Figs, also known as the “first fruit of health,” possess numerous health benefits. What exactly are the efficacies of this common fruit with significant medicinal value?
Fig, a common fruit and a crucial medicinal herb, is rich in nutritional components and unique medicinal value, widely applied in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Revered as a “natural health herb,” figs offer diverse advantages.
The benefits of figs include the following:
- Nutritional Value: Figs are rich in dietary fiber, aiding in digestive health and preventing constipation. In the modern context, this makes them a highly beneficial health food.
- Micronutrients: Figs contain essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, calcium, and iron, contributing significantly to enhancing the immune system and preventing diseases like the common cold.
- Heart Health: The fats in figs are primarily unsaturated fatty acids, which assist in lowering blood lipid levels and preventing cardiovascular diseases. These nutritional elements make figs an indispensable part of daily diets.
From a TCM perspective, figs are considered to have various health benefits, including moistening the lungs, relieving coughs, clearing heat, detoxifying, nourishing Yin, and supporting the stomach. Figs prove effective in alleviating symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, dry mouth, and tongue. Moreover, figs are used in treating conditions like hepatitis and gastritis, gaining widespread recognition among patients and holding a crucial position in the field of TCM.
Additionally, figs contribute to beauty and skincare. Their high content of antioxidants helps eliminate free radicals from the body, delaying skin aging and maintaining a youthful appearance. The high water content in figs provides ample hydration to the skin, ensuring a radiant complexion. These skincare benefits make figs a preferred food for those pursuing beautiful and healthy skin.
It is important to note that while figs offer excellent therapeutic and medicinal effects, there are certain groups of people who should consume them with caution:
- Diabetics: Due to the relatively high sugar content in figs, individuals with diabetes should avoid them to prevent elevated blood sugar levels.
- Spleen and Stomach Deficiency: Figs have a cold nature, and individuals with abnormal gastrointestinal functions, such as chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, or diarrhea, may worsen their conditions by consuming figs.
- Patients with Cerebrovascular Diseases: Figs, with their high energy density and relatively high lipid content, may trigger cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in individuals with obesity or hyperlipidemia. Therefore, patients with cerebrovascular diseases should avoid fig consumption.
- Figs Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to figs, experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, rash, or hives.
- Digestive Issues: Figs contain abundant fiber and pectin. Individuals with digestive system problems, such as stomach issues or intestinal disorders, may experience diarrhea or constipation.