I love figs! Fresh ones are good, but I mostly eat the dried variety as they have a longer shelf life. I recently discovered fig butter (yum!), which makes a delicious spread on my morning toast. Since I can consume figs by the handful, I rather hoped they harbored some healthy components.
Thankfully, figs are a highly nutritious snack, providing vitamins A and B6 and excellent levels of phosphorus, calcium, iron and manganese (about 15% more of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for calcium and iron). Whether you prefer Brown Turkey or Black Mission, here are a few details on the powerful fig.
Photo from lizdavenportcreative
- Strengthens bones
According to the California Fig Advisory Board, figs have the highest amount of calcium of any fruit (121 mg per ½ cup serving). A serving of figs meets 12% of your recommended daily value for calcium. This is good news for all those lactose-intolerant, leafy greens-resistant folk who desire an easier way to get their calcium. - High in dietary fiber
A ½ cup serving of dried figs contains 7.3 gram of colon-friendly fiber. (Warning: too many figs can act as a laxative!) Pectin is the soluble fiber found in the fig, and it’s credited with helping to clear out accumulated cholesterol in the body. Fruit fiber has been shown to lower the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. In general, eating high-fiber foods takes the edge off hunger, which makes the fig a good snack choice for weight management. - Rich in potassium
Figs help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. This makes the fruit beneficial for those suffering from diabetes or hypertension. - Power to the leaf
Some cultures eat fig leaves wrapped around meat or fish. Others use it as a kind of loincloth. Either way, reports have shown fig leaves to have anti-diabetic properties that can reduce the amount of insulin needed. Animal studies reveal fig leaves can reduce heart disease and possibly kill cancer cells - Eyes, heart and skin
Figs have been praised for their potential in several other health areas:- Fighting macular degeneration. Nix the carrot for a handful of fresh fruit.
- Soothing sore throats (because of the fruit’s high mucilage content).
- Preventing coronary disease with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
And what about these other possibilities? (1) Treating pimples. Mash fresh figs and apply as a mask to your face for 15 minutes. (2) Aphrodisiac. This “fruit of the gods” has long been held as symbol of fertility. Some claim this helps with sexual prowess: soak 2-3 figs in milk overnight and eat them the next morning. Old wives’ tales? Maybe, but trying them can’t hurt!
Note: Since figs contain oxalates, people with kidney problems should consume them in moderation. Dried figs are often treated with preservative sulfites, which may cause reactions in asthma sufferers. Look for organic dried figs since these do not contain sulfites. And my dentist would like you to know that because fig sugars tend to stick to your teeth, it’s best to brush right after eating.
Read more on the nutritional value of figs.
This post is featured on Thank Your Body Thursday.
It’s amazing how wonderful God’s world is! I never knew of all these benefits, thanks for sharing!