Is Anjeer Good for Diabetes Patients?

Last updated on December 29th, 2023

Anjeer has an exclusive fibre content. And this makes anjeer a good-to-go fruit for people with issues in their bowel movements. Fibre adds bulk to stool, and this allows it to pass easily outside the body. Thus, figs are a great digestive aid and support bowel movements. Fig or Anjeer is moderately rich in sugar. And, it is quite safe to be added to a diabetes meal plan. Read on to know, “Is Anjeer good for diabetes patients”?

About Anjeer Fruit

Anjeer comes from a family, Ficus; its scientific name is Ficus carica. Figs or anjeer are sweet, juicy, and packs various health benefits. People eat anjeer in dried or fresh forms. Anjeer is rich in potassium, thus people add them in their high blood pressure diet. Also, anjeer is an outstanding source of calcium. Foods containing high calcium may aid in strengthening bones and teeth.

For diabetic people, it is good to maintain moderation. The skin of a fresh anjeer is purple in color, while its pulp is red. This makes it a healthy mid-meal snack option. As per the USDA, 40 grams of fig consists of about 4 grams of fiber. 

It is critical for diabetic people to eat foods with good fiber content. Fiber takes a long time to get digested. As its metabolism is not fast, there is improved blood glucose control in a person’s body. You may be finding the answer to the question, is Anjeer good for diabetes patients? Keep reading further to know this in detail.

Nutritional Facts About Anjeer / Figs

Anjeer packs several flavonoids, including lutein, carotenes, chlorogenic acid, and tannins. Flavonoids are natural plant-based substances. They help to decrease the oxidative stress of a person’s body by counteracting the action of free radicals.

Also, figs are supplemented with soluble dietary fibers in profuse amounts. Their countless fiber content makes anjeer highly nourishing and perfect for diabetics. Vitamins A, E, and K are present in anjeer. They clean the body by removing toxins outside. Antioxidants present in this fruit keep ailments at bay.

Now, take a glance at the nutritional information of Anjeer (dried) as released by USDA:

Figs or Anjeer For Diabetes

Now it’s time to answer the question, Is Anjeer good for diabetes patients? Yes, definitely, figs for diabetes patients in measured amounts are a healthy food they can consume. Figs or anjeer for diabetic patients have been in use in Ayurveda for a long time. Figs have high amounts of fiber and essential micronutrients like potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains antioxidants like phenol, as per Lybrate Health. Fiber-rich foods like anjeer for diabetes patients help them regulate blood sugar as fiber delays digestion. Moreover, the micronutrients present in figs like magnesium, help in regulating diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity and oxidative stress. A study done by the National Institute of Health proves the positive relationship between magnesium and type 2 diabetes. 

The antioxidants and dietary fiber present in figs help in the removal of toxins from your body. Figs regulate bowel movements, thereby improving gut health. Figs for diabetes patients also help them with related co-morbidities like blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular issues, and even bronchitis. However, do exercise portion control when consuming them. Although anjeer are highly nutritious they are dried concentrated foods and contain plenty of calories. Carelessly eating anjeer may result in calorie overdose, which should be completely avoided.

Glycemic index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) of Anjeer (Figs)

According to Times of India (Health), the glycemic index of anjeer is 51. This classifies anjeer or figs glycemic index in the low GI food category. Low GI foods are recommended for diabetes patients. In addition, for 60 grams serving, the GI value of dried anjeer is 61.

However, the glycemic load of anjeer (dried) is 32.5, which comes in the high glycemic load category. Therefore, since the glycemic load of anjeer is high, portion control plays a very important role.

Also Read: Triglycerides Levels Chart: Normal, Risk of High Levels, Causes, & Prevention

Can Diabetics Eat Anjeer?

For diabetics, fresh anjeer can be safe and good. The carb content should be under check. That is, the quality and quantity of carbs per meal.

Top Benefits of Anjeer for Diabetes

Weight Management

Anjeer contains profuse fibers. Due to this property, anjeer is useful for individuals who are trying to get in shape. A person may lose weight with comparatively less effort. The question is how anjeer helps a person in this process? Fibre helps in keeping an individual satiated for a long while. Also, the fruit suppresses the cravings of consuming foods in between meals. It is a must for people to discard obesity and manage their weight at its best. A shaped body reduces the possibility of developing severe health problems like cardiac diseases, cancer, etc.

Strengthen Bones and Muscles

Healthy bones help keep a person working productively for a long duration. No one wants to feel lethargic. Every person must give their bone density a boost by adding anjeer to their meal plan.

As per Flebo Health, Anjeer contains calcium, which is a major ingredient for bones. A person needs around 1000 mg of calcium daily. In addition, as per USDA, 160 grams of Anjeer delivers roughly 259 mg of calcium. And, this is moderately a good quantity.

Summary

Keeps Heart Healthy

Anjeer is rich in antioxidants that provide a considerable boost to people’s cardiac health. They remove harmful radicals from people’s body.

The effectiveness of figs in lowering the level of triglycerides is well-identified, as per Flebo Health studies. Triglycerides are the leading reason behind heart disease. By keeping the triglyceride level in check, a person can keep his or her heart activity optimum.

Control Blood Sugar Levels

Fig is a good source of potassium, as stated in the nutritional chart above. Potassium is an important mineral that has a role in diabetes management. It helps to control the amount of glucose getting absorbed after meals. Furthermore, another compound named chlorogenic acid also benefits diabetic patients. This compound produces a reduction in the levels of blood sugar. This, in turn, helps in effective diabetes management for the person.

Controls Blood Pressure

Individuals having high blood pressure are roughly the same in number as diabetics. Mostly, an individual may battle with both diabetes and hypertension.

Amongst the haze of uncertainties, anjeer brings a ray of hope. Let’s see how? Potassium is a major ingredient in controlling blood pressure. Anjeer works as a dilator on blood vessels and delays calcium movement in the blood vessels. This allows a smooth movement of blood via the heart.

Improves Reproductive Health

It is exciting to recognize that anjeer comes with a sacred history. In early times, Greeks symbolized anjeer as a representation of love. This belief comes with a scientific association as well.

Studies established the role of anjeer as a potential remedy for mitigating:

1. reproductive problems
2. hormonal irregularities
3. breast cancer
4. menstrual anomalies in females.

Maintains Oral Health and Hygiene

Even though anjeer is sweet in taste and sweet foods are bad for oral cleanliness. Amazingly, anjeer pack certain phenolic compounds. These substances help to produce a barrier to all dental problems. It also contains flavonoids with powerful antibacterial properties. The fruit has a stimulating defensive activity against gums and teeth.

Treats Constipation

People soak anjeer in water to cure their problems of constipation and piles. Individuals who often suffer from these issues should have anjeer water daily in the morning. Fibres in anjeer help in controlling bowel movements. Anjeer acts as a digestive-aid and keeps the body healthy.

Efficacy in Alzheimer’s Disease

Figs have a powerful action in regulating one of the most common neurological problems, i.e., Alzheimer’s disease. Nutrients such as zinc, copper, magnesium, and potassium, assist such patients to recover their condition radically.

Defeats Skin Problems

Also, figs are a blessing for a person’s skin. The easiest approach is to prepare a paste of anjeer and use it on the face. But, remember to wash face using lukewarm water after 15 minutes.

How to Eat Anjeer For Sugar Patient

A person may have eat anjeer in these following ways:

• Soak three to four pieces of figs in water overnight. And, have this anjeer water the very next morning.
• It is good to have anjeer water with honey daily morning on an empty stomach. This helps in evading digestive issues like piles and constipation.
• Get a capsule filled with anjeer leaves. Visit a healthcare provider before starting use of these capsules. Ensure an appropriate dose each day.
• Also, people can loom out for anjeer recipes on google. Some of them are anjeer chaat, anjeer kulfi etc.

Risks of Consuming Anjeer in Excess for Diabetics

Died anjeer might prove useful for blood sugar issues, its over-intake may lead to high blood sugars. This can be because of the anjeer sugar content. It is advisable for diabetics to have no more than two to three anjeer each day. Beyond this suggested limit may trigger digestive issues like acidity, bloating, calcium deficit, and even lower glucose levels.

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