5 Health and Nutritional Benefits of the Fig Tree Fruit
5 Health and Nutritional Benefits of the Fig Tree Fruit
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Introduction
The Mukuyu tree is native to Eastern and Southern Africa and is also found in the Mediterranean basin, Asia Minor, Persia, Syria, and Egypt. Known scientifically as Ficus Sycomorus, the tree grows in warm climates and can be found growing in woods and near streams and rivers. It is a sycamore fig that belongs to the mulberry family. Mukuyu is an enormous tree that stands tall and wide with an expansive crown, and can scale-up to a height of 20 metres. It has a green-gray bark and big heart-shaped leaves that look like those of the mulberry tree. The tree bears an edible fig, up to 5 centimeters in diameter, which ripens from light green to yellow or red. The leaves, bark and milky latex of the Mukuyu tree all have nutritional and medicinal value. Discussed below are some benefits of using Mukuyu herbal supplements.
Mukuyu Tree
Mukuyu Fruit
1. Mukuyu is effective at managing malaise or general weakness
The term malaise refers to a general feeling of anxiety, sickness, or nervousness whose exact cause is difficult to identify. Contemporary research has shown that Mukuyu seeds are an excellent source of nutritional minerals, especially magnesium, iron, calcium, copper, phosphorus, zinc and potassium. These minerals contribute to a sense of well-being due to their stimulant properties and can therefore effectively treat malaise.
2. Mukuyu is effective at managing diarrhea, dysentery and abdominal pain
Mukuyu fruit is rich in essential nutrients such as sodium, magnesium and potassium, among others. Magnesium is excellent at regulating muscle activity and can assist in relieving muscle spasms and cramps, and abdominal cramps. Traditionally the bark of the Mukuyu tree was used to treat diarrhea. The Potassium and sodium in Mukuyu fruit help to keep body fluids in balance, whilst, regulating blood pressure and preventing dehydration that happens when the body loses fluids and minerals, as a result of diarrhoea or dysentery.
3. Mukuyu seeds can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart related diseases
Mukuyu seeds are a good source of dietary fiber. The term dietary fiber refers to that part of vegetables and other plant foods that cannot be digested. Also known as roughage, dietary fiber is laden with numerous health benefits.
Mukuyu seeds are a good source of dietary fiber. The term dietary fiber refers to that part of vegetables and other plant foods that cannot be digested. Also known as roughage, dietary fiber is laden with numerous health benefits.
Dietary fiber is essential for maintaining the gut healthy and preventing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart related diseases. Since they are non-digestible, Mukuyu seeds pass through the digestive system in their original form, thereby contributing to the relief of constipation and preventing the onset of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The root of the plant also contains some laxative and anthelmintic properties which also assist in maintaining gut health.
Dietary fiber is essential for maintaining the gut healthy and preventing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart related diseases. Since they are non-digestible, Mukuyu seeds pass through the digestive system in their original form, thereby contributing to the relief of constipation and preventing the onset of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The root of the plant also contains some laxative and anthelmintic properties which also assist in maintaining gut health.
4. Mukuyu tree is excellent for the management of numerous ailments
The bark, leaves, and milky latex of the Mukuyu tree all have medicinal value. Traditionally the white latex of the Mukuyu plant was applied on warts, ulcers, burns and cracked heels as some form of protective layer to prevent infections and promote healing. The latex has also been used to treat toothache and ringworm, whilst the juice extract from the fruit was used as a topical treatment for skin diseases. The bark of the plant was also used in the treatment of respiratory ailments including sore throat and lung infections. Lastly, but not least, the leaves were used for the treatment of jaundice and as an antidote for snakebites.
The bark, leaves, and milky latex of the Mukuyu tree all have medicinal value. Traditionally the white latex of the Mukuyu plant was applied on warts, ulcers, burns and cracked heels as some form of protective layer to prevent infections and promote healing. The latex has also been used to treat toothache and ringworm, whilst the juice extract from the fruit was used as a topical treatment for skin diseases. The bark of the plant was also used in the treatment of respiratory ailments including sore throat and lung infections. Lastly, but not least, the leaves were used for the treatment of jaundice and as an antidote for snakebites.
5. Mukuyu fruit is a super food
Mukuyu fruits are fleshy, sweet and aromatic. They can be eaten raw, cooked or dried and preserved for later use. Alternatively, they can be taken as a snack. The fruit can also be fermented into an alcoholic beverage, and the latex can be used as a milk coagulant. Mukuyu leaves can be used in soups and groundnut dishes, and in some parts of Africa, the bark is chewed together with kola nut.
6. Side Effects of Mukuyu Seeds
Mukuyu seeds, however, contain some antinutritional compounds in the form oxalate and phytate which may constrain the absorption of vitamins and minerals. The effect of these compounds can however, be significantly reduced if the seeds are cooked, thereby allowing for absorption of the nutrients to take place.
Conclusion
Although more research still needs to be conducted on the properties and benefits of the Mukuyu tree, traditional use of the plant for nutritional and medical purposes, since time immemorial, has proved that the plant holds great potential as a nutraceutical due to its excellent dietary fiber, mineral and carbohydrate content. Please note that whilst they have excellent nutritional and health benefits, nutraceuticals should not be used as an alternative to proper medical attention. You still need to consult your doctor when using them to fend-off or manage any ailment.
Bibliography
Bibliography
Fern, K. (2021, 01 17). Ficus sycomorus. Tropical Plants Database: http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Ficus+sycomorus
Lixandru, M. (2020, 7 26). Nature World. Properties and Benefits of Sycamore Fig: https://www.natureword.com/properties-and-benefits-of-sycamore-fig/
M.Bhebhe, B.Chipurura, & M.Muchuweti. (2015). Determination and comparison of phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity of selected local Zimbabwean herbal teas with exotic Aspalathus linearis. South African Journal of Botany, 100, 213-218.
Nyirenda, K., J.D.K.Saka, D.Naidoo, & C.J.F.Muller. (2012). Antidiabetic, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial activities of Fadogia ancylanthaextracts from Malawi. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 372-376.
Raman, R. (2017, 9 9). Healthline. What Does Potassium Do for Your Body? A Detailed Review: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-does-potassium-do
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