Dried fig, difference between fresh fig and dried fig, nutritional profile, biological activity, health benefits, therapeutic uses, risk factors
Description : Fig is a delicious savory fruit belongs to mulberry family. Fig can be consumed in fresh form as
Article Details :
Fig is a delicious savory fruit belongs to mulberry family. Fig can be consumed in fresh form as well as in dried form. Both of the figs are extremely nutritious and contain significant amount of fibre, antioxidants and micronutrients. Dried fig has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes.
Differences between fresh fig and dried fig
Fresh fig is a seasonal fruit and mainly available in the Western part of Asia, whereas dried fig is available though out the year everywhere in the country. There are several differences between these two forms. Below points will give an overview of their difference –
- Dried fig contains comparatively more sugar, calories, fibre, vitamins and minerals than fresh fig, whereas fresh fig is relatively richer in Vitamin C than dried fig as there is loss of some water soluble vitamins occur during the drying process
- Dried fig contains pectin that help in reducing blood cholesterol concentration
- Dried fig contains relatively higher amount of antioxidants and phenolic components than fresh fig
- Dried fig also contains comparatively higher amount of potassium than fresh fig. Due to its high potassium content it is widely used as an important remedial action for hypertension
Nutritional profile
- It contains desirable amount of carbohydrates and contains sugar as well
- It is also rich in dietary fibre
- It contains protein too. It is consisting of various important amino acids
- It contains lesser amount of fat as well. It is composed of both saturated and unsaturated fat but totally free from cholesterol
- It provides desirable amount of energy on its oxidation
- It is packed with several important micronutrients, which include Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, choline, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, selenium, copper, magnesium and manganese
- It also contains various important plant components, which include epicatechin gallate, quercetin, antioxidants and kaempferol, all of these components play vital role in exerting various nutraceutical activities
Biological activities
Antioxidant activity
- It is packed with antioxidants that help in neutralizing free radicals thus help in protecting the body from their harmful consequences
- It is also associated with preventing cellular damages by decreasing oxidative stress hence helps in sustaining cellular functionality that ultimately helps to promote overall wellbeing
Anti-inflammatory activity
- It contains various important plant compounds that exert anti-inflammatory activity and helps in decreasing the concentration of inflammatory markers within body, which helps in preventing inflammation
- It plays significant role in delaying the onset of inflammatory events within body thus helps in decreasing the prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases
- It also helps in preventing joint swelling and helps to improve joint health too thus its consumption is thought to be very effective for improving the symptoms of arthritis
Anti-carcinogenic activity
- It contains various important nutrients that exhibit potent anti-carcinogenic activity and reduces the prevalence of various cancers
- Its oxidative stress reducing capacity is also responsible for decreasing the susceptibility of carcinoma
Hypotensive activity
- Its high potassium content makes it an imperative therapeutic substance for hypertension
- It helps to widen the blood vessels, which subsequently decreases high blood pressure
Hypolipidemic activity
- It exerts strong hypolipidemic activity and all the credit goes to its fibre content
- It helps in decreasing the concentration of LDL, VLDL and triglyceride in body thus its consumption is thought to be very effective for reducing total body fat percentages
Health benefits
Role on digestive health
- Consumption of dried fig is extremely helpful for improving the health and activity of digestive system
- Its fibre content is responsible for preventing constipation as fibre helps in increasing the bulkiness of stool and also makes the stool soft, which ultimately supports defecation
- Ficin is an enzyme found in dried fig, it also acts as laxative and helps to ease bowel movement thus promotes regularity
- It is also very effective for decreasing the prevalence of indigestion, diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulceration and inflammatory bowel disease
- It helps to promote gut health as well
Role on skeletal system
- It contains significant amount of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium, all of these trace elements play vital role in maintaining a Read more
