Anjeer is a fruit that has many health benefits. It is often consumed in its dried form but can also be eaten as the fresh bulbous fruit. Anjeer belongs to a relatively mid-range price point.

Anjeer

Generally, referring to the fruit of a flowering plant that is common in Asia and belongs to the mulberry family. Figs or anjeer are native to the Middle East and western Asia, it has been cultivated for many centuries. It is possibly one of the first plants that were cultivated by humans, with a thousand-year headstart on wheat and rye. Today the largest producers are Turkey, Egypt and Morocco.

Dried anjeer and benefits

One of the more common ways to consume anjeer is in its dried form, during the process of drying the fruit is flattened and becomes like a small disc. These are then strung from their centre onto a rope.

Anjeer is known for its health benefits. They contain natural sugars, soluble fibre and minerals. These minerals include calcium, iron, copper, magnesium and potassium. Anjeer also has antioxidant vitamins K and A which are important for wellness. The fibre and mucilage are helpful as well. Also, a high alkaline food which helps maintain the body's pH level.

The actual help is seen in the form of reducing constipation, weight loss, prevention of coronary heart disease, prevention of colon cancer, protection from menopausal breast cancer, prevention of hypertension, relief from a sore throat, good for bone health, and they work as an aphrodisiac if 3 are soaked in milk overnight.

Comments

The benefits of anjeer are slow working so it has to be consumed regularly over longer periods; this being the case with most such foods or herbs taken for benefits. Anjeer in Pakistan is available for an upper mid-range price. For us, it is also of a religio-cultural importance as it is mentioned in the Quran.