| |
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
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.
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW
TO LEARN MORE...
SOWING SEEDS OF SUCCESS - MORINGA CURRICULUM
|
|