Yury Trafimovich
Figs are an effective natural remedy for constipation due to their high fibre content. They can be eaten dried or fresh, and are also rich in vitamins and minerals. Dried figs are a more concentrated source of fibre, with a single dried fig containing 0.8 grams of fibre. Four dried figs provide more fibre than three medium-sized prunes, one small apple, one small orange, or 1 1/4 cup of fresh strawberries.
Figs can be soaked in water, boiled in milk, or added to savoury or sweet dishes to incorporate them into your diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are figs a laxative? | Yes, figs are a natural laxative. |
| Why are figs a laxative? | Figs are a good source of fibre. |
| How do figs help with constipation? | Figs increase stool weight and reduce intestinal transit time. |
| How much fig should be consumed to relieve constipation? | No specific amount of dietary fibre will automatically cure constipation. However, a single dried fig contains 0.8 grams of fibre. |
| What are other health benefits of figs? | Figs are rich in antioxidants, promote bone health, may support healthy blood pressure, and may improve diet quality and aid weight management. |
What You'll Learn
Figs are a good source of fibre
Figs are an excellent source of fibre, which can help to relieve constipation and promote digestive health. They are often recommended to nourish and tone the intestines, acting as a natural laxative due to their high fibre content.
The fibre in figs has prebiotic properties, feeding the gut bacteria and promoting a healthy gut environment, which improves digestive wellness. This can help to relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Dried figs, in particular, can provide a concentrated dose of fibre, making them an effective natural remedy for constipation.
Figs are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, which can indirectly ease digestion. They are a good source of bone-friendly minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and are especially rich in calcium, with some studies suggesting they contain 3.2 times more than other fruits.
In addition to their fibre content, figs have other nutritional benefits that can support digestive health. They are a good source of potassium, which can help to counteract the urinary excretion of calcium caused by a high-salt diet, helping to keep calcium in bones and potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Figs are also a natural sweetener due to their unique, sweet taste. Before the days of refined sugars, they were often used to sweeten foods. This makes them a healthier alternative to processed sugars, which can contribute to digestive issues.
Overall, figs are a good source of fibre that can help to promote digestive health and relieve constipation. They have a range of additional nutritional benefits that can support overall health and wellness.
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They can be eaten dried or fresh
Figs can be eaten dried or fresh, and both are great sources of fibre. Fresh figs are best eaten raw, ideally plucked straight from the tree while they're still warm from the sun. The entire fig is edible, but the stem should be removed before eating as it can cause digestive problems. Fresh figs are also delicious when chopped up and tossed in a salad, wrapped in prosciutto and cream cheese, or baked into a dessert with vanilla custard and cinnamon.
Dried figs are produced by allowing the fruit to dry in the sun, or by using machinery. Sun-dried figs tend to retain more of their natural shape and have a deeper flavour. They are a quick, easy, and nutritious snack that can be eaten on the go. Dried figs are also great for baking, and can be mixed into the batter for breads, cakes, muffins, and cookies. They can also be added to oatmeal or porridge for a sweet boost of flavour.
Whether dried or fresh, figs are a versatile and tasty treat.
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Figs are rich in vitamins and minerals
Figs are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, offering a variety of health benefits. They are a good source of bone-friendly minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, with some studies suggesting they contain 3.2 times more calcium than other fruits. Figs are also high in iron, an important mineral for maintaining healthy hair.
Figs are particularly rich in potassium, which can help to reduce high blood pressure by counteracting the effects of a high-salt diet. They are also a good source of copper, which is involved in metabolism and energy production, as well as the formation of blood cells, connective tissues, and neurotransmitters. Figs contain vitamin B6, which is necessary for breaking down dietary protein and creating new proteins, and also plays an important role in brain health.
Figs are also a good source of vitamin K, although this can interfere with blood-thinning medications. They also contain small amounts of a wide variety of other nutrients, including magnesium, riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamin B2.
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They can be soaked or boiled in water
Figs are a great source of fibre and are often recommended to nourish and tone the intestines. They act as a natural laxative because of their high fibre content. The fibre in figs also has prebiotic properties, feeding the gut bacteria and promoting a healthy gut environment, which improves digestive wellness.
Figs can be soaked or boiled in water to make a potent home remedy for constipation. In India, one of the most trusted home remedies for constipation is to soak 2-3 dried figs in water overnight and consume them in the morning. This is supported by experts, who say that soaking figs in water helps the body to assimilate them better. Soaking breaks down the soluble fibre in figs, making it easier to digest.
Figs can also be boiled in water to make a syrup with laxative properties. This syrup was invented in 1879 and is now widely available commercially. It can also be made at home.
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Figs are also good for hair health
Figs are incredibly rich in iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and E, all of which are essential for promoting the growth of strong, healthy hair. The beauty industry utilises fig extracts in hair conditioners, as they provide moisture to the scalp and help detangle hair. They also moisturise hair without making it heavy or weighed down.
Figs contain hair-friendly nutrients like magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which promote hair growth. The essential nutrients present in this fruit stimulate blood circulation in the scalp to accelerate hair growth.
Figs are also used to make hair masks. For example, you can cut a fig in half, scoop out the flesh, and mash it thoroughly. Then, add a teaspoon of honey or yoghurt and apply the mask to your face for five minutes.
Figs are also beneficial for hair health because they are a good source of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bones.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, figs are a natural laxative due to their high fibre content. They can be an effective remedy for constipation and help with smooth bowel movements.
You can soak two dried figs in water and eat them at any time of the day. You can also boil them in water and drink the liquid, or eat the boiled figs. Another method is to boil two figs in a glass of milk, drink the milk, and then eat the figs.
Figs are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and B, as well as iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, and potassium. They are also good for hair health and are considered a diabetes-friendly dry fruit.
