Six Key Reasons to Eat Figs!

Figs, the favorite of August and September, are light, refreshing and quite delicious fruits filled with hundreds of tiny seeds and edible green or purple skins. One serving of figs equals one medium-sized fig and contains approximately 60 calories. One serving of figs contains: 2 grams of dietary fiber, 175 mg potassium, 25 grams calcium, vitamins A and E, and antioxidant substances that are highly beneficial for health. Thanks to these rich contents, figs are effective against many health problems. Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist Elif Gizem Arıburnu at Acıbadem International Hospital cautioned that people in the process of losing weight and diabetes patients should not consume more than one serving of figs (one fruit) per day, and explained as follows: "The reason for this is that figs are a fruit that rapidly raises and then quickly lowers blood sugar. This condition can cause quick hunger, which can negatively affect your weight loss process. Additionally, if you have diabetes, it can make diabetes control difficult as it will cause sudden blood sugar spikes. Therefore, to prevent these symptoms, it is beneficial to consume protein-containing foods such as walnuts, almonds or milk alongside figs. If you do not have a health problem, you can consume 2 figs per day."

Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist Elif Gizem Arıburnu at Acıbadem International Hospital explained 6 benefits of figs; providing important recommendations and warnings!

 

Facilitates digestion

Thanks to its high fiber content, figs serve as a nutrient source for healthy bacteria in the intestines. With this effect, it increases intestinal motility; improves digestive health, softens stool, reduces constipation, and helps eliminate complaints such as gas and bloating. A healthy adult should consume at least 25 grams of dietary fiber per day. When two servings of figs are eaten per day, approximately 20 percent of this amount can be met.  

Supports heart and vascular health

Potassium is an essential mineral for all systems in our body to function properly. One fig contains 175 mg of potassium. Obtaining sufficient amounts of potassium mineral through nutrition can reduce blood pressure within vessels and increase the filtration rate in the kidneys. In this way, it can help balance hypertension, also known as high blood pressure disease.  

Contributes to skin renewal

Studies have shown that fruit combinations containing fig extract demonstrate antioxidant effects on skin cells and thereby reduce collagen breakdown, supporting skin renewal. Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist Elif Gizem Arıburnu states, "Although more research is needed in this regard, we can say that one serving of figs per day contributes to having brighter skin."  

A natural and delicious alternative to satisfy cravings for sweets

Figs are a rich source of fiber, in other words, dietary fiber. Therefore, when you crave sweets, benefiting from figs that contain fiber and natural sugar instead of sweets containing saturated fat and sugar will support you in maintaining the diets you are following for weight loss purposes. For example, if you eat one fig with 10 almonds or a glass of milk, it will help balance blood sugar and ease the sweet cravings you experience, further increasing your diet adherence. Therefore, it will help you feel full.

Can strengthen the immune system

The beautiful purple color of fig skin is an indicator of how much antioxidant matter this beautiful fruit contains. The 'anthocyanin' substance, a type of antioxidant from flavonoids, protects our cells like a shield against oxidative stress. Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist Elif Gizem Arıburnu states, "For this reason, after cleaning the fig sufficiently, consuming it with its skin helps protect our cells from harmful substances and contributes to strengthening our immune system."  

Important for bone health

Figs, which contain abundant amounts of calcium and magnesium, support strengthening bones when consumed fresh and regularly during their season and can help slow down the rate of age-related bone loss.