Benefits of Dried Figs

Figs are the fruit of the ficus tree, which is part of the mulberry family (Moraceae). Figs have a unique, sweet taste, soft and chewy texture and are littered with slightly crunchy, edible seeds. Fresh figs are delicate and perishable, so are often dried to preserve. This produces a sweet and nutritious dried fruit that can be enjoyed all year round. There are multiple different varieties of fig, all of which vary widely in colour and texture. Their unique feature is a little bud-like opening called an ostiole at the top that helps the fruit develop. Their natural sweetness meant that, before the days of refined sugars, they were often used as a sweetener. 

One of the world’s oldest trees, the fig tree can be traced back to the earliest historical documents and features prominently in the Bible. Figs are native to the Middle East and Mediterranean and were held in such high regard by the Greeks that laws were once created to prevent their export. 

Lower in Calories
Figs have 15 percent less calories than dates, which means you can eat double the amount that you can of dates and still satisfy your sweet tooth, or eat half the amount you would of dates to take in less sugar. Though it might not seem like a large amount, 15 percent by weight makes a big difference each time you eat. One piece of dried fig gives you just 47 calories. And, you obtain only 0.2 grams of total fat per dried fig. So, dried figs are an ideal snack for people who want to lose weight.

High in Fiber
A 1/2-cup serving of dried figs contains 7.3 g of fiber. Including more fiber in your diet can help lower your risk of chronic illness such as heart disease and diabetes. Dried figs contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber slows digestion for appetite and blood sugar control and also helps lower blood cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, improving bowel function. According to the Institute of Medicine, healthy adult women need 25 grams of fiber a day, and adult men need 38 grams.

Good Source of Minerals
Figs also offer more minerals, especially iron, magnesium and calcium, in which they’re plentiful by double the amount of dates. The only exception is potassium, which figs are still high in, but not as high as dates. Figs are also higher in zinc than dates, but not by double like the other minerals. Calcium is an important nutrient for strong bones and a healthy nervous system, as is magnesium and iron. Zinc contributes to a healthy immune system and can also help keep your skin clear by combating inflammation.


Rich in antioxidants
Dried figs are rich in antioxidants. A study by Vinson JA and colleagues suggested that processed, dried figs are superior to natural figs when it comes to antioxidants. The study also mentions that dried figs have superior quality of antioxidants, called phenols, compared to other fruits that attribute their antioxidant property to vitamin C and E.

Prevents hypertension
When you eat more salt, the level of sodium increases. This disturbs the sodium-potassium balance and in turn results in hypertension. Anjeer is an ideal fruit for to restore this balance. One dried fig gives you 129mg of potassium and just 2mg of sodium. This helps prevent hypertension.

Less Sugar
For all of you out there who watch your sugar intake (good for you!), you’ll be glad to know that dried figs contain almost 7-10 grams less than dates per weight. Two to three dates is around 23 grams of sugar(depending on the size and variety), while the same amount of figs is only 13 grams of sugar. Since figs are higher in fiber and lower in sugar, they’re better if you have sensitive blood sugar levels.