Free radicals are environmental toxins that we are exposed to, like air pollution or cigarette smoke. Your body also makes free radicals.
Antioxidants are believed to help minimize the oxidative stress damage caused by these free radicals. Experts recommend consuming antioxidants in foods like fruits and vegetables, including figs, rather than taking them in supplement form. There have been very few studies on the antioxidant benefits of figs, specifically. Still, one research project identified antioxidant compounds in fig extracts that may help fight cancer.
The preliminary in vitro study found that fig extracts showed strong antioxidant and anti-cancer activities when exposed to breast cancer cells. However, much more research needs to be done to fully understand the relationship between figs and breast cancer. Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is a digestive disorder. Sometimes, those with the condition are diagnosed with a variation known as IBS-C or irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation.
A large, randomized, controlled trial found that consumption of fig for four months could be a useful therapy for alleviating IBS-C symptoms. Because of their fiber content and fiber's laxative effects, dried figs are often used to treat constipation. The National Institute on Aging recommends consuming foods such as dried fruits, including apricots, prunes, and figs, to increase fiber intake for constipation relief. There are some limited reports of fig allergy.
One report published in noted that an allergy to fig followed by respiratory symptoms could be present in people with allergies to weeping fig plants or who have the latex-fruit syndrome a condition where you are allergic to latex and certain fruit and nuts. Also, if you have an allergy to jackfruit , you may experience a reaction if you consume fig.
If you are concerned about a potential food allergy, consult with your physician for a diagnosis. People often complain of a burning sensation or sore tongue after eating too many figs, particularly fresh ones. This reaction is due to a molecule in the fig called ficin. Ficin is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down proteins. It can cause the skin and tongue to itch or burn from exposure. To avoid "fig burn," spoon the inside of the fig out and eat it separately from the skin, where most of the ficin is contained.
The less ripe a fig is, the more ficin that is present. There are several main varieties of fig. Black Mission figs are sweet and dark purple, not black. Black mission figs are commonly found in grocery stores, along with Brown Turkey figs that are less sweet and have a mild taste. Calimyrna figs, Kadota, and Adriatic figs are bright green. Sierra figs and King figs are also found in some areas.
There are two seasons for figs. The first is in late June, and the second runs from August through October. Ripe figs are easy to spot. They hold their shape and are not soft, but they do give slightly to pressure. If the figs are too hard and don't respond to your touch, they are not ripe.
Unfortunately, figs do not ripen well once they've already been picked, but you can try leaving them by a sunny window for a day and see if they soften a bit more.
Fresh ripe figs should be kept cold. Carefully place your figs in a bowl in the refrigerator to protect them from bruising. Most figs will last for several days when kept cold. You can also freeze figs for up to 12 months. You should store dried figs in an airtight container away from heat and light. They can also be stored in the refrigerator to make them last a little longer up to 6 months. Figs can be eaten raw, grilled, roasted, or dried.
They make a great on-the-go snack and can be used to dress up a meal, adding texture, color, and sweetness. Figs are a tasty ingredient in desserts and smoothies, and a unique topping for yogurt , ricotta , and cottage cheese. Replacing sugar, jelly, or other processed carbohydrates with figs is a great way to add fiber and nutrients to your meal.
Most people cook with and consume dried figs, but you can also eat them fresh, freeze them, or purchase them frozen. When using fresh figs, make sure to remove the stem split the stem in half and peel it off the fruit. Get nutrition tips and advice to make healthy eating easier. Fig, raw. FoodData Central.
Department of Agriculture. The researchers measured the effectiveness of a mixture of these plants by studying the increase in mounting behavior. The rats that received this mixture had increased sexual activity, compared with the control group. However, it is difficult to determine which of the three plants was responsible for the increased sexual activity. Researchers have not yet examined the aphrodisiac effects of figs in humans. Further studies are necessary before doctors can recommend using figs for erectile dysfunction.
An older study in the International Journal of Dermatology compared the effects of fig tree latex with those of cryotherapy on common warts. In the study, 25 participants with common warts on both sides of their body applied fig tree latex on one side. On the other side, doctors used cryotherapy. Researchers do not yet understand why figs can help resolve warts, but fig tree latex could offer a safe and easy-to-use treatment option that presents little or no side effects. Very few studies have looked at the connection between figs and hair health.
However, figs are very high in iron , which is an important mineral for helping maintain healthy hair. Before a person starts taking extracts or supplements for hair health, they should speak with their doctor to ensure that it is safe for them.
More research is necessary to test the effect of figs on fever. However, a study in rats showed that a dose of a fig alcohol extract reduced body temperature for up to 5 hours. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, however, as researchers are still unsure how to explain the body temperature-lowering effect of figs.
However, only a few studies have ever provided evidence of figs helping with constipation. In one study , the researchers gave rats loperamide Imodium to cause constipation. The rats that received fig paste had fewer episodes of constipation than the control group.
Another study compared the effects of figs and fiber supplements in people with functional constipation. Figs improved the majority of constipation symptoms, including:. Figs also decreased the effort necessary to pass a stool and improved the sense of incomplete evacuation.
The researchers did not note any differences in constipation relief between fiber supplements and figs. The risks associated with figs may vary depending on how people use them. My FatSecret. Last updated: 04 Feb 08 AM. Calorie Breakdown:.
Nutrition summary: Calories. Food Search. Save Refresh Cancel. Please note that some foods may not be suitable for some people and you are urged to seek the advice of a physician before beginning any weight loss effort or diet regimen.
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