Dried figs aids digestion, contains essential vitamins and minerals, has antimicrobial properties, protects the liver, prevents colon cancer, cures anemia, strengthens bones, treats asthma and reduces throat pain.
We might get bored with cooking and feeding the same items for our babies every day, despite the meal being healthy. In such cases, mothers will be looking to experiment. The biggest question in their minds will be whether something is good for the baby or not. Figs are one of the more healthy fruits available and are commonly eaten by adults who have problems with the digestion system. Figs, incidentally, are one of the best health supplements you can give to your baby. It has a lot of the essential nutrients and minerals that can help your child grow up well. In this article, we will discuss 11 surprising health benefits of dried figs for your kids. Read on to find out everything that you need to know about figs (dried or otherwise).
In This Article:
Are Figs Safe for Babies?
Can babies eat figs? Yes, figs are always safe for babies. They are a great nutrient and fiber source which can help your baby in growth and development. Figs are also an antimicrobial agent, which can help in the development of the immune system of the child. They are beneficial for the digestion system of the baby. Figs or Anjeer for babies can be introduced as early as six months, according to reports – however; you should ensure that the baby is comfortable with other foods before giving it.
11 Amazing Benefits of Dried Figs
There are many health benefits of figs for infants, and some of them are:
Aids Digestion
Even among adults, figs have been known to alleviate gastric problems naturally. The digestive system of infants is only developing, and are weak when they are young – figs can be a great supplement and can also help them absorb the nutrients better.
Laxative
Ripe figs have large amounts of dietary fiber, which can help when it comes to constipation problems. Figs have been known as a natural laxative since they are high in fiber.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
As evident above in the table, figs have a lot of nutrients and minerals which can help your child grow and develop well. Minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium are extremely important for infants since their body is rapidly developing – and figs can provide them in adequate quantities.
Antimicrobial Properties
Figs are antimicrobial agents, which means that they strengthen the immune system of the child as it is weak at young ages.
Liver
Similarly, the liver of infants are very weak- they are susceptible to a lot of infections conditions like Hepatitis and jaundice. Figs can provide adequate protection, in this case – even doctors prescribe dried fig recipes for babies at times.
Prevent Colon Cancer
Regular consumption of figs can lower the risk of colon cancer. The fiber in figs helps to eliminate the waste in the body quickly, which works well for the prevention of colon cancer.
The numerous seeds in figs contain high levels of mucin that collect wastes and mucus in the colon and flush them out.
Cure Anemia
Lack of iron in the body can cause iron-deficiency anemia. Dried figs contain iron, which is a key component of hemoglobin. Consuming dried figs was found to improve the hemoglobin levels in the blood.
Growing children, adolescents, and menstruating and pregnant women specifically should monitor their iron levels to avoid complications. Also, if you are ill or have undergone surgery, include figs in your diet to increase the iron levels in your body and deal with the problem efficiently.
Strengthen Bones
Figs contain calcium, potassium, and magnesium, all of which aid bone health. Figs improve bone density and decrease the breakdown of bones, which begins as you age. Calcium is crucial to maintaining healthy bones and figs are one of the best sources of it. Figs contain potassium that counteracts the increased urinary calcium loss caused by high-salt diets. This prevents your bones from thinning out.
Rich in Antioxidants
Figs are a powerhouse of antioxidants, and they neutralize the free radicals in your body and fight diseases. The riper a fig is, the more antioxidants it contains. Figs are a rich source of phenolic antioxidants. The antioxidants in figs enrich the lipoproteins in plasma and shield them from further oxidation.
Treat Asthma
An efficient method to deal with bronchial asthma is to consume a mixture of powdered fenugreek seeds, honey, and figs. You can also consume fig juice to obtain relief from asthma. Figs moisturize the mucous membrane and drain the phlegm, thereby relieving asthma symptoms. They also contain phytochemical compounds that fight the free radicals, which otherwise trigger asthma.
Reduce Throat Pain
Figs contain high mucilage that heals and protects against sore throat. These fruits are soothing to the throat, and their natural juices relieve pain and stress in the vocal cords. Also, figs are a natural cure for tonsillitis. They help in reducing the swelling and irritation caused due to the condition. Make a paste of the figs with warm water and apply it on your throat. It will reduce pain and soothe your throat.
Healthy Fig Recipes for Babies
These following recipes can be used to incorporate figs into your baby’s diet.
Fresh Fig Puree for Babies
This method is great if the baby has not grown used to chewing and solid food just yet.
- Ingredients
Two fresh figs
- Method
This is fairly easy to make. First, chop the figs into small pieces. Then, just mix them in a blender until the puree is smooth. You can also add this to porridge, to make it easier to eat for your child.
Baked Figs
If the baby has a taste for solid food and can chew well enough, this recipe is suitable since it is easy to make, too.
- Ingredients
3 figs and olive oil.
- Method
Preheat the oven, and place the figs inside with a coating of olive oil. Then, let it bake until the skin of the figs become puckered and soft. Mash the figs, and feed it to your child.
Fig Milkshake
This is easy to make, and your child will be asking for more!
- Ingredients
Six fresh figs, two tablespoons of honey and 300 ml of milk.
- Method
First, chop the figs into small pieces. Then, you simply blend all the mixtures and serve it cold.
Fig Water
This is a traditional constipation recipe in Indian households.
- Ingredients
Figs and water.
- Method
If the figs are fresh, just soak them in water overnight and strain the liquid to give to the child. Else, boil the dry figs in water until the water becomes brownish, and feed to the child.
Dried Fig Puree
This is also a suitable fig puree for babies who have not switched over to solid food yet.
- Ingredients
Figs, and formula if necessary.
- Method
First, soak the figs in warm water – 2 or 3 of them. Then, blend this water with the figs into a smooth puree, and you can even add breast milk or formula to smoothen the puree out.
Figs are a great source of nutrition for children and can help in the development of digestive and immune systems in the child. However, make sure that the recipe you choose is suitable for your child to avoid fits and hisses.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315720/
- speakingtree.in
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