Figs
Figs (Ficus carica) are oval to pear shaped fruits with a thin edible outer skin, mushy pink pulp, and tiny white seeds.
Health benefits of Figs
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Figs
Figs are best when they are mushy and soft, but you can buy figs firm and allow them to ripen at home. Look for figs with a good smell, and few blemishes.
Climate and origin
Figs originated in Asia minor and are one of the first fruits to be cultivated. Figs do best in warm temperate to sub-tropical climates, but there are some hardy varieties which can grow in colder climates. (zones 5-10 in the U.S.)
Taste
Figs have a subtle fragrant taste and the degree of sweetness varies widely by variety.
Miscellaneous information
The most popular fig for drying and shipping, Black Mission Figs get their name from Spanish Missionaries who introduced figs to San Diego California in the late 1800s.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 74 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.3g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.06g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 1mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 19.2g | 7% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 2.9g | 10% | ||
| Total Sugars 16.3g | 33% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 0.75g | 2% | ||
| Vitamin C 2mg | 2% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.37mg | 2% | ||
| Calcium 35mg | 3% | ||
| Potassium 232mg | 5% | ||
| Phosphorus 14mg | 1% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||