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Zipatso Zazikulu - Fig

Delicious, sweet fig fruit is one of the popular fruits enjoyed since ancient times. Fig is rich in natural vitamins. Completely developed and ripe fig features bell or pear shape with succulent juicy flesh inside. Dried figs, indeed, are highly concentrated source of minerals and vitamins.

During each season, fig bears several hundreds of pear-shaped fruits twice a year, which vary in size and color depending on the variety.

Pictures sourced from wikipedia.org

Nutrition chart:

There are different varieties of fig with various colours and textures, all rich in dietary fiber, minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper and are a good source of vitamins A, B, E and K.

Dried figs are an excellent sources of minerals like calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and zinc. 100 g of dried figs contain 680 mg of potassium, 162 mg of calcium, and 2.03 mg of iron.

Fig Preparation:

Here are some serving tips:

• Sweet, succulent fig fruit best enjoyed as it is without any addition/seasonings.
• Fresh figs are a great addition to salads, in cakes and ice-creams.

• Dried figs can be added to soup, stews and to enrich poultry, venison, lamb meat.
• Dry figs are excellent additions to breakfast cereal, muffins, cakes, sandwiches, pies, and cheesecakes.
• Enjoy marinated figs.
• Fresh figs stuffed with goat cheese and chopped almonds can be served as hors d'oeuvres or desserts.

Health benefits of Fig Fruit:

Fig fruit is low in calories. 100 g fresh fruits carry only 74 calories. However, they contain health benefiting soluble dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins that contribute immensely towards optimum health and wellness. Figs, like other high fiber foods, may be helpful in a weight management program.

Dried figs are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. In fact, dried figs possess higher concentrations of energy, minerals and vitamins. 100 g dried figs provide 249 calories.

Fresh figs contain adequate levels of some of the anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin A, E, and K. Altogether these compounds in fig fruit help protect us from cancers, diabetes, degenerative diseases and infections.

Figs help lower blood sugar levels and control blood-glucose levels in type-II diabetes mellitus (adult onset) condition.

Fresh figs as well as dried figs contain good levels of the B-complex group these vitamins function as co-factors for metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Figs contain potassium an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and lowers blood pressure.

Figs contain copper required in the production of red blood cells as well as Iron is essential for red blood cell formation as well for cellular oxidation.

Dried figs, are rich in calcium which is one of the most important components in strengthening bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Drinking figs brew helps relieve dry cough, asthma, sore throat, and helps to get rid of excess mucus. Cook a fig or two with half a cup of water for a few minutes, and drink the liquid several times a day.

Figs are used to get rid of toxins, and are considered as one of the foods with the most alkaline pH, and therefore they balance the acidic conditions resulting from consuming a diet rich in meat and processed foods

Figs themselves also contain omega-3, omega 6 and phytosterol compounds, which help lower cholesterol levels. Their fiber also binds to cholesterol, helping to eliminate it from your body.

Health benefits of Fig Leaves:

In some cultures, fig leaves are a common part of the menu, and for good reason.

Treat diabetes: The leaves of the fig are edible and have been shown to reduce the amount of insulin needed by people with diabetes who require insulin injections. The leaves of the fig have repeatedly been shown to have anti-diabetic properties and can actually reduce the amount of insulin needed by persons with diabetes who require insulin injections.

In one study, a liquid extract made from fig leaves was simply added to the breakfast of insulin-dependent diabetic subjects in order to produce this insulin-lowering effect. To make fig leaf tea, simply boil clean, washed fig leaves in water for at least 15 minutes.

Anti-inflammatory: Fig leaves are strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory in nature. Fig leaves help in wound healing via its anti-inflammatory action. To make a fig-leaf tea extract, use two teaspoon of dried leaves to a cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes before drinking. The tea can be made more palatable with the use of a natural sweetening agent like raw honey.

Improve Heart health: Fig leaves have been shown to lower levels of triglycerides. When your triglyceride levels are too high, you increase in the likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke.

Treats bronchitis: For bronchitis, put three fig leaves in a pot of water and boil. After 15 minutes, remove the leaves and drink the tea. Add honey for a sweet taste and added infection-fighting power.

Reduce Blood Pressure: For those with heart problems, eat some fresh figs every day and make a tea from fig leaves.
Make a boiled fig leaf tea. Let the mixture cool and then apply to affected areas to treat a hemorrhoid.

Medical disclaimer
This information is intended solely for the general information of the reader. The contents is not intended to offer personal medical advice, diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications.

References:

www.nutrition-and-you.com

www.healthyandnaturalworld.com

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