Fig fruit facts

Fig fruits are shaped like a bell with a wide, flat bottom that narrows to a pointed top. Actually, figs are not the fruits, but flowers that grow on small trees or deciduous shrubs up to a height of 23 to 33 feet. Figs come in various colors, ranging from brown, purple, green, yellow or black, and they also vary in size. The skin of the fruit is slightly wrinkled and leathery, but this feature makes dried figs as tasty as the fresh ones. Figs are often dried for preservation, and they are available in almost every part of the world, throughout the whole year.

Fig nutrition

Figs are highly perishable fruits, and they are often dried to preserve their luscious taste and healthy nutrients. Figs nutrition value varies in fresh and dried figs, but both of the variations are healthy. Figs are extremely rich in natural and simple sugars, minerals and fiber. Actually, figs provide more fiber than any other common fruit or vegetable. They also contain great amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and manganese. One portion of dried figs, weighing approximately 100 grams, can contain as much as 250mg of calcium, compared to whole milk with only 118mg. However, one should take figs in moderation as they contain large amounts of sugar. One serving of dried figs contains about 50 grams of sugar.

Health benefits of figs

One of the compounds found in figs is a nutrient known as tryptophan. Tryptophan is an extremely beneficial element that promotes optimum blood circulation, and regulation of sleep patterns. Thus, figs may be beneficial to people suffering from insomnia and other sleep disturbances.

Figs are making another great effect on humans’ health by supplying the body with natural sugar. This kind of sugar is important for proper functioning of the brain. When the brain has enough glucose and uses it properly, humans are thinking faster, recalling information faster and preventing memory loss.

Figs are fantastic sources of energy, and great natural remedy in fighting against persistent fatigue. They contain high amounts of water, making the consumer fresh and detoxified. This makes a strong impact on the skin, making it look soft and clean.

High amount of dietary fiber makes figs a natural laxative. Figs are fantastic natural solution for people suffering from irregular bowel movements, or those who are trying to lose weight. Dietary fiber are adding to the feeling of fullness and preventing food cravings.

As good sources of potassium, figs are beneficial to the control of blood pressure. This way, regular intake of figs may reduce ones risk of coronary heart diseases and stroke. Being rich in calcium, figs are natural source of this important mineral to people who are lactose intolerant. It is estimated that approximately 80% of Americans do not consume recommended amounts of calcium per day.