Know the Benefits of Eating Figs
Here’s the Lowdown:
The benefits of eating figs are many. This mighty fruit grows on ficus trees, and although they are native to the middle East, they are now grown all over the world. After Turkey and Greece, California ranks third in the world for growing figs. Because fresh figs tend to deteriorate quickly, they are usually sold in stores dried. If you are lucky enough to find fresh figs in your local store, make sure to choose ones that are plump, deep in color, and not mushy.
Nutrition Facts
Figs are rich in B vitamins in addition to vitamins C and E. They’re also full of beneficial minerals such as iron and potassium. This plant food even provides some of the highest amounts of calcium and fiber found in fruits. You’ll get plenty essential amino acids when eating this delicious food too. Each fig contains only about 20 calories making them a great snack choice.
They Help to Build Strong Bones
A 100 gram serving of figs actually provides twice as much calcium as a serving of milk. In fact, the only fruit that offers more calcium per serving is an orange. Because figs have high concentrations of magnesium and vitamin K, which also contribute to bone health, they are a perfect bone supporting food.
They Help Fight Disease
Figs are extremely high in quality phenol antioxidants, which are known to help prevent and fight colds, chronic disease, and even some cancers. In fact, a study published in the American College of Nutrition states that the antioxidants found in figs enriches lipoprotein in plasma which in turn works to protect the body from oxidation. This means that the antioxidants found in figs help to protect the body from free radicals.
They Help to Control Blood Pressure
Potassium helps to reduce and control healthy blood pressure levels, and figs contain a high amount of this nutrient. Many people are actually deficient in potassium because of high sodium intake caused by eating processed foods, which can result in hypertension and dangerous blood pressure levels. Eating more fruits and vegetables high in potassium such as figs can help to prevent and even fight blood pressure related illness.
They Can Help You to Lose Weight
Figs are a sweet treat that aren’t void of nutrients like most candies and other treats you’ll find on the market. Because they are so high in dietary fiber, they will help to keep you full between meals, and because they are so sweet, they will help to curb any cravings you might have.
There’s More…
The benefits of eating figs don’t stop here. Eating three or more servings of fruit each day may help fight against macular degeneration. The leaves of fresh figs have been shown to in animal studies to lower triglycerides, which means that they may help to regulate cardiovascular health. The leaves have also been shown to fight diabetes by lowering the amount of insulin needed in the body at any given time. Researchers are still learning new things about figs and how they contribute to the health of humans.
Resources
Vincen, J.A. MD: “Dried Fruits: Excellent in Vitro and in Vivo Antioxidants” https://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/24/1/44
Author unknown “Figs” https://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=24
Photo Credits
Wikimedia Commons/ Eric Hunt
