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The Notorious F-I-G!

Before Sugar, There Was Figs

By Ashley TerrellPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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The Notorious F-I-G!
Photo by Jocelyn Morales on Unsplash

I remember when school lunch days offered trail mix. I would eat around the tree nuts and eat the fruit. For a while, I thought the chewy fruit I was eating within the trail mix was raisins.

During the second semester of the school year, I realized what I've been eating was figs. What an interesting food discovery!

Known by the scientific name, Ficus carica, figs are one of the first plants grown by humans!

Figs are grown in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Hot, sunny, and dry locations are ideal for fig planting. According to Style Craze, fig trees can grow wild, dry, sunny areas with deep rich soil.

Fig trees can live up to 100 years old!

Figs trees are deciduous with smooth pale bark growing up ten meters high. The soft fruit grows to be the size of a thumb with tiny seeds inside and various exterior colored skins.

Growing up, my family didn't eat figs or trail mix. My family was a huge fan of Fig Newtons.

In the past years, I've incorporated figs into many baking and cooking recipes. As figs become a staple in my diet lifestyle, here are a few health benefits figs bring to the table - and your body.

Figs are packed with antioxidants!

As a member of the Mulberry family, figs are packed with antioxidants. You'll find the naturally fat-free fruit are rich in phytonutrients, phenolic, antioxidants, and vitamins.

Antioxidants are essential for your immunity, cell development, and combats radiation damage. Luckily, figs offer a multitude of vitamins and minerals.

The low-calorie fruit is rich in copper and vitamin B-6 which aids in metabolism, energy production, development of blood cells, tissue, and neurotransmitters.

Figs are rich in potassium which helps with flushing excessive sodium from the body.

Studies with rich potassium sources, like figs, improve bone health and improve bone mineral structure. Additionally, potassium, magnesium, and calcium work together to reduce conditions like osteoporosis.

Figs improve your cardiovascular system.

Did you know eating figs can reduce hypertension, also known as high blood pressure?

According to StyleCraze, figs reduce triglyceride levels in the blood which promotes good cardiovascular health. The cholesterol-free fruit contains phenols, omega 3, and 6 fatty acids.

Figs contain pectin which can lower cholesterol levels.

Antioxidants, phenol, and omega fatty acids can minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease, like heart disease and stroke.

A study of 83 participants suffering from high bad cholesterol added figs to their diets had no changes in blood fat levels.

Poop, there it is...

When nature's calling, yet your body isn't responding, eat a fig!

Figs are an excellent source for prebiotics which helps with gut health as well as decreases constipation.

As uncomfortable as it is, regular bowel movements are necessary.

A study of 150 participants suffering from constipation found consuming figs twice daily can reduce symptoms of pain, bloating, and constipation.

Other studies of 80 participants who use fig paste for eight weeks saw reductions in constipation.

Find the perfect fig!

Also known as Anjeer in India, figs can be enjoyed in various ways.

Fresh figs are harvested in the summer and fall seasons.

Fresh figs are one of the most perishable fruits. It's recommended to purchase your figs one to two days prior to preparing and using them.

Dried figs are high in sugar.

Fig paste can be used in baked pastries, like bars and cookies. I like to use dried figs in my energy bites. Dried figs are familiar in sweetness and texture compared to raisins, so there's no need for added sugar.

Be sure to select figs deep in color and firm in texture. Selected figs shouldn't feel mushy and have no visible signs of bruising.

Firm figs have the most antioxidants.

Today, figs are mainly located in Asia and North America. Approximately 98% of California's figs are fresh!

Be sure your selected fig is mildly scented. Sour scented figs are an indication of spoilage.

Whether you're a lover of black mission, Kadota, Calimyrna, or Adriatic figs, you're sure to enjoy the soft and chewy fruit in your salads, gravies, or as a healthy snack!

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About the Creator

Ashley Terrell

Bestselling author. Entrepreneur. Seasonings and spices saved my life. Where sheep and angels share the same color. Newport News, VA. Conqueror and lover of all things Fine Arts.

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