Figs: 5 Health Benefits

Figs come from the ficus tree, originally grown in Western Asia and in the Middle East. The ficus tree is now grown in temperate climates around the world. Whether you prefer to eat them raw or dried, figs contain plenty of health benefits. Fig health benefits include the ability to fight off disease and provide the body with potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients.

Fig Health Benefits

1. Provide the Body with Antioxidants

Fig health benefits include the ability to provide the body with healing antioxidants. As a high-antioxidant food, figs can help boost the immune system and combat damage caused by oxidative stress. (1)

2. Protect the Body from Cancer

Fig health benefits include the ability to protect the body from cancer. A study conducted at China Pharmaceutical University found that some of the compounds in figs are toxic to human cancer cell lines. The bioactive compounds in figs work to combat illness and disease, including cancer. (2)

3. Treat Common Illnesses

Fig health benefits include the ability to treat many common ailments, thanks to the healing antioxidants they contain. Studies have shown that fig health benefits include the ability to treat the common cold, flu and cough, as well as liver disease, skin diseases, ulcers, urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal tract disorders.

4. Provide Antibacterial and Anti-Fungal Properties

Many fig health benefits stem from their antibacterial and anti-fugal properties. Studies have shown that fig extract can help combat different strands of bacteria, fungi and microbes. Figs naturally boost the immune system to help keep infection, illness and disease at bay. (3)

5. Provide the Body with Potassium, Fiber and Other Nutrients

Fig health benefits include the ability to provide the body with plenty of nutrients to stay healthy and strong. Figs are a high-fiber food that work to improve the digestive system and reduce the risk of heart disease. They also contain potassium, which plays an essential role in maintaining normal body functions. Dried figs also provide the body with manganese, magnesium and calcium.

Health Benefits of Fig Leaves

1. Fights Diabetes

Fig health benefits also extend to fig leaves. Studies have shown that fig leaves are able to naturally reduce glucose and cholesterol. Fig leaves also have the ability to combat oxidative stress caused by diabetes, making them a potential natural remedy for diabetes.

2. Helps Treat Skin Cancer

Many fig health benefits stem from the bioactive compounds they contain. These compounds work to fight off free radical damage that often plays a role in cancer. Studies have shown that fig leaves may help treat certain types of skin cancer. (4)

3. Prevents Wrinkles

Research has shown that fig leaves have anti-wrinkle properties. Fig leaf extract can be used to help treat wrinkles, hyper pigmentation and acne, thanks to the powerful antioxidants it contains.