Dried Anjeer or figs are sweet in flavour and have a leather-like texture. These are soft and chewy to eat. Figs contain no fat and no cholesterol. Plus, there is very low sodium and a balanced amount of fiber, carbohydrates and sugar. Eating overnight soaked figs on a regular basis can provide numerous health benefits. These can also be eaten directly, however, soaking in water will provide you with better health benefits. Pre-soaking helps to break down the soluble fiber content of the figs.

Prevents constipation

Eating soaked figs in the morning may help in getting rid of constipation. This is because figs are rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, which help in improving bowel movement. This will also keep your digestive system healthy. Make sure you eat a healthy diet in general, which is balanced and nutritious, rich in fruits and vegetables.

Keeps bones healthy

Figs are also rich in calcium, which is essential for healthy bones. Our bodies don’t produce calcium by themselves, so it is important to eat foods that can provide the calcium to our body. Apart from figs, other good sources of calcium include soy, milk, and green leafy vegetables.

Weight loss

Figs are low in calories and high in fibre, which makes them an excellent food item to include in your diet, especially if you are trying to lose weight. Along with eating soaked figs in the morning, you can also eat them to satisfy hunger-pangs between meals. These are also great to satiate your sweet tooth after meals, instead of eating chocolates or ice-cream. Eating fruit and dried fruits has also been associated with lower body weight.

Regulates blood sugar level

Figs have chlorogenic acid and potassium in them, which helps in regulating your blood sugar levels. These make them an excellent food item for people who are diabetic or want to keep their blood sugar levels in control.

Reproductive health

Minerals like zinc, manganese, magnesium, and iron in Anjeer are good for women’s reproductive health. Eating this protects your body against hormonal imbalances and post-menopausal issues. Figs can also help in easing PMS problems.

Are figs safe for everyone?

If you have an allergy to birch pollen, you may experience a cross reactivity to certain fruit, including figs. Fig trees also contain natural latex, which some people have an allergy to.

If you have been advised to follow a low-oxalate diet you should be aware that figs contain high level of oxalates. They are also rich in vitamin K, so if you are prescribed blood-thinning medication you should keep your intake of figs, as well as other vitamin K-rich foods, consistent from day to day.

Not all people feel comfortable eating figs. For example, vegans may avoid eating figs because some varieties are pollinated by wasps which die during the pollination process. Commercial figs are grown without wasp pollination and should, therefore, be acceptable.

If figs are new to you, enjoy them in moderation because large amounts may have a laxative effect.

If you are taking prescribed medication always check with your GP or registered dietician before making any dietary changes.