Dried figs, like dried plums, have a regulating effect on digestion. We’ll show you how to use dried figs as a natural laxative for constipation to stimulate bowel movements and what you should pay attention to when consuming them.
Dried figs have this influence on digestion
Dried figs have a double positive effect on digestion and promote gastrointestinal health.
- In addition to vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin B1 as well as numerous minerals such as iron , calcium, magnesium and potassium, dried figs contain a high fiber content .
- In addition to soluble fiber, dried figs also contain insoluble fiber, which fulfills different functions in the intestine. Insoluble fiber promotes digestion by swelling in the intestines and thus ensuring that the contents of the intestines are transported more quickly.
- Soluble fiber is broken down in the intestines and serves as food for various intestinal bacteria. In this way you support healthy intestinal flora.
- Dried figs are alkaline foods . This means that they are metabolized in the digestive tract to form bases. The alkaline value of figs can counteract acidification of the stomach .
- In this way, dried figs ensure a balanced acid-base balance , which promotes and restores the natural balance of the intestinal flora
Use dried figs as a laxative for constipation
Due to their digestion-regulating effect, dried figs and prunes are particularly suitable as laxatives for constipation.
- If you suffer from constipation , eat 5 dried figs to stimulate your bowel movements. Then drink a glass of water (250 ml).
- Alternatively, you can soak the dried figs in a bowl of water overnight so that they soak up the liquid and are soft and juicy the next day.
- You can also puree the figs soaked in this way and drink the puree. Alternatively, soaked figs are also ideal as an ingredient in smoothies.
- If you don’t like dried figs, you can also consume 5 fresh figs to aid your digestion when you are constipated .
- Since fresh figs are not always available in stores, it is best to buy them in stock and freeze them . Then let the fruit thaw and process it into a puree or add it as an ingredient to a smoothie.
Dried figs – healthy snack or calorie bomb?
Dried fruits are generally considered a healthy snack. Although some of the nutrients are lost during drying, dried fruits are still rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Drying involves a high loss of water, so that the nutrients contained are concentrated: 100 fresh figs contain 230 mg of potassium . For 100g of dried figs, the nutrient content increases to 850 mg of potassium per 100g.
- However, this also causes the sugar and calorie content to increase. For comparison: 100 g of fresh figs contain around 75 kcal. However, the drying process increases the calorie content to 280 kcal per 100 g.
- This calorie balance makes dried figs a real calorie bomb. For this reason, you should only enjoy dried figs and dried fruits in moderation.