Is Anjeer Good for Diabetes?

what is Anjeer? Anjeer, known globally as dried figs, are a powerhouse of nutrients. It is a native plant of Asia, grown predominantly in the southwestern part of the continent. Other than Asia, it is also grown in Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Greece, California and Brazil. Over the years, anjeer has found its application in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine.

Because anjeer is rich in nutrition, it is often tapped as a magic fruit when it comes to weight loss, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and arthritis. With such varied benefits, the question is anjeer good for diabetes? Anjeer helps manage diabetes by increasing insulin secretion due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Almost every other nutritionist and dietician will recommend anjeer to anyone looking for natural weight loss or diabetes prevention. We should know how anjeer may provide all these benefits and whether such claims are backed by facts.

Nutritional profile of anjeer (dry figs)

Scientific data backed by the United States Department of Agriculture shows that every 100 g serving of anjeer contains the following:

• 73.50% carbohydrates
• 4.67% proteins
• 0.56% fats
• 3.68% fibre
• 317.78 kcal energy

Besides the crucial macronutrients, anjeer is also rich in most micronutrients necessary for a healthy metabolism. They include (values in ppm),

• Calcium (Ca): 1545.46
• Magnesium (Mg): 679.04
• Iron (Fe): 29.49
• Cadmium (Cd): 0.0034
• Copper (Cu): 5.02
• Manganese (Mn): 4.75
• Arsenic (As): 1.669
• Chromium (Cr): 1.47
• Titanium (Ti): 0.3727
• Nickel (Ni): 1.178
• Tin (Sn): 1.329
• Zinc (Zn): 9.87
• Cobalt (Co): 0.032
• Lead (Pb): 0.680
• Lithium (Li): 0.245
• Molybdenum (Mo): 0.026
• Thallium (Tl): 1.5686
• Antimony (Sb): 0.298
• Selenium (Se): 0.790

Advantages of eating Anjeer for Diabetes

With so many health benefits listed, it is natural for people to ask are dried figs good for diabetics. The answer is yes. People with high blood sugar or diabetes can eat anjeer and reap its benefits in blood sugar control.

Anjeer is rich in minerals such as copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. It is excellent for better digestion, absorption, controlling hunger pangs, and keeping blood sugar levels under control. Potassium is crucial in regulating the amount of sugar absorbed by the body after meals. Another vital blood sugar regulator present in anjeer is the chlorogenic acid that reduces blood sugar levels and helps to manage diabetes. Thus, people with diabetes can eat anjeer without worry!

Anjeer has a moderate glycemic index (GI) of 61, implying that it releases glucose in the blood slower than other high GI foods. The high fibre content of anjeer adds to this and ensures food is digested slowly, keeping you fuller for longer.

On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of anjeer prevent the easy breakdown of carbohydrates and prevent damage to the pancreas. This ensures that insulin secretion occurs normally and breaks down blood sugar to produce energy.

This is not just in theory but is validated by scientific research as well. Can people with diabetes eat anjeer? A study published in the International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences reported that the hypoglycemic agents in figs can successfully control diabetes. Another study in the journal Chemico-Biological Interactions reported the leaves of anjeer are equally beneficial in improving insulin sensitivity. The stem and bark are also useful in controlling blood sugar levels. Hence, holistically speaking, anjeer is good for people with diabetes and healthy individuals alike.

Best ways to consume Anjeer for Diabetes

Soak 2-3 anjeers in water overnight and consume them in the morning. You may also have salads with anjeer in them. Anjeer capsules are also available for people who may not like the taste.

Best time to eat Anjeer

The health benefits of anjeer are best enjoyed when consumed early in the morning, just after waking up. It can be had during the day along with other proteins, and if had at night, they are best had with warm milk before bedtime.

Risks of over consuming Anjeer

Just because anjeer is a miracle fruit loaded with macro and micronutrients does not mean that you can go overboard with anjeer consumption. Although people with diabetes can eat anjeer, because it has a reasonably good amount of carbohydrates, it will act just opposite to how it is supposed to act. However, in people with normal blood sugar levels, it may cause hypoglycemia. It may also cause toxicities in the digestive tract due to its high mineral concentration. People with diabetes or high blood sugar should have no more than 4-5 anjeers, maximum, in a day (best limited to 2-3 in a day). Also, people on blood-thinners should consult a specialist before including anjeers in their diet, owing to their blood coagulation properties.

Other health benefits of Anjeer

A striking feature of the anjeer plant is that all parts of the plant have some therapeutic property. The seeds, fruits (figs), barks, leaves, shoots and latex have all been used to cure many health conditions. Notable therapeutic applications of anjeer plant include hypolipidemic (improving lipid profile – reducing LDL amounts in the blood), hepatoprotective (liver cleansing), anti-diabetic (blood sugar controlling), antipyretic (fever-reducing), antispasmodic (helping in reducing muscle spasms), anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and immunomodulatory functions.

Most importantly, anjeer has phytochemicals and antioxidants that confer it with anti-cancer, anti-platelet, laxative, expectorant, and diuretic properties. It also has the ability to improve cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, and even mental health.

Best Ways to Consume Anjeer for Diabetes

Anjeer is a dried fruit that is native to the Middle East. It is extremely beneficial for those suffering from diabetes, as it is low on the glycemic index and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

The best ways to consume anjeer for those with diabetes are

1. Soaked Anjeer 

Anjeer’s nutrient absorption can be improved, and its sugar content can be decreased by soaking it in water overnight. Soaked anjeer for diabetes can be a great snack because it is low in calories and fiber. It is also easy to digest.

2. Anjeer Capsule

Anjeer for sugar patients in the form of Anjeer capsules is a practical approach to ingesting anjeer without worrying about its sugar content. Health food stores sell anjeer pills, which can help control blood sugar levels.

3. Anjeer Salad

A tasty and nutritious way to eat anjeer is in a salad. Combine finely chopped anjeer with other vegetables with a low glycemic index, like lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes, and garnish with a low-fat dressing. This salad is an excellent diabetic-friendly snack that can be enjoyed anytime.

4. Dried Fig

Because they are substantial in fiber and low in sugar, they are a perfect snack for people with diabetes. Dried figs for diabetics can control blood sugar levels and boost their energy. It is easy to find dried figs in any grocery store.

5. Dry Fig Puree

In place of sugar, dry fig purée makes a wonderful natural sweetener for sweets and baked products. Because figs are high in fiber, have a low glycemic index, and can help control blood sugar levels, figs, and diabetes are an ideal combination.

Bottomline

A moderate GI food, anjeer, when consumed on an empty stomach, causes a sustained release of glucose throughout the day. Anjeer is very good indeed for people with diabetes, constipation, cholesterol, obesity, insomnia, reproductive complications and even mental health.

Summary

FAQs

1. Which Dry Fruit Is Good For Diabetes?

Any nuts or high-fibre dry fruits are good to be consumed in moderation for people with diabetes. Anjeer, in particular, is very good for people with diabetes.

2. Is Fig Good For Diabetes?

Yes, Anjeer is good for diabetes. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties anjeer can help people to manage diabetes. Anjeer is also good for enhancing insulin secretion and lowers blood sugar levels.

3. How Many Anjeer Can One Have In Diabetes?

Someone with high blood sugar should have 2-3 Anjeer, soaked overnight, empty stomach in the morning.

4. Can People With Diabetes Eat Figs? 

Yes, but in moderation—not more than two in a day.