Figs

Figs

The common fig (Ficus carica) is a species in the genus Ficus, from the family Moraceae.

Cultivated for millennia in the Mediterranean and in California since the early 20th century, the fig is a real health food.

We find traces of the fig since biblical times through all the Ancient civilizations (Egyptian, Greek, Roman).

There are more than 150 varieties of figs that vary in color from white to dark purple. The nutritional value is substantially the same regardless of the variety, but fruit with darker color would be richer in antioxidants.

Nutritional

Figs are rich in fiber and minerals, especially potassium.

Percentage of the recommended daily intake for 240 grams of fresh figs

Fiber - 30%

Potassium - 15 %

Manganese - 15%

Vitamin B6 - 13 %

Magnesium - 10 %

Vitamin E - 10 %

The fig also contains small amounts of calcium, vitamin C and A.

(The concentration of nutrients increases in the dried fruit and requires less power consumption for the same input).

Figs and health

The richness of the fig fiber and potassium are the major nutrients help prevent many diseases.

Fiber helps in all aspects of digestion. They help to better absorb nutrients and control blood sugar absorbed during the meal, preventing it from rising too quickly. The fibers also protect many intestinal disorders, and studies show that a high fiber intake protects against cardiovascular disease. The Western diet is generally much too high in sodium and promotes heart disease, a good way to counteract the effects of too high consumption of sodium organization is to increase the consumption of potassium found in good quantity in fig.

Regular consumption of figs helps :

To lower high blood pressure,

Controlling cholesterol,

Relieve constipation,

Prevent colon cancer,

Control the level of glucose in the blood and prevent the onset of type II diabetes

According to Raymond Dextreit, fig food proves a " balancing " laxative and chest , it is an important draining respiratory and intestinal tracts . A fig cooked in water, or better, in milk, then cut in half and applied hot on an abscess or boil in hasten ripening. Other board Raymond Dextreit to soothe coughs and sore throats , we can prepare a syrup using 5 figs that can be cooked in a bowl of water, the liquid until reduced to a syrup .

Fresh figs do not keep very long , it should be consumed within a week after picking.

In northern regions, it is difficult to get fresh figs, but the figs are widely distributed. Preferably choose organically grown figs or guaranteed without sulfites.

There are many ways to eat figs. Fresh, dry, alone or in combination with walnuts, goat cheese , added to cereal , in salads, desserts. The possibilities are endless .