As I returned home from completing my daily mileage, exhausted, I stepped into the kitchen right away. My aim was to have some water before I could decide what I would like to have for breakfast. Standing next to the water dispenser as I was sipping water, a bunch of fresh figs caught my eyes. I have often seen these resting on my grandmother’s nightstand. But since I was a very finicky eater back then I never dared trying them.

Being excited and thrilled by the endorphin rush, I decided to taste a few. It has been long since I have quit eating boxed cereals, sugary jams, fattening butters, and the likes. My breakfast comprises of warm glass of milk, fresh fruits, peanut butter and bread made out of unbleached flour. On days I’m feeling too generous; I treat myself with kabab sandwich or an omelette. Later when I feel hungry, around mid-morning, I eat a small bowl of yoghurt with almonds. I have to ensure that I keep hunger pangs at bay so that on the sight of food after six hours I don’t end up gulping it down like cookie monster.

Intrigued, I decided to place some figs next to my regular breakfast. As I was chewing this sweet and soft fruit coated with small seeds, my curious mind asked me what are the health benefits of figs, why do so many people eat them? This made me log on to the Internet and do a quick research and boy was I impressed? Here are some benefits that I’d like to share with you:

Health Benefits of Figs (Injeer)

  • Being rich in dietary fibre, figs are an excellent source for reducing weight. Eating a few figs can make you feel satiated and full. In other words this means you keep your hands off chocolates, bag of chips, sodas, or other indulgences that you fall trap of. However, do not have figs with milk or you will put on extra weight, (as soon as I read this I had to keep my milk glass aside).
  • The fibre present in figs also helps in regulating bowel functions, easing stomach ache and preventing constipation.
  • Figs contain high calcium content promoting bone density and guarding against osteoporosis. Can we now throw away artificial calcium supplements that not only take too much space in the medicine cabinet, but also a good amount from our wallet?
  • Pectin, a soluble fibre, present in figs goes through our digestive system and wipes off cholesterol mounts choking our blood vessels, as a result we maintain a low cholesterol level. Now once the cholesterol level is down, you know you are protected from multiple heart diseases as well.
  • One thing that made me conscious of my eating pattern was diabetes. Instead of being forced to give up on the delicacies that I love, I chose to limit my sugar intake on my own. Figs being high in fibre reduce the need for insulin. The presence of potassium in this chewy fruit helps in controlling blood sugar.
  •  Hypertension, the reason behind so many kidney failures, eye damages and heart strokes can also be prevented by making figs an essential part of your meal. Since our lives revolve around salty treats, we often end up having high sodium level and low potassium. Figs have just the right balance that our bodies need hence saving us from hypertension.
  • Figs are also a known treatment for common cough, chronic asthma and other respiratory diseases. Hmm…now this explains me why my Dadi jan used to have figs by her side all the time!

I have only shared a few benefits that I read, however the ones listed above were enough to convince me to make figs a regular part of my diet. While old age cannot be avoided, I would love to stay healthy for as long as I can without letting drugs and chemicals intervene with my system.

This also makes me to sit back and reflect on this beautiful verse from Surah-e-Rehman:  

“Then which of the favours of your Lord will you deny?”

Subhan’Allah! (Glory is to Allah) . Indeed, nature has blessed us with tremendous tasty and nutritious treats, yet we overlook and grab the unhealthy options. But as a precaution which we must exercise in everything we choose to do in life, stay moderate in eating figs do not finish off the entire bunch in a day. Two or three should be sufficient enough. The intake will vary if you’re suffering from certain medical conditions, so in that case please do refer to your doctor or a licensed medical practitioner. While buying figs make sure they are tender, plump and bruise-free, this will ensure you enjoy the tastiest fruit.

Did you know: dried figs are eaten as healthy energy snack and added in baked goods and refreshing drinks in place of refined sugar?

I’m already drooling can’t wait to try some recipes!