Fig or Anjeer is a unique fruit that contains many nutrients. It is a sweet fruit with numerous seeds, so it is known as nature’s candy.
The fresh and dried Anjeer is widely used in many countries, and it is very popular as ‘poor man’s food.’ The dried forms of its fruits, leaves, seeds, barks, shoots, and latex contain various medicinal values.
The fig fruit contains many powerful antioxidants, so regular consumption of this fruit increases the antioxidant capacity.
Fig is sweet, succulent, soft, fleshy, and juicy fruit, so the paste of this fruit is used as an alternative for sugar, and it is healthier than sucrose and corn syrup.
found that Anjeer contains antipyretic and purgative properties. The fig fruit contains antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, antihypertriglyceridemic, antiviral, and cancer suppressive effects. The combination of Anjeer juice and honey is an effective remedy for hemorrhagia.
About Anjeer
Anjeer is a deciduous tree that belongs to the mulberry family. In India, it is a bell-shaped flowering plant that is commercially grown in Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, UP, and Coimbatore and widely cultivated in many countries.
This tree can grow up to 50 feet tall with twisted and heavy branches. It has single and large leaves that are bright green in color.
Fig contains small flowers with a clustered green fruit, and the insects enter into the flowers through the opening of the fruit for pollinating. The fruits of this plant are very small with lots of crunchy seeds, and that contain a sweet taste.
Common Names of Anjeer (Aththi):
Botanical Name: Ficus Carcia
English Name: Fig
Tamil Name: Aththi Pazham
Malayalam Name: Atti Pazham
Telugu Name: Athi Pallu
Kannada Name: Anjura
Hindi Name: Anjeer
Marathi Name: Anjeer
Ayurvedic Benefits of Anjeer
Fig is a sweet and astringent fruit that contains a cooling effect and is hard to digest. According to Ayurveda, it contains many nutrients, and it helps to balance the vata and pitta doshas.
Anjeer is very effective in cleaning the bowel system and eliminates toxins from your body. It is a great natural remedy to treat constipation, digestive problems, controls blood pressure, and reduces excess vata in the body.
The latex of the Fig fruit is used in Ayurvedic medicines that contain an enzyme ficin that holds powerful anthelmintic property to fight against worm infections.
The main Ayurvedic property of Fig contains a laxative, diuretic, and expectorant. Fig contains a chemical furocoumarin, so it is effective for treating leucoderma, and it helps to cure the white spots on your skin.
It is recommended to take Fig for 2-3 months to treat white spots. In Ayurveda, Anjeer is strongly used to treat kidney stones and other urinary diseases.
Drink 30 ml of Anjeer decoction two times per day to dissolve the kidney stones. Drink the soaked water of dried figs to reduce the vata inside the body.
Anjeer is more beneficial for women, so eating 2-4 dried Anjeer daily increases the levels of iron and calcium to your body. Drinking filter decoction of Anjeer for a week helps to regulate your menstrual cycle.
Nutritional Benefits of Anjeer
Anjeer is an effective nourishing food and used as the main ingredient in many products. It contains rich sources of vitamins, minerals, fat, and water.
It is the highest source of soluble dietary fiber compared to other plants. It contains numerous health-promoting bioactive compounds.
Rich in Antioxidants
According to scientific studies, it is found that Anjeer is a powerful source of antioxidants. Regular consumption of dried Anjeer effectively increases the antioxidants.
The high antioxidant capacity helps to prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cancer diseases. The research found that the fruits, leaves, and stem bark contain powerful antioxidant properties.
The presence of high-level phenolic compounds is the reason for these properties. The antioxidants of Fig helps to prevent oxidative degradation of lipids, so it protects your body from chronic diseases.
Moreover, the fig fruits contain powerful free radicals scavenging property that diminishes the load of Reactive Oxygen Species. Apart from phenolic compounds, it contains flavonoids that provide powerful antioxidant properties. The pulp and peel of the fruit contain the following organic acids:
- Citric Acid
- Ferulic Acid
- Oxalic Acid
- Quinic Acid
- Malic Acid
- Fumaric Acid
- Chlorogenic Acid
Rich in Polyphenolic Compounds
The fresh and dried Anjeer fruits contain phenolic compounds. According to research, wine and tea contain a great amount of phenolic.
Anjeer fruit contains greater PROANTHOCYANIDINS than tea and wine. The research found that anthocyanins, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities reduced after the fresh Anjeer dried. The basic polyphenols present in Anjeer are:
- Flavones: Astragaline, Rutin, Apigenin and Campherol.
- Cyanidin
- Catechin
- Gallic Acid
- Epicatechin
- Chlorogenic Acid
- Flavanones
- Syringic Acid
- Anthocyanidin
Fatty Acid Composition
Most of the fruits contain dietary fiber, and Anjeer is one such fruit that contains rich amounts of fatty acid and dietary fiber. There are different fatty acids present in dried Anjeer.
- Stearic Acid
- Linoleic Acid
- Palmitic Acid
- Oleic Acid
- Myristic Acid
- Linolenic Acid
From these, LINOLENIC ACID is the most important one that is 53.1% of the total fatty acid composition. Anjeer fruit contains Phytosterols that are similar to cholesterol. Phytosterols play an important role in reducing high cholesterol levels.
Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Anjeer (Aththi)
Both fresh and dried Anjeer contains excellent nutrients that make it effective for overall health conditions.
It contains 28% of the fiber in the soluble form, which helps to control a high level of plasma glucose and cholesterol and reduces weight.
The Anjeer fruit contains many health-promoting compounds that help to treat various health conditions.
Treats Constipation
The research found that Anjeer contains laxative properties, so it provides effective treatment for constipation.
It contains cellulose that is a compound present in plants that helps to promote the elimination of stools by increasing the water content. It also increases the viscosity. Moreover, it increases the time of colonic transmission of the stools.
Thus, by eating Anjeer, you can easily excrete the stools easily without straining and giving pressure to the system. The movement of the food decreases via the digestive tract during constipation.
The paste of Anjeer fruit pulp helps to increase the intestinal peristalsis. It is an effective remedy for those who suffer from constipation.
Therefore, it can be used as a great therapy for constipation. Three pieces of Figs contains five gms of fiber that improves your health and regulates bowel movements.
Anjeer not only provides treatment for constipation and also helps to treat stomach-ache, indigestion, and other intestinal problems.
Usage: Soak 2 to 3 pieces of dry Anjeer fruit overnight. Filter and consume the soaked water with honey to get relief from constipation problems.
Cures Muscle Spasm & Cramps
According to research, the dried Anjeer helps to relax the gut. The presence of the FLAVONOIDS, SAPONINS, ALKALOIDS, COURMARINS, and TERPENES are reasons for this property.
Anjeer also contains a powerful anti-spasmodic property that helps to reduce muscle spasms. Moreover, Consumption of Anjeer helps to prevent contractions, so it relaxes your muscles.
Due to the anti-spasmolytic property, it is recommended to be used for the treatment of different types of gastrointestinal diseases such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Treats Anemia
The research found that the extract of Anjeer fruit contains effects on hematological aspects such as packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, the total count of white blood cells, and platelets.
According to the research, the Anjeer fruit greatly increases the concentration of hemoglobin. Apart from this, the Anjeer fruit is used to treat increased packed cell volume in a group.
This may be caused due to the small amount of iron in Anjeer fruits. Moreover, it is observed that both fresh and dried Anjeer fruits include protein.
Both protein and iron are important for the hemoglobin formation, and due to the presence of these nutrients, Anjeer fruit becomes perfect for hemoglobin synthesis.
Many nutrients and health-promoting compounds are important for the blood cell formation, so Anjeer fruit is very effective in promoting hematological parameters.
Treats Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
Anjeer is the source of essential nutrients among all the dried fruits. Apart from a great nutrient profile, it also contains effective medicinal values.
The fruit and leaves of Anjeer are effectively used in managing plasma glucose levels. They contain many healthy compounds such as flavonoids, antioxidants, and polyphenols that play a vital role in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The flavonoid contains antihyperglycemic properties that help to modulate glucose and oxidation metabolisms. Moreover, the flavonoids alter the transport of glucose and greatly reduces the increased level of plasma glucose.
Ferulic acid is an important phenol compound that controls the high plasma glucose level and reduces oxidative stress. The high-level oxidative stress is related to hyperglycemia.
Anjeer contains many antioxidants that help to balance the harmful free radicals and fight against oxidative stress. Anjeer leaves are more effective than the Anjeer fruit.
The leaves of Anjeer helps to promote the functional control of diabetes. These leaves control the sugar level in the body after the food.
It reduces the rate of blood sugar change. The tea made from Anjeer leaves is available in the market that helps the diabetic patients.
Improves Immune system
People who have weak immune systems are easily affected by diseases and infections. Thus, many researchers concentrate on the process of strengthening the immune system to control infections and diseases.
Anjeer contains rich amounts of nutrients, so it is a powerhouse of many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids.
There are many health-promoting compounds available in Anjeer that are helping to alter the immune system and cure diseases. According to research, consuming Anjeer daily helps to decrease the immune response.
Moreover, regular consumption helps to strengthen the immune response and fights against health disorders and diseases.
It also promotes the actions of many immune cells, so it protects your body. The extract of Anjeer fruit increases the total count of white blood cells in a group.
This increase may be associated with the presence of phenolic compounds such as FURANOCOUMARINS, ANGELICIN, CAROTENOIDS, and PSORALEN. These compounds strengthen the immune system and increase white blood cells production.
High Triglyceride Level
According to research, the extract of Anjeer leaf contains hypolipidemic actions that help to reduce the level of triglyceride and plasma cholesterol.
Moreover, it is found that the extract of the leaf also increases the plasma level of HDL cholesterol. These increased levels of HDL cholesterol help to protect your heart and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
The leaf extract increases the APOLIPOPROTEIN A-1 production and alters the remodel of HDL particles in the blood vessels. Apart from this, APOLIPOPROTEIN A-1 also helps to anti-thrombogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Another research found that the decoction of Anjeer leaf reduces the level of triglyceride. Due to the presence of bioactive compounds that affects the fat breakdown and enhances the whole over the lipid profile. Thus, it reduces the chances of coronary heart diseases.
Hepatoprotective Effect
The liver is the main organ that exhibits intaken toxins. If this exposure occurs prolonged time, it may cause damage to the liver, and modify the function and structure. Mostly, the drugs used in the treatment for liver diseases cause side effects.
The research found that the extract of Anjeer leaves provides a specific, powerful protective effect against PARACETAMOL. Another research proves that the extract of Anjeer helps to decrease the liver damage and reduce the level of liver enzymes in the group, and it increases during the damage.
Thus, the leaf extract and fruit of Anjeer is effective in treating liver diseases. Thus, it restores the function of the liver cell and regulates the structure of the liver.
Antimicrobial Properties
Many studies found that the Anjeer tree contains anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. The extract of Anjeer tree leaves contains antibacterial properties that provide many strong activities against ANGINOSUS, ACTINOMYCETEMCOMITANS, GORDONII, INTERMEDIA, and P. GINGIVALIS.
Cure Fevers & Debility after Fever
According to many scientific studies, it is found that the extract of Anjeer leaf contains powerful antipyretic actions that help to decrease the body temperature during fever.
The extract of the leaf contains a similar effect to PARACETAMOL that is a medicine used in treating fever. The Anjeer fruits are more beneficial in treating debility after fever or chronic diseases.
Reduces Weight
Anjeer contains many effective nutrients, so many dieticians recommend using a small amount of this fruit to reduce weight because it promotes your weight loss program.
Yet, consume it with milk because the high-level calories of milk combined with Anjeer fruit helps to gain weight in the desired places. Anjeer also contains a high amount of sugar, so consume 1-2 Anjeer fruits per day.
Treats Sexual Problems
Anjeer is an effective fruit that is highly beneficial since ancient times for treating many sexual diseases such as low stamina, sterility, and erectile dysfunction.
The nutrients such as vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, minerals, and copper increases the production of semen.
The dried Anjeer fruit contains rich amounts of amino acids that help this fruit to act as an aphrodisiac by increasing libido and vitality.
Anjeer is an effective fruit for adolescent girls to cure PMS symptoms and normalizes the cycle. Furthermore, many studies found that Anjeer is more beneficial in treating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Treats Teeth & Gum Diseases
Anjeer contains many phenolic compounds that provide powerful anti-caries effects. This effect may be caused because the extract of Anjeer prevents oral bacteria.
Moreover, the presence of flavonoids helps to provide antibacterial properties, so it fights against the harmful actions of bacteria.
The Anjeer fruit plays a vital role in decreasing infections of oral bacteria due to the presence of phytochemicals and flavonoids, so it protects your teeth, gum, and whole over the tissue of the oral cavity. Thus, Anjeer can be used as an effective antibacterial agent in the oral care products.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Figs contain numerous potassium that helps to maintain blood pressure. Potassium is the important mineral that helps to control the blood pressure in your body and helps to refute the negative impacts of sodium.
The potassium effect in figs helps to promote the function of muscles and nerves, balances the fluid system, and maintains the balance of electrolyte.
Maintaining blood pressure helps to dilate blood vessels, enhances the blood circulation, relaxes, and makes you stress-free. Therefore, the fig is the best fruit to take in a high blood pressure diet.
Strengthens Bones
Fig is filled with rich amounts of vitamins and minerals, which plays a vital role in strengthening your bones and reducing the chance of osteoporosis.
Due to the presence of phosphorus and calcium, Anjeer promotes the bones formation and enhances the regrowth of bones if any injury occurs or deterioration is caused in bones. Taking fresh figs provides 180 mg of calcium and important vitamins C and K to strengthen the density of your bones.
Breathing Difficulties
There are many sufficient nutrients found in the Anjeer, such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber that keep your respiratory system hydrated.
It helps to cure chronic cough and other disorders. Thus, many dieticians suggested using Anjeer for several respiratory diseases. Soak 1-2 Anjeer that is enough for asthma and other breathing problems.
Medically, it works when you feel fatigued, weak, and tired, especially difficulty in breathing because of physical weakness or excessive exertion. Moreover, it is best to eat, and it acts as a nutritious tonic for the respiratory system.
If respiratory fatigue or weakness is not the cause, it is better to take other medicine to cure breathing problems.
Radiant Skin
Figs contain nutrients such as vitamin C, A, and E and powerful antioxidants that are effective in growing your skin and rejuvenating your skin cells.
Fresh figs are used as face masks. Make a paste using fresh figs and apply it on your face. Wash your face with lukewarm water after 15 minutes that makes your skin glow and look vibrant naturally.
Moreover, the rich amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals help to maintain the pH balance of your skin and improve blood circulation.
Treats Fluid Overload or Oedema
Diuretics are the kid of medicines that helps to increase the output and passage of urine. These medicines are effective for those who have a fluid overload.
The extract of Anjeer fruit provides natural diuretic property. The research proves that the extract of Anjeer fruit increases the volume of urine and concentration, such as potassium, chloride, and sodium in the urine.
The effect of the extract is similar to the diuretic called FUROSEMIDE. Therefore, the fruit extract is used as a natural diuretic agent.
Relieves Throat Pain and Other Problems
Anjeer helps to provide relief and prevent sore throat caused due to mucilage content. Anjeer and its natural juice can help to decrease the stress and pain on the vocal cords. It is used for earache, abscesses, fever, boils, etc.
Improves Heart Health
Many studies found that figs reduce the level of triglycerides in the bloodstream and reduce the chances of heart diseases.
Anjeer contains rich amounts of soluble fiber that clears the clogged cholesterol and excrete it from your body via the excretory system.
Additionally, the high potassium and antioxidants present in dried figs help to maintain blood pressure, prevent artery blockages, scavenges free radicals, and reduce the chances of heart diseases.
Treats Insomnia
The dried fruits of Anjeer are recommended to the people who suffer from insomnia. The tryptophan present in Anjeer helps to provide enough and good sleep by promoting proper blood circulation throughout the body.
Treats Alzheimer’s Disease
According to the research, Anjeer contains many nutritious diets that help treat neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and make your neuroinflammation easy.
Anjeer is filled with rich amounts of potassium, copper, dietary fiber, magnesium, antioxidants, zinc, and vitamin K that are helping to improve your memory, decrease anxiety, and enhance your learning skills for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s.
Urinary Problems
The potassium present in Anjeer helps to eliminate harmful toxins from your body through urine. It decreases the level of uric acid by increasing the secretion of uric acid. It also helps to regulate the waste content in urine.
Post-Menopausal Breast Cancer Prevention
Anjeer contains a rich quantity of fiber that fights against breast cancer in adult females. After menopause, the hormones in the body change often, and these changes affect your immune system.
It affects the capability of antioxidants that fight against free radicals. Therefore, consuming Anjeer is good to prevent post-menopausal cancer.
Prevent Colon Cancer
The fiber present in Anjeer helps to eliminate harmful toxins from the physical structure and improves the excretion of free radicals and other cancer problems. It contains many antioxidants, but polyphenols and flavonoids help to prevent the damage caused by free radicals.
Treats Piles
Fig contains a natural laxative property that helps to reduce the pressure in the rectum, so the hemorrhoids reduce. According to the research and alternative medical journal, the fig is an effective traditional remedy that helps to treat hemorrhoids due to the antispasmodic and laxative properties.
Reduces Wrinkles on Skin
The extract of fig contains powerful anti collagenase properties and antioxidants that are highly beneficial for reducing wrinkles and makes your skin soft.
The fig extract is widely used in many skin formulations that help to decrease skin melanin, sebum, and water loss. Furthermore, this extract enhances the skin hydration and serves as a natural remedy for acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Treats Warts
Anjeer is widely used in traditional medicine to treat several skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. The latex of Anjeer contains strong anti wart property. The latex enzyme of Anjeer also contains proteolytic activity that helps to eliminate warts on the body without causing any side effects.
Nutritional Values of Anjeer (Aththi)
Anjeer contains low calories and rich amounts of soluble fiber, powerful nutrients, and many compounds for healing benefits. Anjeer is a rich source of antioxidants, flavonoids, chlorogenic acids, carotenes, tannins, lutein, vitamin A, K, and E. It helps to clear free radicals and prevents many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and decreases inflammation. The fresh figs contain B complex vitamins such as niacin, folates, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine that work as co-factors for metabolism. The dried figs contain rich amounts of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium. Potassium helps to balance the body fluids that normalize the heart rate and blood pressure. Iron is the most important mineral for red blood cell formation and overall health.
Nutritional value per 100 g of Fresh Fig
NUTRIENT | VALUE |
---|---|
Calories | 74 |
Total Fat | 36 g |
Carbohydrates | 19.18 g |
Protein | 0.75 g |
Sodium | 1 mg |
Potassium | 232 mg |
Calcium | 35 mg |
Iron | 0.37 mg |
Magnesium | 17 mg |
Copper | 0.070 mg |
Vitamin C | 2 mg |
Vitamin A | 142 IU |
Vitamin E | 0.11 mg |
Niacin | 0.400 mg |
Vitamin K | 4.7 µg |
Manganese | 0.128 mg |
Selenium | 0.2 µg |
Folates | 6 µg |
Pantothenic acid | 0.300 mg |
Pyridoxine | 0.113 mg |
Riboflavin | 0.050 mg |
Thiamin | 0.060 mg |
Side Effects of Anjeer (Aththi)
Typically, Anjeer is safe to eat, but it causes a slight laxative effect. The excessive consumption of Anjeer may lead to diarrhea.
During Pregnancy
Anjeer fruit is safe to eat during pregnancy. Due to the rich nutritional values of Anjeer, it is good to consume.
When you take Anjeer during pregnancy, it provides many nutritional advantages such as increased hemoglobin level and provides relief from constipation for pregnant women.
However, In some cases, it may cause any side effects. If pregnant women have loose stools or diarrhea, they should avoid Anjeer, but if she has constipation or incomplete bowel movement, she can consume.
Anjeer Allergy
Some people have an allergy while consuming Anjeer. According to research, the skin of Anjeer contains more allergy than the pulp of the fruit. Some people reported that eating Anjeer may cause oral allergy and respiratory diseases.
While consuming dried Anjeer, the symptoms such as sneezing, blocked nose, dry cough, and watery eyes appear. The skin tests of dried Anjeer, leaf, latex, skin, and pulp of green Anjeer provides a positive result.
Therefore, different parts of this Anjeer contain different allergy stimulating capacity but most of the allergies are caused due to the skin of the fruit.
Interactions
The extract of Anjeer leaf may interact with the anti-diabetic medicine and reduces the plasma glucose level. Consuming both medicines at the same time or short time rapidly reduces the level of plasma glucose below the normal range and may cause hypoglycemia.
Conclusion
Figs or Anjeer is a succulent fruit with numerous seeds that is a healthy diet for your regular consumption. It is a powerhouse for many nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc., and it is popularly known as ‘Nature’s candy.’ It provides immediate energy, inhibits heart diseases, and helps to control diabetes. Anjeer is effective in treating several skin diseases, and it is an essential ingredient in juices, milkshakes, and jams.
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