Origin
The fig is a native fruit from the Middle East and Western Asia. The fig tree grows in dry and sunny areas that possess deep and fresh soil. It can tolerate seasonal drought making it suitable for the Middle East and Mediterranean climate. Figs were very well known in Greece and there are records of Aristotle the famous philosopher describing it. Figs can be eaten raw or dried. They are also used to make jam.
Health Benefits
Delicious, sweet fig fruit is one of the popular fruits enjoyed since ancient times. Fig is rich in natural health benefiting phytonutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins. Entirely developed and ripe fig features bell or pear shape with succulent, juicy flesh inside. Dried figs, indeed, are a highly concentrated source of minerals and vitamins.
A few of the health benefits derived from figs include:
- Prevention of coronary heart disease: Dried figs contain phenol, Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Furthermore, the leaves of figs have a significant effect on the level of triglycerides in a person’s system. Fig leaves have an inhibitory effect on triglycerides and make the overall number of triglycerides drop. Triglycerides are another major factor behind various heart diseases.
- Sexual Dysfunction: For centuries, figs have been recommended as a way to correct sexual dysfunction like sterility, endurance, or erectile dysfunction. It has been a major part of mythology and culture, and most of the time, it is referenced as a powerful fertility or sexual supplement. Its actual success as an aphrodisiac is questionable, but the huge amount of valuable vitamins and minerals might result in the sudden boost in energy and stamina that people mistake for a sexual surge. Soak 2-3 figs in milk overnight and eat them in the morning to enhance your sexual abilities.
- Strengthens Bones: Figs are rich in calcium, which is one of the most important components in strengthening bones, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It is also rich in phosphorus, which encourages the bone formation and spurs regrowth if there is any damage or degradation to bones.
- Relief for throat pain: The high mucilage content in figs helps to heal and protect sore throats. The soothing nature of figs and their natural juices can relieve pain and stress on the vocal chords.
- Treat Respiratory Disorders and Stomach Ache: Figs are quite useful in treating various respiratory disorders like whooping cough and asthma. They are also effective digestive aids, and they are helpful in treating constipation, indigestion, stomach ache, and various other intestinal conditions. Figs are good for fever, earache, boils, abscesses, venereal diseases and is excellent for the liver. Figs have a high level of alkenes, therefore they help regulate the pH of the body. Figs are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which are antioxidants that prevent the damage caused by free radicals. Figs are known for their soothing and laxative properties, and they are also low in fat and sugar.
Nutritional value
Water – g 79.11
Energy – kcal 74
Protein – g 0.75
Total lipid (fat) – g 0.3
Carbohydrate, by difference – g 19.18
Fiber, total dietary – g 2.9
Sugars, total – g 16.26
Minerals
Calcium, Ca mg 35
Iron, Fe mg 0.37
Magnesium, Mg mg 17
Phosphorus, P mg 14
Potassium, K mg 232
Sodium, Na mg 1
Zinc, Zn mg 0.15
Vitamins
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid mg 2
Thiamin mg 0.06
Riboflavin mg 0.05
Niacin mg 0.4
Vitamin B-6 mg 0.113
Folate, DFE µg 6
Vitamin B-12 µg 0
Vitamin A, RAE µg 7
Vitamin A, IU IU 142
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) mg 0.11
Vitamin D (D2 + D3) µg 0
Vitamin D IU 0
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) µg 4.7
Lipids
Fatty acids, total saturated g 0.06
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated g 0.066
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated g 0.144
Fatty acids, total trans g 0
Cholesterol mg 0
Amino Acids
Other
Caffeine mg 0
Source: Organic Facts, USDA
