This little fruit can do wonders
for your body's health.
From their introduction to the New World by missionaries in the
1500s to their planting in various places throughout California in the 1700s,
figs bring an ancient sweetness to the table—with a myriad of health benefits.
Although figs can be used to satisfy your sweet tooth, dried or fresh, these
fruits can benefit your body in more ways than one.
Here are some of the ways figs can improve your body's health.
1. Figs can help lower cholesterol.
Figs contain a high amount of soluble fibre. About four dried figs
provide 100 calories and four grams of fibre, 14% of the daily recommended
amount. Foods high in soluble fibre, such as figs, have been shown to help
lower cholesterol.
2. Figs can help fight inflammation.
Figs contain phytonutrients, or natural plant compounds, called
polyphenols and carotenoids. Both act as antioxidants and help scavenge free
radicals. These antioxidants also help fight inflammation.
3. Figs may help with glucose control.
Figs contain a compound called ABA (abscisic acid), which has been
shown to enhance peripheral glucose intake and pull glucose into the body
without using insulin. The fig extract used in the research equates to about 1
1/2 servings of figs.
4. Your body will get more nutrients it needs.
Four figs provide 100 calories and 6% of the daily recommended
potassium and 4% of the daily recommended calcium and iron. Potassium and
calcium are nutrients identified by the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for
Americans as lacking in the American diet. As such, eating figs means your body
getting more of the nutrients, it's commonly lacking.
In addition, figs also provide magnesium. Magnesium, calcium, and
potassium all play a role in cardiovascular health.
5. Figs can help prevent cancer.
Figs provide polyphenols and carotenoids, two phytonutrients found to help detoxify carcinogens that can lead to cancer. These two phytonutrients also help repair DNA and other tissue damage.