Fresh California figs are available from June through September; however dried figs are available throughout the year. Ficus tree where the figs are grown is a member of the Mulberry family and they have a unique opening called ‘eye’ which is not attached to the tree but helps in the development of the fruit. Depending on the variety of figs they range dramatically in color and texture. Most of the figs are dried with the help of sunlight or artificial process that produce sweet and nutritious dried figs.
Health and figs
Figs are a sweet way to lose weight.
You can simultaneously satisfy your sweet tooth as well as loose weight by consuming figs. Figs are a very good source of dietary fiber which has a positive effect on weight management. Fiber consumption helps to control the energy consumption without compromising the hunger and satiety of an individual.
Figs are a very good source of potassium an important mineral to control high blood pressure. Diets of most of the Americans are rich in salt and very low in potassium rich fruits and vegetables. This is one of the contributing factors for developing hypertension.
Leaves of fig tree are edible and have been shown to have anti-diabetic properties. They are also believed to reduce the amount of insulin required by a person with diabetes who is on insulin injections.
Studies have also shown these fig leaves to lower the levels of triglycerides and inhibited the growth of certain types of cancer cells.
Figs are a good source of calcium a mineral that is important to promote bone density. Also high potassium from figs helps to counteract the increased urinary calcium loss caused by the typical American high-salt diets.
Free radicals may cause an injury to the eye lenses and may lead to cataract or damage the blood supply to the eye causing macular degeneration. To protect the eyesight researches suggest that three or more servings of fruits per day may help lower the risk of age related macular degeneration, which is the primary cause of vision loss in older people by 36% than the other counterpart who consumed less than 1.5 servings of fruits per day. This amount can be easily incorporated in the diet by tossing a banana with your morning cereal followed by fruit or green salad coupled with diced figs and plums and pears to reach the goal.
Figs are listed among the foods that contain oxalates which can cause health problems. Oxalates when becomes too concentrated can crystallize; they can also combine with calcium to form calcium oxalate stones.
Commercially grown dried figs while processing may be treated with sulfur dioxide gas or sulfites to extend their shelf life and to prevent oxidation and bleaching of colors. These compounds can cause adverse reactions, especially to those who are sensitive to sulfite.