Benefits of figs
The article on the Medlatec General Hospital website, with medical consultation from Dr. Duong Ngoc Van, points out the benefits of figs.
Improve digestive health
For centuries, figs have been used as an alternative medicine to treat digestive problems, most notably constipation. Figs contain a significant amount of fiber that stimulates the digestive system to function better. This fiber content softens and adds bulk to stool, effectively reducing constipation.
Fiber also acts as a prebiotic or food source for healthy bacteria in the gut. A study conducted with 150 people with irritable bowel syndrome accompanied by constipation showed that when they ate about 45g of dried figs daily, symptoms such as pain, bloating, and constipation were significantly reduced.
Another study conducted with 80 people also showed that adding 300g of fig powder daily for 8 weeks significantly reduced constipation compared to the control group.
Supports vascular and heart health.
Figs also have the effect of significantly improving blood pressure and blood lipid levels. In addition, the health of blood vessels is also noted to be better, while reducing the incidence of metabolic cardiovascular diseases.
After conducting a study, scientists reported that fig extract can lower blood pressure in mice with normal to high blood pressure readings. According to animal studies, total cholesterol improved significantly. HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were also in better condition when supplemented with fig leaf extract.
However, a study conducted with 83 people over a period of 5 weeks who had high LDL (bad) cholesterol levels showed the following results when adding 120g of dried figs to their daily diet: Blood lipid levels did not change compared to the control group.
To date, we still need to conduct more research to analyze and fully understand the relationship between figs and cardiovascular health.
Figs are very good for your health.
Improve skin health
Figs are rich in nutrients beneficial for the skin, especially for those with atopic dermatitis or dry skin. Scientists conducted a study with 45 children suffering from dermatitis and showed quite good results. They used a cream containing dried fig extract twice a day for two consecutive weeks. The symptoms of dermatitis improved significantly compared to other treatment methods.
In addition, extracts from fruits (including figs) have shown antioxidant properties for skin cells. Furthermore, they reduce the breakdown of collagen and slow down the appearance of wrinkles.
Therefore, it remains difficult to determine whether the positive effects on the skin are due to fig extract or other fruits. Researchers still need more studies to clarify the effects of figs on the skin.
A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology showed that 25 people with common warts applied fig sap to one side and used cryotherapy with figs on the other. The results showed that 44% of participants who applied fig sap experienced complete wart resolution. The cryotherapy method yielded even more impressive results, with 56% of the remaining participants achieving this.
To date, researchers still don't understand why figs can help with warts. The sap of the fig tree may offer relatively safe and easy-to-use treatments with few side effects.
Besides the aforementioned benefits, scientists have also shown that figs can lower blood sugar levels, improve hair health, and reduce fever. However, these effects still require further research to confirm their potential health benefits.
Medicinal remedies using figs
According to the Health & Life newspaper, Dr. Vu Duy Thanh said that figs have a sweet taste and a neutral nature, affecting the lung and large intestine meridians, and can be consumed fresh or dried.
Fresh figs are low in calories and can be used as a snack. To use fresh figs, soak them in salt water for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.
Dried figs: Dried figs are high in sugar and calories, so they should be eaten in moderation. To make dried figs, wash them thoroughly and then dry them in the shade.
Using fig powder to treat stomach pain.
Wash the figs thoroughly and soak them in diluted salt water for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the figs and let them drain. Next, cut the figs in half, dry them in the sun, roast them until golden brown, and grind them into a fine powder. Store the powder in a jar in a cool, dry place.
When experiencing stomach pain, mix 2 teaspoons of fig powder with 100ml of warm water and drink. Repeat 2-3 times daily, 30 minutes to 1 hour before or after meals, for 7-10 days.
Dried figs soaked in water can treat stomach pain.
Before going to bed, take 3 dried figs and soak them in a glass of warm water overnight. The next morning, strain the fig water and drink it on an empty stomach, and also eat the figs. This should be done regularly once a day for 2-3 months.
Treating sore throat
Method 1: Dry fresh figs, grind them into powder, then take a small amount and put it in your throat for 5-7 days.
Method 2: Peel fresh figs, slice them, boil them thoroughly to extract the juice, add rock sugar, then simmer over low heat until it becomes a paste, and suck on it daily.
Treating constipation
Method 1: Boil 9g of fresh figs in water and drink the decoction daily for 5-7 days.
Method 2: Eat 3-5 ripe figs daily for 5-7 days.
Method 3: Wash 10 fresh figs, cut them in half, clean and finely chop a section of pig's large intestine, simmer both until tender, add seasonings, and eat daily for one week.
Things to note when using figs
According to the Health & Life newspaper, Dr. Vu Duy Thanh said that while figs are good for health, the following points should be noted when consuming them:
- Skin contact with fig fruit or fig leaf sap may cause a rash in sensitive individuals.
Because figs are high in fiber, eating too many figs, especially dried figs, can cause diarrhea.
- Not suitable for people allergic to fig leaves, fruit, or sap.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/bai-thuoc-chua-benh-tu-qua-sung-ar911306.html
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