Anjeer (Anjir) Benefits & Nutrition Facts

Anjeer benefits to clear bowel, improves appetite, increases physical stamina and boosts overall health after a chronic illness. Its therapeutic uses include its potential to protect against several diseases and treat constipation, Hemorrhoids (piles), diabetes, cramps, liver disorders, anemia, gum diseases, and debility. Besides Anjeer dry fruit, Anjeer tree leaves also exhibit great medicinal properties.

Fresh and dried Anjeer (Anjir) are widely consumed in Mediterranean countries and it is popularly known as ‘the poor man’s food’. Anjeer dry fruit and its other parts such as bark, leaves, shoots, latex, and seeds are medically important. Anjir Fruits are an important source of antioxidants and consuming Anjir Fruits increases the plasma antioxidant capacity.

Studies have shown that Anjeer has purgative (laxative) and antipyretic (reduces fever or lowers high body temperature) properties. It is reported that its fruits include antihyperglycemic, antibacterial, antiviral, antihypertriglyceridemic and cancer suppressive effect. Anjeer juice combined with honey is used as an effective remedy for hemorrhagia. In addition to this, these fruits are also used as a diuretic and expectorant. The major uses of anjeer dry fruit include its bene

Anjeer fruits are fleshy, sweet, healthiest, multipurpose and delicious fruits. They are available in fresh as well as dried preserved form. Fruits consist 62% sugar in the dried form and 22% sugar in the fresh fruit form. This fruit is processed and used for cooking pies, cakes, jams, puddings, and preserves.

Anjeer (Anjir) Nutrition Facts

Anjeer contains carbohydrates, protein, cellulose, oil, mineral salt, and water. Moreover, it is a good source of iron, vitamins, lime, potassium, sodium, sulfur, phosphoric acid, and other vital nutrients.

Fresh Anjeer Nutritional Information

100 grams Fresh Green Anjeer contain:

Major nutrients in Fresh Anjir

Vitamins in Fresh Anjir Fruit

Minerals in Fresh Anjir

Phyto Nutrients in Fresh Anjir

Dried Anjeer Nutritional Information

100 grams of Dried Anjeer contains:

Major nutrients in Dried Anjeer Fruits:

Vitamins in Dried Anjeer

Minerals in Dried Anjeer

Anjeer Benefits

Both fresh and dried anjeer fruits have an amazing nutrient composition, which makes it extremely beneficial for human health. Even today, these fruits form a significant part of the Mediterranean diet. It is found that more than 28% of fiber present in them is in the soluble form, which helps to control high plasma glucose level and plasma cholesterol level and promotes weight loss too. Darker the color of anjir fruits, greater is the concentration if antioxidants and flavonoids in it. The health-promoting potential of anjir fruits is due to the presence of a variety of health-promoting compounds. So, let’s have a look at its nutrient profile of Anjeer:

Nutritional Benefits of Anjeer

Anjeer is an extremely nourishing food and is used as an important ingredient in industrial products. It is a rich source of various vitamins, minerals, water, and fat. As compared to other plant sources, it is one of the highest sources of dietary fiber and calcium. Anjeer dried fruits are abundant in manganese, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, and thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and vitamin K. These fruits contain 17 different types of amino acid out of which glutamine and aspartic acid are the highest ones. They also contain plenty of health-promoting bioactive compounds such as ARABINOSE, β-AMYRINS, β-CAROTENES, GLYCOSIDES, β-SITOSTEROLS, and XANTHOTOXOL. Anjeers are a rich source of carotenoids such as LYCOPENE, LUTEIN, CRYPTOXANTHIN, β-CAROTENES, and α-CAROTENES.

Rich in Polyphenolic Compounds

Both fresh and dried anjir fruits are excellent sources of phenolic compounds. Research has shown that wine and tea are two good sources of phenolic compounds, but the quantity of phenolic compounds, particularly PROANTHOCYANIDINS in anjeer fruit is much greater than tea and wine. One research showed that the total phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity lowered after fresh anjir were sun-dried. The basic polyphenols present in anjir are:

1. FLAVONES: APIGENIN, ASTRAGALINE, CAMPHEROL, and RUTIN
2. CATECHIN
3. EPICATECHIN
4. FLAVONONES
5. ANTHOCYANIDIN
6. CYANIDIN
7. CHLOROGENIC ACID
8. GALLIC ACID
9. SYRINGIC ACID

Because of high phenolic content, it is called a functional food.

Rich in Antioxidants

Scientific studies have found that anjeer fruits are an excellent source of antioxidants. Research has observed that regularly eating two dried anjir, that is equivalent to 40 grams, significantly increases the antioxidant capacity. The high antioxidant activity of these fruits has shown to protect against the development of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Research has shown that anjeer fruits, stem bark, and leaves exhibit strong antioxidant properties. Such effects are attributed to the presence of high levels of phenolic compounds. The antioxidants present in them also prevent oxidative degradation of lipids and thus, protects the body against chronic diseases. Furthermore, it is found that these fruits have a very strong free radical scavenging property and thus, it reduces the load of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Besides phenolic compounds, flavonoids present in anjir also exhibit a very strong antioxidant property. The fruit pulp and peels contain organic acids such as:

1. OXALIC ACID
2. CITRIC ACID
3. MALIC ACID
4. FUMARIC ACID
5. FERULIC ACID
6. QUINIC ACID
7. CHLOROGENIC ACID

These organic acids present in them are very effective in combating oxidative stress.

Fatty Acid Composition

Most of the fruits are rich in dietary fiber, but anjeer is one such fruit that is rich in both dietary fiber as well as fatty acid. Different fatty acids were determined in dried anjeer, these include:

1. MYRISTIC ACID (14:0)
2. PALMITIC ACID (16:0)
3. STEARIC ACID (18:0)
4. OLEIC ACID (18:1)
5. LINOLEIC ACID (18:2)
6. LINOLENIC ACID (18:3)

Out of all these, the most predominant one was LINOLENIC ACID, which accounted for 53.1% of total fatty acid composition followed by PALMITIC ACID and OLEIC ACID. The content of unsaturated fatty acid was about 84% of total fatty acid. Anjeer fruits also contain Phytosterols that are plant sterols, which are similar to cholesterol. These Phytosterols play an important role in lowering high cholesterol levels. Sitosterol is the most predominant Phytosterol present in it. A healthy fatty acid composition makes anjeer fruit it a very important food for individuals with altered lipid profile.

Constipation

Research has shown that anjeer has a laxative property and thus, it makes it an effective home remedy for constipation. It contains cellulose, a component found in plants that increase the excretion of stools by increasing the water content and bulk and it also elevates the viscosity. Furthermore, it also increases the colonic transit time of the stools. Therefore, eating anjeer can ease the passage of stools without adding too much strain or pressure on the system.

During constipation, the movement of the food throughout the digestive tract decreases. Anjir fruit pulp paste has also shown to increase the intestinal peristalsis, that is, it increases the contraction and relaxation movements that push the food, which you eat, through digestive tract towards its release at the excretory opening. Therefore, individuals suffering from chronic constipation, especially where it is due to diet can safely consume anjir. Thus, it can be used as a useful therapeutic and preventive strategy for chronic constipation.

Three pieces of anjeer have 5 grams of fiber. Fiber enables healthy and regular bowel management. These are quite useful not just in treating constipation, but also in indigestion, stomach-ache, and various other intestinal problems.

How to Use: Soak 2-3 anjeer dry fruits in water overnight. Consume the soaked anjeer with honey to relieve the problem of constipation.

Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Among all the dried fruits, anjeer has the best nutrient score. Besides having an excellent nutrient profile, it is also valued for its medicinal properties. Anjeer fruits and leaves have been extensively used in the management of plasma glucose level. They contain healthy compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants that play an important role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. These flavonoids have antihyperglycemic properties that alter glucose and oxidation metabolisms. Furthermore, flavonoids present in them modulate glucose transport and significantly decrease elevated plasma glucose level.

Ferulic acid is a predominant phenol compound that suppresses high plasma glucose level and alleviates oxidative stress. A high level of oxidative stress is associated with hyperglycemia (high plasma glucose levels). Antioxidants present in anjir neutralize the harmful free radicals and combats oxidative stress.

Anjeer Leaves are more beneficial than anjeer fruits. Anjeer leaves help in supporting functional control of diabetes. The leaves regulate the amount of sugar captivated into the body after meals. Blood sugar alteration rate may become less frequent. Even a special tea, made from the leaves, is available in the market for diabetic patients.

Muscle Spasm & Cramps

Research has shown that dried anjeer help in relaxing the gut. This property is attributed to the presence of ALKALOIDS, FLAVONOIDS, COURMARINS, SAPONINS, and TERPENES. It has also shown to have an anti-spasmodic effect, that is, it helps to relieve spasm of muscles. Furthermore, eating anjeer also inhibits contractions and thus, helps the muscles to relax. Because of its anti-spasmolytic effect, it has also been recommended for the treatment of different hyperactive gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Boosts Immune System

Individuals with the poor immune system are more prone to infections and diseases. Therefore, researchers are now concentrating more on strengthening the immune system to keep diseases and infections at bay. Anjeer has a very rich nutrient profile, that is, it is an important source of many vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and flavonoids. The presence of so many health-promoting compounds in anjir helps to modulate the immune response and alleviates diseases.

A research suggests daily consumption of anjeer significantly reduced the suppression of immune response. In addition to this, its consumption also strengthens the immune response and helps to fight against diseases and disorders. Furthermore, it also stimulates the action of various immune cells and thus, protects the body.

The Total White Blood Cell Count also increased in a group treated with anjir fruit extract. This increase may be related to the presence of phenolic compounds such as CAROTENOIDS, FURANOCOUMARINS, PSORALEN, and ANGELICIN. These phenolic compounds strengthen the immune system and boost the production of white blood cells.

Hepatoprotective Effect

The liver is a major organ that is exposed to ingested toxins. Such an exposure for a prolonged period may cause damage to the liver and may alter its structure and function too. Drugs used in the treatment of such liver diseases often have many side effects. Research has shown that anjeer tree leaf extract exhibits a significant protective effect against PARACETAMOL induced liver damage.

Another research showed that group treated with anjeer extract reduced liver damage and lowered the levels of liver enzymes, which were otherwise elevated during the damage. Therefore, anjeer fruit and anjir tree leaf extract are effective in the treatment of liver diseases and thus, restores the liver cell function and normalizes the liver structure.

High Triglyceride Level

Research has found that anjeer tree leaf extract has hypolipidemic activities and it helps in lowering plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, it was observed that leaf extract also increased the plasma levels of HDL – high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (good and healthy cholesterol). Such an increase in HDL cholesterol level protects the heart and keeps cardiovascular diseases at bay. The leaf extract increases the production of APOLIPOPROTEIN A-1 and modifies remodeling of HDL particles within the blood vessels.

In addition to this, APOLIPOPROTEIN A-1 also contributed to anti-inflammatory and antithrombogenic (prevents the formation of a clot and thus, protects against heart diseases) properties. Another study showed that anjeer leaf decoction lowered the triglyceride levels. This effect was due to the presence of bioactive compounds that influences the breakdown of fat and thus improves the overall lipid profile. Therefore, it also cuts the risk of coronary heart diseases.

Anemia

A research observed the effect of anjeer fruit extract on hematological aspects such as hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), total white blood cells count and platelet count. It was found that fruit significantly increased the hemoglobin concentration. Besides this, an increase in packed cell volume was observed in a group, which was treated with anjeer fruit. This increase may be due to the presence of small amount of iron in anjir fruits. Furthermore, it has been found that both dried and fresh anjeer fruits contain protein. Iron and protein are necessary for the formation of hemoglobin and presence of both these nutrients make it a perfect fruit for hemoglobin synthesis.

The presence of so many nutrients and health-promoting compounds are necessary for the process of blood cell formation (hematopoiesis). Thus, anjeer fruit benefits in improving the hematological parameters.

Antimicrobial Properties

Many studies have reported anti-microbial and anti-viral activities of anjeer tree. The antibacterial activity of anjeer tree leaves extracts showed strong activity against –

1. GORDONII – gram-positive bacteria that causes dental problems
2. ANGINOSUS – causes build-up of pus (abscess) in the brain or liver
3. INTERMEDIA – causes inflammation of tissue around teeth and gums
4. ACTINOMYCETEMCOMITANS and P. GINGIVALIS – a gram-negative bacteria that causes inflammation of tissue around teeth and gums

Teeth & Gum Diseases

Some of the phenolic compounds present in anjeer exhibits anti-caries activity. This activity is due to the ability of its extract to inhibit oral bacteria. Furthermore, the presence of flavonoids in it exhibits anti-bacterial properties and thus, protects against the harmful action of bacteria. Therefore, the presence of flavonoids and phytochemicals in this fruit play an important role in reducing the oral bacterial infection and thus, provides protection to gums, teeth and overall tissue of the oral cavity. Therefore, anjir can be employed as a natural anti-bacterial agent in oral care products.

Fevers & Debility after Fever

Studies have found that anjeer leaf extract has a significant anti-pyretic effect, that is, is helps in lowering the body temperature in case of fever. The effect of leaf extract was similar to PARACETAMOL, a drug used in the treatment of fever. Anjir fruits are beneficial in the treatment of debility after fevers or chronic diseases.

Fluid Overload or Oedema

Diuretics are a class of drugs that increase the passage and output of urine. These drugs are of great importance to individuals with fluid overload. Anjeer fruit extract has shown to exhibit natural diuretic property. A research found that its fruit extract increased the total volume of urine and concentration of electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, and potassium in the urine. Its effect was similar to a diuretic named FUROSEMIDE. Thus, its fruits extract can be used as a natural diuretic agent.

Source of Energy

Dried Anjeer is the excellent supplements of iron, which is required in our body for delivering oxygen in the blood cells. Inadequate intake of iron can result in tiredness, weakness and makes us more vulnerable to infections by affecting the functionality of the immune system.

Reducing or Increasing Weight – For Nutritional Support

Since Anjeer has multiple nutrients, dieticians recommend a small quantity of these fruits to overweight people as it helps to boost their weight loss program. However, when consumed with milk the high-calorie level of milk combined with anjir can result in weight gain at the desired places. It also contains a high amount of sugar content, so its intake should be restricted to 1 to 2 anjeer fruits a day.

Relief for Throat Pain and Other Problems

Anjeer helps in healing as well as prevention from sore throats due to mucilage content. Anjeer and its natural juice can also reduce the pain and stress on the vocal chords. It is also used for fever, earache, boils, abscesses, etc.

Mouth Ulcer

Having a cup of milk mixed with a teaspoon of powdered Anjeer can act as a quick cure for mouth ulcers.

Breathing Difficulties

The adequate amount of essential nutrients such as proteins, minerals, vitamins, fiber and carbohydrates found in anjeer, can keep the respiratory system hydrated. It helps in clearing the chronic cough and other obstructions. That is why most dieticians prescribe anjir for various respiratory disorders.

1 to 2 soaked anjeer will be sufficient for breathing troubles and asthma. Clinically, it works when you feel weakness, fatigue or tiredness, especially breathing difficulty due to excessive exertion or physical weakness. Otherwise, it is also good to eat, but as a nutritious tonic for the respiratory system. The patient may require other remedies to control breathing troubles if weakness or respiratory fatigue is not the cause.

Insomnia

Anjeer dry fruits are also recommended for the patients suffering from insomnia. It contains tryptophan, which encourages adequate and good sleep by stimulating proper blood circulation all over the body.

Infertility

Anjeer fruits have been used traditionally to treat people having infertility. Anjeer has a good nutritional value, which helps to balance hormones.

Anjeer can enhance energy and stamina. Soaking a couple of Anjeer dry fruits in milk overnight and consuming them in next morning regularly can increase the vitality and fertility.

Fig Tree Latex in Common Warts

Anjeer tree latex is beneficial for common warts. It is applied over warts that reduce the size of the mass of warts. It is effective short duration therapy.

Prevention of Colon Cancer

Fiber present in anjeer helps in flushing out the harmful toxins from the physical structure and promotes the excretion of free themes and other cancer (particularly colon). Some antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols present in anjir fruits help in preventing the damage caused by free radicals.

Post-Menopausal Breast Cancer Prevention

Fiber quantity in Anjeer fights against breast cancer in adult females. After menopause, the hormones in the body fluctuate frequently and these fluctuations influence the immune system, which influences the ability of antioxidants to fight free radicals (major sources of the development of cancer). Thus, intake of anjir is advisable for prevention of post-menopausal cancer.

Prevention of High Blood Pressure

Anjeer contains high quantity of potassium while they are low in sodium content. This is the reasons it can help in resisting the emergence and effects of hypertension. The proper intake of potassium enables diminishing the effects of sodium, thereby lowering the blood pressure.

Boiling three Anjeer leaves in a cup half of water and drinking the solution can lower the blood pressure, settle the nerves and bring some tranquillity at once.

Nutritional Support in Venereal Diseases

The presence of nutrients in anjeer benefits our health by curing the venereal diseases. Direct intake or topical application can render the prevention of venereal diseases.

Give Strength to Bones

Anjeer is rich in phosphorus, which promotes bone formation and encourages re-growth in case of degradation of bones. However, the calcium content in it helps to fortify the bones. It should be a part of the daily intake of growing children.

Skin Diseases

Anjeer is also used for skin problems as it helps in removing wrinkles as well as dark circles under the eyes. The high enzyme and vitamin C content removes the impurities and dead skin. Regular intake of anjir can provide a youthful and radiant glow to the skin.

Urinary Problems

The amount of potassium present in anjeer washes away harmful toxins from our body through urine. It also reduces the uric acid level by increasing uric acid secretion. It helps in regulating the content of the waste in urine also.

Prevention of Deterioration

Anjeer helps in preventing eye problems, the vision of loss and the other diseases related to macular degeneration. Moreover, it is referenced as good snack options to avoid symptom of early aging.

How to Eat Anjeer

Here are different ways to consume Anjir fruits:

• You can eat fresh anjeer raw.
• Dried anjeer can be enjoyed all throughout the year.
• It can be combined with other fruits to make your own chilled milkshake.
• People who dislike milk can make some anjeer smoothie.
• Anjeer (fig) ice-cream is extremely delicious.
• Sugar can be replaced with anjir pulp while making sweets.
• Dried anjir fruits are added to several Indian sweets.
• Make your own delicious anjeer jam.
• Make your own healthy granola bar using this fruit.
• Frozen anjeer is another way to enjoy it.
• Canned anjeers are also easily available.
• Add some anjeer pieces to your bowl of oatmeal.
• You can also poach some anjeer fruits in juice or wine.
• Enhance the taste of your baked goods such as fig cakes, fig bread or fig muffin by adding anjir to them.
• Mix anjir with other fruits and nuts.
• Add some anjir to your yogurt.

How to Store Figs

Dried anjeer fruits are easily available in the market all throughout the year, but one should not miss the unique and delicious taste of fresh anjir. These are highly perishable and wrong storage techniques may affect its taste and overall quality.

• Consume anjeers within one or two days after you purchase them. Storing them for long may lower its sweet taste.
• Avoid anjeers that are mushy and bruised.
• Select anjeers with deep dark color and smooth and unbroken peel (outer covering/ skin)
• When you hold a anjir it should be plump and tender.
• You can also smell the anjeers to determine its level of freshness. A slight sweet fragrance indicates that figs are fresh but a sour small is a clear indicator of spoiled anjeers.
• In addition to this, fully ripe anjeers contain a high amount of antioxidants, whereas over-ripe anjeers tend to lose antioxidants and other phytochemicals.
• Storing anjeers at a cool temperature will slow down its deterioration.
• Place anjeers in a dish in the refrigerator and cover it so that they do not dry out.
• In the refrigerator do not place anjeers very close to strong smelling foods such as onion and garlic
• Under-ripe anjeers should be placed in a dish at room temperature until they are completely ripe. Place them away from sunlight.
• Anjeers can be frozen whole in an air-tight container for almost a year
• Dried anjeers can be kept safely in the refrigerator or in a cool and dry place.
• Place dried anjeers in an air-tight container or bags as too much exposure to air may make them hard and dry

Safety Profile

Anjeer fruits are Likely Safe and do not have any major unwanted effects.

Anjeer Side Effects

Generally, Anjeer is safe to consume. However, it may have a slight laxative effect, so it may lead to diarrhea on excessive consumption.

Anjeer During Pregnancy

Anjeer fruits (fresh and dried) are likely safe to consume during pregnancy. According to nutritional value of anjeer, it is a good fruit to eact during pregnancy. It has several nutritional advantages if taken during pregnancy, especially it increases haemoglobin level in pregnant women and gives relief from constipation.

If pregnant woman has loose stools or diarrhea or if she is more prone to have loose stools or diarrhea with several other foods, she should avoid anjir. However, if pregnant lady has constipation or feeling of incomplete bowel movement, she can take it.

However, the safetly profile for the extracts obtained from fruits, leaves, stem bark etc. is not well-established. Therefore, it should be best to avoid any unnatural form or extracts of any part of anjir tree.

Anjeer Allergy

A very few cases of food allergy to anjeer have been reported. Research has shown that anjir skin has a much higher allergenicity (capability of inducing allergy) than its fruit pulp. A case report showed that eating anjeer caused oral allergy syndrome followed by respiratory disorders.

In the second case, symptoms such as blocked nose, watery eyes, sneezing and dry cough appeared after dried anjir was consumed. Skin tests were positive for dried anjir, skin and pulp of green anjir, leaf, and latex. Thus, it was concluded that different parts of these fruits have the different capability of inducing allergies, but the most important allergens are related to the skin of the anjir fruit. Pollen Allergic patients or people has an allergy to FICUS BENJAMINA should not take anjir fruits (FICUS CARICA).

Drug Interactions

Anjeer tree leaf extract may interact with anti-diabetic drugs and may lower the level of plasma glucose level. Consuming both, either at the same time or within short time gap may drop down the plasma glucose level below normal range and may lead to hypoglycemia. However, more studies are still required to confirm such an effect of the leaf extract.

Anjeer Fruit Description, History & Origin

History reveals that Anjeer fruits have been around since 5000 B.C. In English, Anjeer is called Fig. The scientific name of fig is ‘Ficus Carica’ and it is the unique member of the genus Ficus and family Moraceae. Ficus has more than 800 different species of shrubs, trees, climbers, and creepers. Out of all the species, ‘Anjeer Plant’ is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries and has a high commercial value.

The anjeer tree is native to eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. It is cultivated in regions with dry and warm climates and dried Anjeer fruits have been a familiar food since B.C. 3000. Commercial production of Anjir is carried out in different countries such as South America, Australia, California and Mediterranean countries. Turkey leads fig production in the world.

Anjeer plant is usually a small or moderate-sized deciduous tree, which is 15 to 30 feet high. Anjir fruits are pear-shaped and they vary in size and color. Anjir fruit has a jelly-like flesh with tiny seeds embedded in it. It has a tough outer peel, which is greenish-brown or purple in color. Upon ripening the tough peel cracks open, exposing the pulp beneath. The anjeer tree grows best on heavy clays, rich loams and light sandy soils with free drainage. At the time of fruit maturation and development, a dry climate is necessary, and it thrives best in dry localities with light rain.