Health Benefits of Figs or Anjeer

Fig (Anjeer) benefits

Dried fig is inverted flower and seeds are the fruit actually.

Figs paste is good replacement for sugar; processed figs are used for making pie, pudding, cakes jam, jellies, and preserves.

Fig (fruit latex) is used as source of calcium, iron, copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin A (vit. A is 30% less in dried fig), vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D and fiber. Fig has nutritive, diuretic, expectorant and laxative effects and is used in constipation, indigestion, piles, diabetes (fig leaves have anti-diabetic properties), cough, bronchitis, asthma, sexual weakness and weight gain after illness (soak 3 figs in milk overnight and eat them in morning enhances sexual power and weight).

fig

Adults need 1200mg calcium a day while ½ cup serving dried fig (121mg) provide 12% of daily needs which is almost the same as provided by 1 cup of unpacked cottage cheese.  Potassium mineral maintains body fluid balance and helps in lowering blood pressure. Potassium daily need is 4700mg a day from natural foods while half cup serving provides 507mg which is 10% of daily needs. Iron needs for women’s between 19-50 years age is 18mg a day while adults above 51 years need 8mg a day while ½ cup serving provides 1.5mg of iron which helps in oxygen transport through blood. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and improves bowel function. Adult women need 25g while man needs 35g fiber per day.

fig

 Weight loss and constipation prevention: 3 fig servings contain 5 grams of fiber which helps in healthy bowl    function and prevents constipation. Fiber helps to reduce weight and is good for obese people.

Prevention from coronary heart disease, cholesterol, colon cancer and post-menopausal breast cancer: 1/2cup serving of dried figs contain 7.3g of fiber, Soluble fiber in fig(pectin, gives protection against breast cancer, slows digestion and blood sugar control and helps lower blood cholesterol levels), mops cholesterol globules and cancer causing substances when moves through the digestive system while dried fig contains phenol, omega 3 and 6.these fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

dry fig

In delayed periods: Filtered extract of boiled fig roots if used for few weeks, returns the cycle to normal.

In urinary stones and dysuria: Using two ounces of extract of fig boiled in water(57ml) twice daily sets right urinary disorders and melts small stones.

Hyper acidity: Burnt ash of fig fruit is highly alkaline in nature and teaspoonful is used before meal to counter hyperacidity.

In worm infestation:  Enzyme ficin in fig latex has anthelmintic activity and is useful especially against ascaris and tricharus type worm infestation.

Sore throats:  High mucilage content in fig heals sore throats.

Bittersweet Chocolate-Orange Fondue

Ingredients

8 Calimyrna figs (dried)

6 apricot halves (dried)

8 dates (dried)

1 orange peel (white pith removed cut into sections)

1 Kiwi fruit (peeled, each cut into 4 rounds)

2 bananas (cut into 12 rounds)

1 mango (cut into 1 inch pieces)

1 pear (Cut the pear into bite size pieces)

7 strawberries (hulled)

Angel food cake (or pound cake)

3 tbsps grand Marnier liqueur or other orange liqueur

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

8 Oz bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 and half teaspoon (packed) grated orange peel

Instructions

Bring whipping cream and grated orange peel to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low. Add one tablespoon Grand Marnier and chopped chocolate; whisk until mixture is smooth. Remove fondue from heat and blend in remaining two tablespoons Grand Marnier.

Transfer fondue to fondue pot. Place over candle or Canned Heat burner. Serve with cake pieces and fruit for dipping.