Fresh mission figs are dark purple. - Figs by Petr Kratochvil
Figs have long been known to be a nutritious fruit. This article lists ten good reasons why you should include foods in your diet.
Figs are considered a healthy fruit that has been both consumed and used in the treatment of wounds since biblical times. It was in the year 1759 figs were brought to the United States. Figs are delightfully sweet when they are fully ripe. These plump little juicy balls of flavor taste great fresh, but they can also be eaten dried, or they can be added to cookies and cakes. You can also puree fresh figs in a blender with added water and vanilla. One common type of fig is the mission fig, but there are many other kinds of figs. The best tasting figs should not feel hard, and they should possess a sweet aroma.
- Figs promote healthy blood pressure, which may help prevent a stroke.
- Figs may aid in the prevention of cancer, states the LSUAg Center.
- Figs are high in fiber that fills you up, helping you to eat less and maintain a healthy weight. Fiber-containing figs are also beneficial for other reasons. According to the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs, high fiber fruits may prevent heart disease.
- Figs can help brighten your mood and complexion if you are constipated by acting like a laxative and helping your body eliminate accumulated waste. When you are constipated you may feel depressed and short tempered, and your skin may look gray, yellow, or sickly. Figs can reduce flatulence associated with constipation, improve your mood and brighten your complexion if you are suffering from irregularity. Figs can help you have regular bowel movements.
- Figs supply you with 10 minerals and important vitamins like vitamin A and C. Minerals as well as vitamins are vital to good health.
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are found in figs, states the LSUAg Center, both of which are required for development and repair of the body.
- Figs contain iron, and they contain little fat. Iron in your diet helps to prevent anemia.
- Figs contain no cholesterol, which is especially beneficial if you have high blood cholesterol and need to watch your cholesterol intake.
- Figs contain calcium and potassium. One hundred grams of dried and uncooked figs contains 127 more milligrams of calcium than raw figs and 448 more milligrams of potassium. Calcium aids in the prevention of weak bones and osteoporosis. Potassium aids in mental clarity.
- Figs taste good just the way they are, which makes these tasty gems a convenient snack for anyone on the run.
Sources
- LSUAgCenter.com: LSU AgCenter Nutrition Expert Tells What Makes Figs So Special
- Iowa Department of Elder Affairs: Healthy Aging Update
- United States Department of Agriculture: National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
- Tarrant County: Live A More Colorful Life!
- LSUAgCenter.com: Louisiana Figs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Fruit of the Month: Figs
- “Linda Page’s Healthy Healing, All New Eleventh Edition”; Linda Page, 2001
- “Healing Foods From the Bible”; Bernard Ward; 1994
Copyright Grace Covelli. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Grace Covelli - by Grace Covelli
