A product of Ficus trees, figs are false fruits that range from green to purple in color. Interestingly, they are actually inverted flowers and the fig that you traditionally eat as a fruit is the seed of that flower. Once dried, figs are brown and can be incorporated into your raw food diet. Like many other fruits, figs can be eaten on their own or they can be incorporated into some of your favorite recipes.
Originally from Arabia, figs grow most successfully in locations that experience hot summers and cool winters. Furthermore, they thrive when those summers are dry and those winters are wet. Once dried, though, you can enjoy figs year round.
The Health Benefits of Dried Figs
By incorporating dried figs into your raw food diet, you will enhance the amount of important vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that you consume. Some of the benefits of dried figs include:
• Fiber: Fiber can help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Dried figs provide soluble and insoluble fiber, which allows for a range of healthy benefits, including slowed digestion, appetite control, blood sugar management, lower cholesterol, and improved bowel function.
• Calcium: Highly important, as it helps keep bones strong, dried figs are a wonderful source of calcium. This helps maintain bone density and keep osteoporosis at bay.
• Potassium: A valuable mineral, potassium helps decrease blood pressure and manage the balance of fluids within your body.
• Iron: The mineral that allows your body to transport oxygen, iron is a crucial part of your health. Dried figs provide this mineral, which helps your cells get the oxygen they need while keeping your energy levels up.
• Magnesium: With this mineral, dried figs can prevent fatigue, allow your muscles to relax, and even improve migraines and muscle soreness.
• Copper: Copper helps prevent the development of inflammatory diseases, protecting your body against rheumatoid arthritis and other painful illnesses.
• Manganese: This substance is important in keeping the enzymes of your body running properly. These enzymes contribute to the body's production of energy and the defense provided by antioxidants.
Adding Dried Figs to Your Diet
The best thing about dried figs, aside from their health benefits, is that they are delicious! A wonderful snack or a tasty component of a meal, dried figs can be prepared in countless ways. By adding dried figs to your diet, you can increase your overall wellbeing while enjoying a wonderful new food!
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