Figs May Help Prevent Cancer: A Recent Study Reveals
Figs contain glucose, sucrose, quinic acid, shikimic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, malic acid, auxin, trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and several vitamins like C and B1, which can help prevent cancer and are very beneficial for the body.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, figs are sweet and neutral in nature, making them a valuable medicinal fruit that can treat various ailments with relatively simple preparations.
Figs have the potential to prevent cancer and are very beneficial for the body.
- Cough: Use 50-100g of ripe figs, peeled and cooked with rice porridge, divided into several servings throughout the day. You can add a few raisins or rock sugar for better taste. This remedy is very effective.
- Bronchial Asthma: Take fresh figs, wash them, mash them, and extract the juice to drink once a day.
- Constipation: Figs are rich in fiber and prebiotics, which stimulate bowel movements and create a favorable environment for beneficial gut bacteria. Eating figs can improve digestion, alleviate constipation, and prevent hemorrhoids. Consume 3-5 ripe figs daily as a traditional remedy.
- Inflammation and Joint Pain: Take 2-3 fresh figs, wash and chop them, then mix with an egg to eat. Additionally, figs contain amino acids believed to enhance sexual activity and increase endurance.
- Preventing Osteoporosis: Figs are high in potassium, manganese, and calcium, which are essential for bone density. Potassium helps prevent calcium loss through urine, while manganese activates digestive enzymes that release calcium nutrients for strong bones. Nutrition experts suggest that if you are allergic to dairy, you can supplement calcium from figs.
- Preventing Cancer and Diabetes: Research from Colorado State University indicates that the abundant nutrients in figs, such as coumarin, pectin, beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, E, K, copper, iron, and zinc, can lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood, reducing the risk of diabetes, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. Therefore, incorporating figs into your daily diet (including drinking tea made from fig leaves) can provide numerous health benefits.
- Lowering Blood Pressure: A high-salt diet puts many people at risk for high blood pressure, which is a public health issue in many countries. High blood pressure can disrupt potassium levels in the blood. Figs are a potassium-rich food. Regularly eating figs can not only provide dietary fiber and potassium but also help control blood pressure.
- Improving Heart Health: Figs are perfect for snacks during the day. Instead of sugary and starchy foods, people can opt for figs. They contain magnesium, vitamin K2, calcium, and many other minerals. Notably, the fiber content in figs helps individuals feel full longer, supporting effective weight loss. Successful weight loss not only reduces blood cholesterol levels but also lowers the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Furthermore, the antioxidants in figs help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Enhancing Digestion: The fiber in figs is soluble fiber, which stimulates beneficial bacteria in the gut. An increase in beneficial bacteria improves digestive function and ensures other biological functions in the gut proceed healthily, according to Healthline.
Additionally, figs can be transformed into delicious and nutritious dishes such as fish stewed with figs, green figs in salads, pickled figs, and figs braised with pork feet…
Eating too many figs can cause bloating and stomach pain.
However, consuming excessive amounts of any food can have negative effects, and figs are no exception. Here are some lesser-known side effects of figs:
- Bloating and Stomach Pain: Eating too many figs can lead to bloating and stomach pain. While this fruit is beneficial for constipation, it can negatively affect a normally functioning digestive system.
- Sun Sensitivity: Although figs are helpful for treating chronic skin diseases and skin tumors, they can also increase sensitivity to sunlight.
- Harmful to the Liver and Gut: Figs can be detrimental to the liver, and their seeds may obstruct the intestines.
- Reduced Calcium Absorption: Figs contain oxalates, compounds that hinder calcium absorption in the body.
- Bleeding: Figs have warming properties and can cause bleeding, so excessive consumption may lead to retinal hemorrhage, rectal bleeding, and light vaginal bleeding.
- Lowering Blood Sugar Levels: Figs effectively reduce blood sugar levels. This is beneficial for diabetic patients but can be harmful to those with low blood sugar.
- Exacerbating Gallbladder and Kidney Conditions: Oxalates in figs can be harmful to individuals with health issues related to the gallbladder and kidneys.
A seed considered a “miracle for heart health,” can prevent cancer: Grown extensively in Vietnam!
