10 properties of dried figs
Figs are one of the most sought-after fruits due to their high nutritional value, health benefits and unmistakable flavour. Although many of us would love to be able to enjoy fresh figs all year round, fruit has a limited shelf life, throughout which we can enjoy all their freshness and properties.
However, the desire to conserve and store delicious fruit for longer, including figs, has given rise to the development of various techniques, such as drying or dehydrating fruit as a means of prolonging the life of fruit beyond their respective season.
This technique is one of the oldest known to man for the preservation of food. It is a natural process based on the evaporation of water from the fruit itself through the air and the sun, slowing down the decomposition process caused by germs that need moisture to live. This enables us to enjoy delicious dried figs.
The combination of their flavour, properties and health benefits provide a good argument for consuming dried figs throughout the year, either as a snack or as an ingredient in delicious stews.
We will now give you 10 good reasons to include dried figs in your diet. The properties of the product will amaze you!
1 - They provide significant amounts of energy
The considerable amount of natural sugar in dried figs provides your body with a large dose of energy, thereby helping you to reduce fatigue, while boosting your mood at the same time.
The calorie intake of dried figs, 255 calories per 100 grams, is ideal for athletes, who can replace processed energy bars with a much healthier, natural and equally energetic food.
Moreover, dried figs are ideal for children, who will be consuming a fruit with a sweet taste and free of saturated fats and harmful sugars.
2 – They promote bone health
Compared to other dehydrated fruit, dried figs contain high levels of calcium. One serving of dried figs provides 12% of the recommended daily amount of this mineral.
Hence, the intake of dried figs promotes the good health of your bones, making you stronger. Furthermore, the presence of magnesium in dried figs favours the absorption of calcium, enhancing its effect.
3 – They help relieve constipation
Dried figs are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, each of which benefits different parts of your body. The former helps slow down digestion, allowing you to control your appetite. In addition, they help reduce blood cholesterol levels. .
In addition, the insoluble fiber in dried figs is highly beneficial to the health of your intestines, as it draws water into the stool, softening it and promoting evacuation. Therefore, the consumption of dried figs is highly recommended for people suffering from constipation.
Furthermore, both soluble and insoluble fiber help minimise the risk of diabetes.
4 - They protect the circulatory system
A diet rich in potassium, one of minerals in the composition of dried figs, promotes reduced blood pressure, as it minimises the effects of other more harmful minerals such as sodium.
In addition, pectin, a natural fiber found in figs, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels, limiting the risk of heart disease.
Another noteworthy nutrient in the composition of dried figs is selenium, a mineral that is highly beneficial to the health, given that it has been found to contain anti-cancer properties, in addition to preventing other types of cardiovascular and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
5 – They promote skin health
Dried figs feature beta-carotene, a pigment with high anti-oxidant power, which is also present in some vegetables. The fundamental role of this pigment is to promote vitamin A levels, thereby making an extremely positive contribution to skin health.
How? Fighting free radicals produced by the body and that react in contact with cells, attacking them. Beta carotene is a major ally in the fight against these molecules, held largely responsible for skin aging.
6 – They take care of the lungs
The consumption of dried figs is recommended to help combat flu and catarrh, as their expectorant properties will help clean up the mucus concentrated in the lungs.
8 – They benefit the cellular metabolism
The significant amount of iron in dried figs promotes the functioning and metabolism of the cells, due to the fact this mineral helps transport oxygen around the blood. A diet with low levels of iron causes tiredness, weakness and fatigue.
8 – They help fight anemia
Anemia is a condition caused by a shortage of healthy red blood cells designed to carry the proper level of oxygen to the body tissues. Once again, iron, together with group B vitamins, is vital to taking care of the health of the circulatory system and minimising this type of disorder.
9 - They help ensure the nervous system functions correctly
The high levels of potassium in dried figs enhance communication between nerves and muscles, keeping the nervous system in perfect condition.
Moreover, they have a diuretic effect on the body, which promotes the elimination and regulation of liquids.
10 – They help stop coughing
If you are suffering from a heavy cold, dried figs will both help you cleanse your lungs and clear up uncomfortable coughs. All you need to do is to prepare a cough mixture based on cooking half a dozen dried figs per glass of water. A thick liquid will be created, to be taken in four tablespoons per day.