Figs are considered the best dry fruit. It is a low-calorie dry fruit, which is usually eaten dry, as the seeds present in it taste crunchy and tasty when dried. Eating figs reduces the risk of many diseases and it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants like other dry fruits. It contains essential nutrients like fibre, zinc, folate, iron, niacin, magnesium, and riboflavin.
Almost everyone eats delicious figs with great gusto, but there is always a question in the minds of people suffering from diabetes, whether figs can be eaten with diabetes? If you have the same question in your mind, then this article is for you. This is what Sujata Sharma, Certified Diabetes Educator and Senior Nutritionist, at BeatO Diabetes Care, tells us about.
Are figs beneficial for diabetes?
Figs are good for people suffering from diabetes. Figs help control diabetes due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin secretion. In addition, figs are rich in fibre and regulate insulin function in diabetic patients.
However, diabetic patients can eat figs, but they should be consumed in limited quantities.
Benefits of figs for people suffering from diabetes
Figs are rich in minerals like copper, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It helps in improving digestion, reducing appetite and managing blood sugar levels.
Potassium plays an important role in controlling the amount of sugar absorbed by the body after a meal. Potassium is present in Figs. Chlorogenic acid, another essential element found in figs, lowers blood sugar levels and helps manage diabetes. Therefore, it is safe for people suffering from diabetes to eat figs.
On the other hand, figs have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which protect against inflammation and damage to the pancreas.
If you are thinking of including figs in your diet, first consult your doctor.
How many figs can be eaten in diabetes?
People suffering from diabetes can eat 2 figs in a day. Figs have blood-coagulating properties. Therefore, if you are on blood thinners, then you must consult a doctor before including them in your diet.
Best time to eat figs in diabetes
Eating figs first thing in the morning after waking up is good for your health. If you want to eat it at night, have it with warm milk before sleeping.
Soak 2 figs in water overnight and eat them in the morning the next day. Figs can also be included in salads.
Other health benefits of figs
- The amount of fibre in it is very high, so it keeps the stomach healthy.
- Figs contain a lot of calcium, which makes your immune system strong.
- Figs reduce the triglyceride level in the body.
- Being a good source of iron, it maintains the haemoglobin level.
- Figs contain antioxidants, which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
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DISCLAIMER
Your skin and body are as different as you are. We endeavour to bring you correct, safe and expert-verified information through our articles and social media handles, but still, you must consult your doctor before trying any home remedy, hack or fitness tip.