Anjeer (Dry Figs)

Figs are small bulbous fruits filled with hundreds of tiny, crunchy seeds, with an edible green or purple peel. The flesh of the fruit is pink and it has a mildly sweet taste. While this delicious fruit can be enjoyed by itself, you can also purchase dry figs (where the fruit is dried, either by exposure to sunlight or through an artificial process).

Since fresh figs are seasonal and perishable, their dried variant, anjeer, can be enjoyed all year round. Here are the top dried fig benefits that have made anjeer such a staple in the dry fruit box:

Improves Digestive Health

Figs have been a common home remedy to aid digestive concerns. A prominent advantage of anjeer is that it can aid in relieving problems such as constipation. The fruit contains the necessary fibre that can enhance digestive health by bulking and softening the stool.

A dried fig benefit to your gut is that it acts as a prebiotic (fibre that is digested by the healthy bacteria populating your gut).

A study examining a group of 150 people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation found that those who ate around 45 grams (roughly four dried figs) twice every day experienced a significant reduction in symptoms — including constipation, aches, and bloating.

Promotes Vascular and Heart Health

A healthy heart lies at the centre of your well-being. For Indians, focusing on a healthy heart is particularly essential considering how heart ailments remain in epidemic proportions in India with an estimated prevalence of 1.5-2 per 1000 individuals. One of the best advantages of eating anjeer is that it may assist in improving your blood pressure and blood fat levels. This consequently improves your heart health and lowers your risk of heart disease.

Can Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels

Amongst numerous other health benefits of figs, an important one is that it can help with the management of blood sugar levels. According to a recent study, drinks that comprised high doses of fig fruit extract had a lower glycemic index (GI) when compared with no fig fruit extract. This indicates that these drinks may have a more favourable effect on blood sugar levels.

It is important to note, however, that figs, and particularly dried figs, contain high amounts of sugar and in the short term can increase blood sugar levels. So, if you find it challenging to manage your blood sugar levels, you must refrain from eating dried figs.

Contains Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Of the notable benefits of anjeer fruit is that the leaves and its natural latex have potential anti-cancer properties. These benefits of anjeer fruit derived from the leaves and latex showcase antitumor activity against cervical cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer cells.

However, this does not mean that the consumption of figs or dried figs will lead to the same effects. Human studies are required to know whether the fruit affects cancer.

Improves Skin Health

Everyone seeks healthy skin and with countless pieces of advice on the “right” skincare routine, individuals are spoiled for choice. However, while topical applications can be effective, it is just as important to eat right for healthy skin.

Another anjeer benefit, which is going to make those with skin concerns happy, is that it can help people with dry and itchy skin. Moreover the high levels of phenols in anjeer act as a natural antioxidant for your skin.

They decrease the breakdown of collagen thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and preventing fine lines and premature ageing.

Beneficial During Pregnancy

The nutritional advantages of eating anjeer particularly benefit the health of the mother and assist with the development of the foetus. The nutritionally dense fruit comprises essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre that can help during pregnancy. It can also alleviate morning sickness because of vitamin B which is known for its role in enhancing the nervous system and can assist in reducing symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

The aforementioned health benefits of figs make it an essential component of a balanced and nutritious diet. Let’s now explore the nutritional value of anjeer to see what essential components are supplemented.