevent your body from absorbing calcium properly.

1. So your diet may be rich in calcium, but then your hormones won't cooperate.

1. Figs have calcium which is good for the bones. Due to the fiber in figs, figs can also indirectly have a good influence on the hormones. Fiber ensures less fat storage. Fat often disrupts the hormones and the figs indirectly reverse this disruption with the fiber.

Figs against cardiovascular disease

1. As mentioned, figs have a lot of fiber, which helps to satisfy your hunger faster and to absorb less fat in your body.

1. Because of this figs are also very good against cardiovascular diseases, such as cholesterol problems. Fiber carries the bad LDL cholesterol along with the stool, so that it is less absorbed into your blood via the intestines.

2. Because of this figs are also very good against cardiovascular diseases, such as cholesterol problems. Fiber takes the bad LDL cholesterol along with the stool, so that it is less absorbed into your blood via the intestines.

1. Problems with cholesterol can therefore be prevented by figs.

1. In addition, the polyphenols in figs also help against high levels of inflammation, which is good news against plaque formation, arteriosclerosis and the development of high blood pressure. The inflammatory values ​​cause the inner cells of your blood vessels to lose their flexibility and therefore get damaged more quickly.

2. In addition, the polyphenols in figs also help against high levels of inflammation, which is good news against plaque formation, arteriosclerosis and the development of high blood pressure. The inflammatory values ​​cause the inner cells of your blood vessels to lose their flexibility and therefore get damaged sooner.

1. This has a number of consequences:

1. The damage allows LDL cholesterol to stick more easily to the artery wall. Other cholesterol particles therefore stick to that piece of cholesterol until a plaque forms. This can eventually close the blood vessel with all kinds of nasty consequences, such as strokes, heart attacks or an embolism if the blood is able to push away the plaque.

1. If the vein eventually recovers, the vein is often thickened and less flexible. This often causes the blood to press harder on the artery wall, raising your overall blood pressure, which can further damage your arteries.

1. Because of that extra damage you can suffer from deposits in several places, which will eventually cause calcified veins due to the increased inflammation levels.

1. The polyphenols in figs have a protective function that keeps the inflammatory levels in the body low. This prevents the cardiovascular diseases as mentioned above. In any case, the chance of this is getting a lot lower.

1. A nice touch is that the polyphenols are also held responsible for the reduced risk of Alzheimer's in people who drink fig juice.

1. The omega 3 found in figs also help to reduce high LDL cholesterol.

Figs and beautiful skin

1. Omega 3 from the fig is not only great for your cholesterol. It is also good for the skin. The skin also suffers from inflammatory values. You can often notice this from acne and some people notice this from eczema complaints.

1. The omega 3 fatty acids also help to reduce inflammation and thus for a more beautiful skin.

1. The polyphenols that help fight inflammation also help keep skin looking young. This is because they are antioxidants. Antioxidants bind to free radicals so that they can no longer damage your DNA (as much). This keeps your skin looking young for longer.

1. You can also apply the fig to your skin. You can make a nourishing face mask yourself by mashing figs and mixing them with a little water. Apply it on your face and leave it on for about ten minutes. See how radiant your skin becomes after rinsing off the mask.

Losing weight with figs

1. Because figs are full of fiber, figs can also help you lose excess weight. In addition to the benefits of being more relaxed and easier to find clothes while shopping, the loss of excess weight also affects:

1. The risk of type II diabetes decreases if you lose excess weight. Even if you already have type II diabetes, losing excess weight can make you use less insulin.

1. Your blood pressure often also becomes normal if it is too high due to obesity. Because of all the fat, your heart has to supply extra body mass with blood. By losing that mass, you make your heart work less hard and your blood pressure is lowered.

1. Cholesterol levels are also lower with overweight loss.

1. Figs therefore help to lose weight because they contain a lot of fiber. Fiber ensures that you feel full faster, so you eat less.

1. Now you are not supposed to eat figs all day long. A large fig weighs about 200 grams and has around 50 calories. It is therefore an ideal fruit to take as a snack.

Figs against hemorrhoids

1. Almost everyone is familiar with the advice: Eat more fiber if you suffer from hemorrhoids. That is of course easier said than done. Often people do not talk about this nasty condition because of shame and when you search the internet you are inundated with creams, medicines and all kinds of well-intended, but not scientifically supported advice.

1. Still, it doesn't have to be that hard to find a cure for hemorrhoids. Mother Nature seems to have the best recipe. The fig. This ancient fruit is now in the spotlight as a panacea for hemorrhoids.

1. But how do hemorrhoids develop in the first place and what exactly are they? Quite simply, hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels, similar to varicose veins. There are cavernous bodies around the anus, a kind of spongy networks of blood vessels that play an important role in closing the anus.

1. When these cavernous bodies swell and sag too much, they are called hemorrhoids. This can happen if, for example, you have constipation and have to put too much pressure to squeeze out the stool.

1. Some women develop hemorrhoids after giving birth because a lot of pressure is put on the anus during that process.

1. Even prolonged coughing can lead to hemorrhoids.

1. In addition, people over the age of fifty and people with a sedentary occupation are in the risk group for developing this nasty condition.

1. If this is the case, various symptoms may arise such as itching or pain around the sphincter muscle and sometimes blood loss after a toilet visit. Fortunately, hemorrhoids are relatively harmless, but this does not mean that you can experience a lot of discomfort and what do you do?

The best fiber in figs

1. More and more people are putting their hopes on natural medicines when regular medicines no longer offer a solution. Or you are looking for an extra in addition to the prescription from the doctor. As this way of prevention and cure grows in popularity, the foods that go with it are also in the spotlight.

1. A small adjustment in what you eat can sometimes make a world of difference. Fruit is one of the foods of great importance to our body. After all, as you have just read, hemorrhoids are often the result of (too) hard stools, which can be partly caused by a lack of fiber. Fiber can be found in fruit, among other things. And the best fruit fibers against hemorrhoids can be found in figs.

The fig

1. The fig originates from the Middle East and Western Asia and has been eaten for thousands of years for its medicinal properties and delicious sweet taste. Before the rise of sugar, figs were often used as a sweetener in a variety of desserts. It is also one of the first fruits to be cultivated by humans.

1. The fig has been cultivated since about 9000 BC! In ancient times, aphrodisiac and fertility-promoting properties were attributed to the fig. From about the 15th century, the fig spread to Northern Europe, so that we can also enjoy this special fruit here.

1. The fig has many uses and works wonders for your intestines. Before the emergence of modern medication, figs were standard advice for blockage problems. [! 152082 => 1140 = 49!] An extensive study by the Chonbuk National University Hospital in Korea showed that an average intake of three figs a day demonstrably improves intestinal health. Feces can move faster through the intestines and figs also have a soothing effect on the feces.

1. This all means that you have less effort on the toilet, which drastically reduces the risk of hemorrhoids. A healthier bowel movement and better stool also ensure that you have to sweep less after a visit to the toilet. This is a welcome bonus if you have hemorrhoids.

1. In addition, certain substances in the fig contribute to the fact that any hemorrhoids that may be present quickly become smaller and disappear quickly.

How do you process figs?

1. Figs can simply be washed or peeled and eaten straight away. You can also process them in your diet in many ways. You can choose from fresh or dried figs.

1. Of all dried fruits, the fig has the highest nutritional value. One hundred grams of dried figs contains about thirteen grams of fiber. That is quite a lot. One hundred grams of dried dates, on the other hand, contains 'only' eight grams of fiber. Compare different fruits to the fig and this exotic fruit will emerge as the winner every time.

Recipes with figs and dried figs

1. Do you want a healthy snack? Then dried figs are a godsend.

1. You can also add this fruit to your diet very versatile. Then you can experience the beneficial effects yourself. Figs are truly a superfood. However, they are fragile so be careful when transporting and washing them. Keep them in the fridge and eat them within days.

1. Also pay attention to the skin! A stiff skin is an indication that the fig is no longer so fresh. The skin must be soft because then the taste is also the best.

1. To inspire you to add the fig to your diet, I have come up with some recipes for you.

1. You can also use them in a salad with, for example, apples, carrots and celery. Add a squeeze of lemon and a handful of almonds and you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal salad. You can make a tasty jam from fresh figs and in combination with cheese this is a heavenly experience for your taste buds.

Preparation:

1. Place the lettuce in a bowl or deep plate. Wash the apple and cut it into pieces, removing the core. Add the pieces of apple to the salad. Wash the carrot and grate it. Put the grated carrot in the salad. Wash the celery and cut it into small pieces. Add the small pieces to the salad. Finally, add some dried figs. Stir well and enjoy!

1. Figs can even be combined perfectly with meat. Add them to the moisture of your piece of meat and you will be amazed at the result.

Preparation:

1. Put the chicken breast in a frying pan and add a few figs next to the coconut or olive oil for extra flavor.

1. If this is all too complicated, there is another very simple option. After thoroughly washing fresh figs, soak them overnight in a glass of water. The next morning, eat the figs and drink the water they soaked in. Repeat this again in the evening and you will quickly get rid of hemorrhoids.

Types of figs

1. There are different types of figs available in the Netherlands. Like the 'Brunswick' for example, it is elongated in shape and has a coppery color. Or the 'Brown Turkey' with a medium size and red flesh.

1. Would you like to plant a fig tree yourself? Then choose one that is suitable for the Dutch winters such as the above mentioned species or the 'Alma' which grows small and compact, making it ideally suited for a small garden or even the balcony.

1. If you want to plant a fig tree in your garden, place it in a sunny and sheltered spot. Also make sure that the soil is pH neutral and that rainwater can drain well, because this tree does not like wet feet. Keep in mind that it can take two years for the tree to bear fruit, but then you always have a superfood at hand.

Finallyâ €!

1. Would you rather not use any medication (anymore) against hemorrhoids and are you looking for a natural solution? Then choose figs from the fruit shelf in the store. They are tasty and healthy. Moreover, it does not matter whether you eat them fresh or dried, it is and will remain a superfood. However, keep in mind that figs can have a laxative effect, so don't eat too much. Dried figs are sometimes treated with sulfites to extend shelf life. Sulphite can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Therefore, rather buy organic figs. Â Â Talk to your doctor about whether figs can help get rid of hemorrhoids or be used for other health problems.

1. Want more tips for your health? Then you can also download the free e-book full of tips for losing weight. Almost everyone who has read it is super satisfied with the tips it contains.

1. Baek HI, Ha KC, Kim HM, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Ficus carica paste for the management of functional constipation. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2016; 25 (3): 487-96.