Anjeer is a type of fruit produced by the Ficus carica L. plant. It is grown in areas with hot and dry climates, like those found in Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Greece, California, and Brazil. The edible part of a fig is called the receptacle and is hollow inside. It can be eaten fresh or dried as well.

Figs have played an important role in many cultures throughout history, including Indian mythology, where it is considered sacred and has been used as both food and medicine for centuries.

The health benefits of anjeer are manifold. Read on!

Anjeer is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It can be eaten as a healthy dessert option to control blood sugar levels, and it has a crunchy, chewy, and soft texture. The health benefits of eating anjeer are as follows:

1. Helps During Pregnancy

Anjeer is a nutritionally rich fruit, and its vitamin B can help alleviate early morning sickness during pregnancy. It may also help with digestive problems during pregnancy and preserve the mother's bones, which in turn assist foetal development.

2. Improves Skin Health

Anjeers have been shown to contain high levels of phenols, which act as natural antioxidants, and other nutrients that benefit your skin. Because of these properties, figs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat warts.

3. Promotes Hair Growth

Anjeers contain vitamin E and K, which are both essential for healthy hair. The vitamins help to retain the natural lustre of your hair and prevent excessive loss due to greying.

4. Great for Weight Management

Anjeer is high in fibre and low in calories, which makes them an ideal part of a weight-loss diet. Dried figs, which contain about 100 calories per cup, can be eaten as a snack and incorporated into other recipes to increase volume without increasing the number of calories.

5. Relieves Constipation

Anjeer contains a high amount of dietary fibre, which helps relieve constipation by bulking up your food, softening faeces to make them easier to pass through and promoting regular bowel movements.

6. Improves Eye Health

Figs are high in vitamin A, which helps retain vision and prevent blindness. In addition, it is thought to lower the chance of eye diseases that are currently incurable.

7. Regulates Sleep-wake Cycle

It has been suggested that figs help regulate sleep-wake cycles and reduce insomnia by increasing melatonin in the body, raising serotonin levels in the brain, and boosting the production of a pleasure hormone known as beta-endorphin.

8. Rich in Antioxidants

The antioxidant properties of figs help the body fight free radical damage, which can contribute to ageing and age-related organ dysfunction. Figs contain natural antioxidants that aid in preventing premature ageing issues such as dark spots and fine lines.

9. Restricts Development of Anaemia

Figs contain iron, which helps prevent anaemia and are also beneficial for those suffering from anaemia. Through the consumption of figs regularly, the amount of haemoglobin in your blood will increase, which helps to build up your red blood cells.

10. Regulates Blood Sugar Level

Research has shown that figs have a hypoglycemic effect. They help lower blood sugar and enhance the body's ability to take up excess sugar from the bloodstream, controlling diabetes.

11. Helps Regulate Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that figs can lower blood pressure. Figs are also high in potassium, which helps counteract the effects of salt on the heart and is necessary for proper cardiac function.

12. Promotes Better Kidney Function

Figs have diuretic properties, which means they can help your body eliminate toxins by causing you to urinate more frequently. This is beneficial for kidney health.

13. Treats Cough and Cold

Fig juice has been used traditionally as a cough and cold remedy. It helps remove mucus from the lungs, as well as strengthens the throat muscles, preventing a recurrence of the same.

14. Reduces Fever

Medical research shows that fig leaves contain a chemical compound which can reduce fever. Moreover, this natural antipyretic is more effective than most commercial versions because it lasts longer than five hours.

15. Promotes Bone Health

Figs are high in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium—three minerals that help to preserve bone structure. Consuming figs regularly will help you maintain strong bones and lower the chance of fractures.

16. Aids in Digestive Health

The fibre content in figs supports healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements. Figs also contain prebiotics, which help nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

17. Potential Cancer Protective Properties

Some studies suggest that the antioxidants and fibre in figs may have protective effects against certain types of cancer, although more research is needed in this area.

Figs are known for their numerous health benefits. While many people enjoy eating figs raw, others prefer to cook with them. Fig recipes can be found in a variety of cuisines.

1. As Barfi or Halwa

Anjeer is used in Indian desserts, such as halwa and barfi. Because anjeer has a naturally sweet taste, there is no need to add sugar when making a dessert with anjeer. Pure ghee, nuts, and anjeer are all you need to make a delicious sweet dish.

2. Add It to Cereals like Oats, Cornflakes or Muesli

To reap the benefits of figs, incorporate them into your morning cereals. A nutritious breakfast should be supplemented with fibre-rich foods. Adding figs or anjeer will increase your fibre intake.

3. Increase the Quantity of Anjeer in the Baked Goods

Anjeer, a dried fruit, can be added to cakes and loaves of bread to reap the health advantages. In addition, you'll want to eat them more regularly because of their gentle sweetness.

4. Add It to Your Salads

Add a few dried figs or caramelised or roasted fresh figs to your salad of greens, nuts, seeds and dressing.

5. Soak Dried Figs Overnight

To enjoy the benefits of figs, soak dried figs overnight in milk or water and consume them first thing in the morning. For weight loss, consume soaked figs with your other meals throughout the day.

6. Fig Compote

Another way is through fig compote. Simmer fresh or dried figs with a little water and honey to make a compote. Serve it over yoghurt or ice cream. This is a healthy dish and snack as it also includes yoghurt.

7. Cheese Platter

Serve fresh figs with cheese as part of a cheese platter. They complement cheeses like blue cheese, brie, or gorgonzola very well. The figs' sweetness and the cheese's saltiness go well together.

8. Oatmeal Toppings or Smoothie

Chop dried figs and add them to your oatmeal along with nuts and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. This makes an excellent breakfast option. Blend fresh or dried figs into your favourite smoothie for added sweetness and fibre.

However, figs are also high in natural sugars, so eating too many at once can lead to a stomach ache. Figs also have a lot of fibre, which is great for your digestive system but can cause gas if you eat too many of them. Hence, it is important to pay attention to how much you eat!

• Stomach Ache: Figs are rich in fibre and are good for digestion. However, they can also cause constipation. Drinking cold water after eating figs helps to ease the stomach-related issues associated with fig consumption.
• Leads to Bloating: Figs cause bloating when taken in excess. They are rich sources of fibre and may lead to bloating if eaten in large quantities over a short period. Aniseed water can be consumed to cure this problem.
• Sensitive to the Sunlight: Figs contain a compound that is beneficial in the treatment of skin tumours but may also harm your skin if you consume them regularly. The compound can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and increase your risk of sunburns and premature ageing.
• Harmful for Intestines and Liver: Figs contain toxins which can harm the liver and small intestines. These toxins are present in both the seeds and flesh of figs, making them potentially harmful to consume.
• Limit the Calcium Absorption: Figs contain oxalates, substances that limit the body's ability to absorb calcium. This can lead to the development of weak bones or other disorders related to calcium deficiency. However, there is a lack of research on this topic. More information is needed.
• Cause Bleeding: Anjeer is warm and unctuous. It may cause bleeding, especially in the case of overconsumption. Eating too many figs can lead to retinal bleeding, rectal bleeding, slight vaginal bleeding, and even haemolytic anaemia. If there is rectal or vaginal bleeding after eating figs, it would be best to cease eating them and consult a doctor.
• Lowers Blood Sugar: Figs help to control the blood sugar level in the body. This can be helpful for those with diabetes, but it can cause problems for those with low blood sugar levels. If you have low blood sugar, avoid eating figs.
• Allergy: People who are allergic to figs may experience conjunctivitis, rhinitis, anaphylactic shock and asthma. They should check with a doctor before consuming them.
• Harmful Oxalates: Figs are high in oxalates, and those suffering from kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid figs. The fig can also aggravate an unhealthy spleen, which produces white blood cells. However, research is lacking in this area.
• Weight Gain: Figs are calorie-dense and contain natural sugars. Overconsumption can contribute to weight gain if not balanced with other nutrients.
• Dental Issues: The natural sugars in figs can contribute to dental cavities and tooth decay, particularly if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
• Nutrient Imbalance: Overeating figs without a balanced diet can lead to an imbalance in nutrients. Figs are rich in certain vitamins and minerals but do not provide all essential nutrients in sufficient quantities.

Fig (Anjeer) is generally safe for most people to eat and offers several health benefits due to its nutrient content. However, certain groups may need to exercise caution or avoid consuming figs under certain conditions:

• People With an Allergy: Individuals allergic to figs or other fruits in the Moraceae family (such as mulberries) should avoid eating figs to prevent allergic reactions. If you consume, do it under caution.
• Diabetic People: While figs are nutritious and can be part of a balanced diet, they are relatively high in natural sugars. People with diabetes should monitor their intake of figs to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels.
• People with Gastrointestinal Issues: Figs contain fibre, which is beneficial for digestion. However, some people with gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that figs exacerbate symptoms like bloating or gas.
• People Having Kidney Stones: Figs are moderate in oxalates, compounds that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. People prone to kidney stones may need to limit their intake of high-oxalate foods, including figs.
• People Concerned with Weight Management: While figs are nutritious, they are also relatively calorie-dense due to their natural sugars. Individuals focusing on weight management should moderate their fig intake to avoid excessive calories.
• Medication Interactions: Some compounds in figs could interact with certain medications. If you are taking regular medications, particularly blood thinners or diabetes medications, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

Apart from the distinctive health benefits of anjeer, it is a type of dried fruit with thousands of tiny seeds inside. You can eat it as a snack or add it to your diet. It is known for its high vitamin and mineral content and its ability to help prevent heart disease and diabetes. Anjeer contains natural sugar, so consider it if you need energy quickly or if you have diabetes. It makes a tasty addition to smoothies and milkshakes but also works well in jams, juices, and baked goods.