The health benefits of figs
By Jo Lewin - Registered Nutritionist.
One of the world’s oldest trees, the fig tree can be traced back to the earliest historical documents and features prominently in the Bible. Figs are native to the Middle East and Mediterranean and were held in such high regard by the Greeks that laws were once created to prevent their export.
Nutritional highlights
Figs are high in natural sugars, minerals and soluble fibre. Figs are rich in minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper and are a good source of antioxidant vitamins A and K that contribute to health and wellness.
Research
Figs are often recommended to nourish and tone the intestines and act as a natural laxative because of their high fibre content. Many of us consume too much sodium (salt), found in processed foods. High intakes of sodium can lead to deficiencies of potassium and this imbalance between the two minerals can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure). A diet rich in fruit and vegetables – including fresh figs, naturally increases potassium and is therefore encouraged to help lower blood pressure.
Naturally high in dietary fibre, figs can be a useful food to include in the diet for those watching their weight. High fibre foods provide feelings of fullness and can reduce hunger and cravings. Figs also contain prebiotics, which help support the pre-existing good bacteria in the gut, improving digestive wellness.
Figs are a good fruit source of calcium, a mineral that is involved in bone density. Their high potassium content may counteract the urinary excretion of calcium caused by high salt diets. This in turn helps to keep calcium in bones and lessens the risk of osteoporosis.