High blood pressure is a cardiovascular disease common worldwide. Controlling high blood pressure is very important for heart health. You can achieve this naturally, with certain foods. You can eat figs for high blood pressure.
The total number of people with high blood pressure worldwide could rise to 1.5 billion by 2025. Patients with elevated blood pressure should keep a close eye on their diet. Figs work wonders in regulating blood pressure as they can help reduce high blood pressure. The delicious fruit can be eaten both fresh and dried. Here's how figs help control blood pressure.
Dried figs are rich in antioxidants and potassium. They not only regulate blood pressure, but also intercept free radicals in the body, prevent artery blockages and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Many people consume large amounts of sodium and this leads to a potassium deficiency. Figs are a good source of potassium, which helps control blood pressure.
How does potassium work?
Potassium helps neutralize the harmful effects of sodium. It helps excrete sodium through urine. Excess sodium puts strong pressure on the walls of our blood vessels, which in turnto an increase in blood pressureleads. Figs have a high potassium content and are also pleasant to eat. So you can have a beneficial effect on your blood pressure by eating figs.
How to eat figs
You can eat fresh figs on their own or incorporate them into salads. They taste best straight from the tree. Always cut off the stem. Wash the figs, gently pat them dry and serve whole or sliced. Can you eat the peel of figs? Yes, it is definitely healthy to eat the peel too.
To consume dried figs, soak them in water overnight and consume them early in the morning. Are dried figs healthy? Yes, you can absorb the nutrients better this way. You can also mix chopped figs into your cereal or porridge.
Health Benefits of Figs
Figs have a number ofhealth benefitsfor people. In addition to potassium, figs also contain fiber, which has a positive effect on weight control. Figs, like other fiber-rich foods, can be helpful in a weight management program. The fruits richest in fiber include apples, dates, figs, pears and plums.
A big advantage of figs is that they are naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free. They are also an excellent source of vitamin A. Did you know that figs can protect against postmenopausal breast cancer? Results from a prospective study of 51,823 postmenopausal women showed that the risk of breast cancer was 34% lower in those who consumed the most fiber than in those who consumed the least fiber.
In animal studies, fig leaves have been shown to lower triglyceride levels (a form in which fats circulate in the bloodstream). Fig leaves have been shown to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells.
How many figs to eat daily
If you eat raw fruit, you can easily consume 2-3 figs in a day. If you eat dried figs, eat 3 figs and do not eat them without soaking them overnight. Our body can absorb nutrients better andsome dried fruitsdigest better if they are well soaked. Figs are high in fiber, and consuming too much fiber can cause indigestion and constipation. Excessive consumption of figs can damage the intestines and liver.
Recipe with figs for a diet against high blood pressure
Here is a healthy recipe suitable for a diet for high blood pressure. This recipe combines figs, walnuts and oats into a delicious treat.
Ingredients (24 servings):
- 300 g de-stemmed, chopped dried figs
- 60 g chopped walnuts
- 70g sugar
- Juice of 1/2 orange
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 60g butter, softened
- 200g packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 180 g Allzweckmehl
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
Instructions for preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius.
- Prepare a 23 x 33 cm baking pan by lightly spraying or oiling it.
- Combine figs, walnuts, sugar, orange juice and hot water in a mixing bowl and set aside.
- Mix butter and brown sugar until creamy. Then add the egg and stir until smooth.
- Mix the flour and baking powder and stir into the egg mixture. Stir in the oats until a soft dough forms.
- Reserve 1 cup of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough into a thin layer on the bottom of the baking pan.
- Then spread the fig mixture evenly over the dough. Crumble the reserved dough over the top to reveal the fig mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the cake turns golden brown. Allow to cool completely in the baking pan. Cut into 24 bars and serve with yogurt.
