Composition and Health Benefits of Figs
A Natural Source of Minerals and Nutrients with Many Uses
Oct 18, 2009
The Greeks considered figs so precious that they forbade their export. The Romans transported figs to Europe, and even today in some parts of southern Europe figs are thrown at newlyweds, much like rice is thrown in some countries. Figs are widely used in the Mediterranean lands, where they are considered the “poor man’s food.” This is because they are easily available and highly nutritious.
Varieties of Figs
Figs can be black or white, fresh or dried. All kinds are nutritious, but fresh ones are highly perishable. Therefore, 87% of figs sold are dried figs. Three pounds of fresh figs are required to produce one pound of dried figs.
Composition of Figs
Figs are rich in vitamins and other nutrients.
- Figs contain vitamins A, C, B complex and D and dietary fiber.
- They are rich in a number of minerals like manganese and especially calcium. Dried figs have a high content of iron, while black ones are rich in potassium.
- Mucin and pectin are also present.
- Like bananas, figs are rich in natural sugar.
Health Benefits of Figs
Figs have curative and restorative properties.
- They are highly nutritious, and build immunity.
- Figs have astringent and carminative properties, and are useful in treating diverse conditions like hepatitis and dysentery. They are also used to treat anemia, hyperacidity, ulcers and worm infections.
- The high sugar content provides quick energy.
- Calcium in figs increases bone density, while the potassium prevents bone loss. Potassium also helps to control blood pressure.
- Mucin and pectin have a laxative effect, so figs prevent constipation. They also alleviate painful piles.
- Figs are strengthening, and hasten recovery after a long illness. Athletes in Sparta ate figs to improve their stamina.
Uses of Figs
Figs have many culinary uses. They can be used for making desserts, cakes and jams, and included in the diet in a number of ways.
Fresh figs can be mixed with other fruits, but dried figs cannot be taken with acidic fruits. They should be washed thoroughly and soaked before consumption to make them easier to digest. However, one must drink the water too, as many of the nutrients are in it.
Figs have been widely used in Chinese, traditional Arabian and Indian (ayurvedic) systems of medicine. They are also used in home remedies.
- The burnt ash of the fruit is given for acidity.
- A decoction of figs boiled in water is recommended for urinary problems and to expel small kidney stones. It is also used as a mouthwash to ease a sore throat.
- The bark is boiled with the barks of other medicinal trees to soothe burns and ulcers.
- Fig leaves are used to lower insulin and triglycerides.
- A poultice of dried figs is a disinfectant.
Figs are delicious and highly nutritious, and popular worldwide for their rich composition and many health benefits. They also have culinary and other traditional uses.
Tip: Over ripe figs have a sour odor, due to the fermentation of the juice.
Sources:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=24
http://www.thefruitpages.com/figs.shtml
Foods that Heal: Dr.Bernard Jensen
Foods that Heal: Bakhru
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