Fig trees bear fruit in the summer and early fall, which makes them a delightful seasonal treat. Figs are also available year-round due to their ability to be dried and stored for later use. The delicious taste of figs is not the only thing these fruits have going for them; they're also loaded with nutrients essential for good health. Here's what you need to know about figs' nutritional value:
Figs are a great source of important nutrients.
Figs are a great source of important nutrients. They're rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Figs also contain a variety of phytonutrients that have antioxidant properties. These nutrients can help stave off hunger while providing vitamins A, C, and K as well as helping you lose weight!
Figs are an excellent source of dietary fiber which helps improve digestion by slowing down the absorption rate of food into the bloodstream. The high level of fiber found in figs helps reduce blood cholesterol levels by binding with bile acids within the digestive tract before they can be absorbed back into the bloodstream which results in lower total serum cholesterol levels (LDL). An adequate amount of dietary fiber has also been shown to lower blood pressure among people who eat diets high in saturated fat because it reduces absorption from foods like red meat which may increase risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and strokes."
Figs are an excellent source of fiber.
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body cannot digest. The two main types of fiber are soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, creating a gel-like substance that slows down digestion and helps you feel fuller longer. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water but instead increases fecal bulk by adding weight to stools as they pass through the colon (or large intestine). Both types help with blood sugar control, prevent constipation, maintain a healthy gut microbiome, and promote regular bowel movements (1).
Figs contain both soluble and insoluble fibers--about 1 gram per serving! Figs also contain pectin (a type of soluble fiber), which may help lower high cholesterol levels by reducing absorption from bile acids produced by the liver during digestion (2). Additionally, pectin has been shown to lower blood pressure when consumed regularly over time due to its ability to block sodium absorption into cells around arteries (3).
Figs are rich in potassium, magnesium, and iron.
Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and water balance in the body. Magnesium plays a role in bone health, energy production, and muscle function. Iron is an essential nutrient that helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body's tissues--a role known as hemoglobin synthesis (1).
Figs are also rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamin C which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties (2). Free radicals are molecules produced by our own bodies during normal metabolic processes but they can also enter through environmental exposure like smoking or pollution (3). Antioxidants protect us from these damaging substances by neutralizing them before they cause damage to our bodies (4).
Figs contain a variety of phytonutrients that have antioxidant properties.
Phytonutrients are plant chemicals that have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, which are destructive molecules that can damage cells throughout the body. As we get older, our bodies produce fewer antioxidants on their own and therefore need to be supplemented through diet or other means.
Researchers have found that phytonutrients may help protect against cancer, heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease as well as reduce inflammation in the body (which could help with arthritis symptoms). Phytonutrients can also prevent blood clotting problems by inhibiting platelet aggregation (the formation of clots) within blood vessels; this prevents cell damage from occurring inside small capillaries near delicate tissues such as those found within joints or eyesight organs like the retinae.*
Figs are a good source of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants
Figs are a good source of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Fiber helps to lower blood cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. Iron helps to transport oxygen throughout the body while potassium is important for muscle contraction and nerve function. Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals that contribute to chronic diseases like cancer or heart disease. Açaí berries are one example of an antioxidant-rich food from the Amazon rainforest; they're high in anthocyanins (a type of pigment) which have been shown to reduce oxidative stress on cells by as much as 60%. Other popular foods rich in antioxidants include tea leaves, blueberries, and apples--all great additions to your diet!
Conclusion
Figs are a unique fruit. They have a unique taste and texture that's unlike most other fruits. Their sweet flavor comes from their high sugar content, which makes them ideal for eating as is or using in recipes like jams and preserves. Figs can also be used in salads or desserts where they provide an interesting twist on typical ingredients like apples or chocolate chips!
