In India we call it Anjeer, which is widely consumed across the country. Dried figs are crunchy, easy to chew and sweet and hold a permanent place in our dry fruits bowl. And guess what, history shows that this fruit has existed since 5000 BC, making it one of the oldest foods consumed by people in India, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey and the Mediterranean. Adding to its popularity are the health benefits associated with it. According to many health experts, figs are a great source of fibre, iron, copper, several minerals and vitamins, and phytonutrients, which benefit our overall health. But did you know that figs, especially dried figs, are also a great snacking option, especially when you are travelling?
Nutritionist and weight loss expert Nmami Agarwal took to her official Instagram handle to explain why one should consider carrying dried figs while travelling. Her post reads, “Figs have a naturally sweet, honey-like flavour with a soft, chewy texture and tiny, crunchy seeds inside, making them a delicious treat.”
Also read: 7 Dry Fruits to Relieve Constipation
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Planning a road trip? Here are 5 reasons why you should carry dried figs:
1. Figs are high in fibre:
We often avoid drinking water while traveling. This helps you avoid water as much as possible. While it is true that this process eliminates the stress of looking for a clean toilet, it unfortunately leads to constipation at times. And this is where a handful of figs come in handy. This fruit is full of soluble fiber, which helps maintain your metabolism and digestion process. Apart from this, the fiber present in the fruit also helps in keeping you full for a longer period of time.
2. Figs for Gut Health:
Figs are a great source of prebiotics, which aid the growth of good bacteria in the gut. This not only helps keep the digestive system healthy, but also keeps problems like bloating, acidity and indigestion at bay. Nutritionists say that this “helps you feel better on the go.”
3. Figs strengthen muscles:
Traveling for hours can also be physically exhausting, leaving your muscles weak and tired. You need figs to provide your body with plenty of potassium – which is essential for balancing fluids in your body. It also helps keep your muscles active and functioning properly.
4. Figs to Maintain Energy:
Along with potassium, figs also contain magnesium and iron, which help control appetite and keep your energy levels stable. This also helps you stay away from small tea breaks for unhealthy snacks.
5. Figs are a healthy breakfast option:
If you are someone who prefers to eat clean even while travelling, then figs are a great snack for you. It is rich in nutrients, low in calories and tastes amazing too – making it a great option to munch on without worrying about weight gain.
Now that you know why figs should be in your travel bag, add it to your food list when planning your next trip. In the meantime, here are some more delicious ways to incorporate figs into your everyday diet. Get recipe ideas here.
