Figs – about 30 calories per medium size fig
The fig has many beneficial properties, high nutritional value and several vitamins:
- They contain vitamins A, B and C.
- They are a good source of calcium which helps in bone growth.
- Very good source of fiber, that increases the feeling of satiety and fight constipation.
- They are a good source of potassium, which helps control blood pressure.
- Very good choice by people suffering from anemia because figs are a good source of iron and folic acid.
- Figs can be consumed by people with allergies to milk or with severe lactose intolerance and be helpful.
- Use for abscesses in the gums.
- It has been shown that fig leaves have antidiabetic properties and can reduce the amount of insulin required by people with diabetes.
The fig is considered very good choice:
- For people suffering from anemia
- For pregnant and breastfeeding
It’s Important to know that people who have kidney problems or kidney stones should limit consumption of figs because they contain oxalic acids which may form calcium oxalate stones.
Enjoy the figs:
- Add them to cakes in their dried form.
- Add to your breakfast cereal.
- Add to your salad.
- As a dessert or fruit salad.
- Make a fig jam.
Nutritional Analysis by Polyvios Nikolaou Dietitian – Nutritionist.
References
Appel LJ, Moore TJ, Obarzanek E, et al. A clinical trial of the effects of dietary patterns on blood pressure. DASH Collaborative Research Group. N Engl J Med. 1997 Apr 17;336(16):1117-24. 1997.
Canal JR, Torres MD, Romero A, Perez C. A chloroform extract obtained from a decoction of Ficus carica leaves improves the cholesterolaemic status of rats with streptozotocin- induced diabetes. Acta Physiol Hung 2000;87(1):71-6. 2000. PMID:13400.
Cho E, Seddon JM, Rosner B, Willett WC, Hankinson SE. Prospective study of intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and carotenoids and risk of age-related maculopathy. Arch Ophthalmol. 2004 Jun;122(6):883-92. 2004. PMID:15197064.
Serraclara A, Hawkins F, Perez C, et al. Hypoglycemic action of an oral fig-leaf decoction in type-I diabetic patients. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 1998 Jan;39(1):19-22. 1998. PMID:13430.