Surprising predictions part 4

Benefits of Figs: A Health-Conscious Foodie's Dream

Figs are one of the most popular fruits in the world, especially in warmer climates where they grow abundantly. 

People tend to think of figs as desserts, but these succulent treats can also be enjoyed as part of an everyday diet. 

Figs are packed with vitamins and minerals and fiber, making them a healthy addition to any diet, even one that focuses on weight loss. Here are some of the health benefits you can expect from figs.

The health benefits

In addition to being a source of fiber, figs provide a number of other health benefits. The various nutrients found in figs help your body remain healthy and may help protect you from a variety of illnesses. 

These include cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. Just two cups (or about 15 fresh figs) provides more than 100 percent of your daily value for riboflavin, which helps promote healthy skin and eyes. 

Two servings also give you 90 percent or more of your daily recommended value for vitamin C, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium; all essential nutrients that keep your organs running properly while providing protection against osteoporosis and anemia. 

Further research shows that eating foods rich in antioxidants can have an anti-inflammatory effect on your body. One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food Showed that ursolic acid, a compound found. 

in many fruits and vegetables including figs, could be used as an alternative treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s Disease. It is possible this protective power extends to other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. 

Not only are figs good for you when eaten, but they can also be used medicinally. Fig leaves were used by ancient Egyptians to treat burns, while today people still use them to treat minor wounds because of their antibacterial properties. 

Figs are one of the earliest recorded medicines known to man and it is believed that Hippocrates himself prescribed a wine infused with figs for its healing properties 2,500 years ago.

There are over 8 species in the world with Turkey producing up around 600 million pounds annually making it the top producer followed by Egypt at 280 million pounds per year. 

Fresh figs will spoil quickly if not refrigerated so plan accordingly. If you cannot eat all the figs at once, save them for later in the week. 

To preserve their freshness and extend their shelf life, try freezing them first before storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Fig leaves as medicine

Ancient Greeks and Romans used fig leaves to treat everything from fever to hemorrhoids. Modern medicine has not verified these claims, but in many cases, modern drugs are based on substances discovered by scientists looking for herbal remedies. 

For example, researchers found that a chemical compound in willow bark could help reduce fever and pain, leading to an over-the-counter pain reliever called aspirin. 

To reap health benefits from fig leaves today, make them a part of your detox diet or try them in teas as a natural remedy for diarrhea and other digestive disorders. 

The fig leaf is also said to be able to provide relief from skin inflammation, so you may want to take a page out of the ancient Greek medical book and use this leafy herb when you're suffering from acne breakouts. 

Furthermore, you can cook with figs too! They can be chopped up into salads or thrown into pastries to add a unique flavor. You can even eat them raw.

If it was added at all (I'll get back to editing), I would remove the last sentence about cooking with figs too! It should only say They can be chopped up into  etc., and eaten raw if it was cut off in between lines. 

However, figs don't just have food applications; they can be helpful for those who suffer from allergies too. Fig trees produce allergen-fighting  like resveratrol and flavonoids, which can protect those who have allergies against things like asthma attacks. 

Additionally, fig tree pollen might help fight diabetes - another good reason to go green in the kitchen! Fig leaves were once used as common medicine among different civilizations. 

The Greeks and Romans were known to use fig leaves for many ailments including fever, hemorrhoids, and anything else they could think of. 

While doctors now dismiss the claims made by ancient physicians, we know that pharmaceutical companies often base their research on substances found through exploring herbs or alternative medicines. 

Willow bark turned out to be a useful component in creating aspirin because it had been shown to reduce fever and alleviate pain; however, people now rely more heavily on pharmacological drugs than plant-based treatments because plant-based treatments aren’t strong enough.

The weight loss element

According to EatingWell, figs are a great way to supercharge your diet for weight loss. Because they're so high in fiber, which keeps you full longer and stabilizes blood sugar levels, figs are one of those low-calorie foods that can help you lose weight by reducing overall calorie intake. 

They're also high in water content (around 80 percent) and contain resistant starch, a carbohydrate that is absorbed more slowly by the body than regular starches. 

This makes it a good food choice for people trying to lose weight since it will keep them feeling fuller longer. It has been said that this fruit can be used as an appetite suppressant as well as an aid for overeating disorders such as binge eating disorder. 

The hormone serotonin is also released when someone eats a fig, which relaxes the digestive tract and has sedative effects on the central nervous system. 

In turn, this provides relief from constipation or stomach cramps. The fiber and magnesium in figs have been shown to improve blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, reduce heart disease risk factors and improve metabolic functions. 

Magnesium helps with building bone density and alleviates muscle cramps. Potassium found in figs has also been found to decrease blood pressure, protect against strokes and heart attacks.

Regulate heartbeat rates and assist with regulating thyroid hormones. Furthermore, the calcium and iron found in figs boost the immune system, prevent osteoporosis and stimulate hair growth. 

When I think about what I could be doing with my time besides blogging about health-conscious foods like figs, all I want to do is go out for some fresh figs!

Foods with figs

While figs have always been popular in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and European cuisines, today Americans are discovering their sweet and delicious taste. Dried figs can be enjoyed all on their own as a snack or crumbled into salads for extra crunch. 

The most common variety of dried fig is Turkish (also known as Calimyrna), which is usually mild in flavor and small in size. Black Mission figs are large and intense with a deep purple color. 

In addition to eating them plain, you can add them to homemade ice cream, chocolate truffles or cookie recipes. Fig syrup makes an excellent glaze for ham, pork loin or duck breast; just brush it on the meat before roasting. 

You can also try adding fig preserves to mayonnaise for an unusual sandwich spread. Finally, try tossing chopped fresh figs into your favorite salad recipe; they’ll provide great texture and a surprising burst of sweetness! 

All figs are high in fiber and low in calories, making them a healthy part of any diet. Their high content of folic acid means that women who plan to become pregnant should eat plenty of these tasty fruits; one cup contains about 75 micrograms (μg) of folic acid—about 25 percent of what pregnant women need each day. 

Studies show that consuming plenty of folic acid before conception reduces neural tube defects by up to 70 percent! To give your body what it needs while planning a pregnancy, increase your intake not only of whole foods like eggs and spinach but also fortified cereals and breads. 

As long as you stick to a varied diet, there’s no need to worry about missing out on important nutrients! For example, when breastfeeding moms don't get enough iron, both they and their babies suffer. 

So, how do we make sure we're getting enough? Fortified cereal - specifically ones made from enriched wheat flour - contain iron so mothers can rest assured they're gettinggettinggettinggettinggettinggettinggettinggetting at least this much. I hope this was helpful!

Nutritional value

Fig fruits offer a variety of nutritional benefits, from containing heart-healthy fats to being high in vitamins and minerals. In fact, 1/2 cup (64 g) figs contain about 70 calories, 2 g fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber and 6 g sugar. 

The same serving size also gives you 300 mg potassium and 3 mg iron. Vitamin C is another health benefit you’ll find in figs; one serving contains 100 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. Other vitamins found in fig fruit include thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and folate (B9). 

Riboflavin can help metabolize food and has been shown to help with anemia. Thiamine has also been linked with improved cardiovascular function, while niacin helps lower cholesterol levels. 

The B6 contained in figs may reduce the risk of colon cancer by regulating metabolism or by helping cells use oxygen more effectively. Figs are also rich in fiber that can help control weight, regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. 

They are a good source of antioxidants that combat aging skin and oxidative stress. Some fig varieties also have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them beneficial for those suffering from asthma and allergies. 

For those looking for vegan options, many fresh figs are considered vegan because they don't have any animal products added during processing. 

Figs also provide many other important nutrients such as magnesium, which supports bone growth and development; phosphorus, which helps form bones and teeth; iron for healthy blood cells. 

Manganese that aids the immune system and strengthens bones; calcium for strong teeth and healthy muscle contractions; selenium for healthy thyroid gland activity. 

Fresh figs also contain proteolytic enzymes like amylase, lipase and pectinase that aid digestion. You can buy figs either dried or canned and enjoy their flavor in cereals, baked goods, salads and even jams. But before consuming any type of fig, be sure to check if it's still fresh. 

Ripe figs should feel heavy for their size and have no brown spots on the surface. Freshness can be determined by giving it a gentle squeeze--firm but not hard--and it should feel soft but not mushy. Another way to tell if figs are ripe is when their stem end starts turning dark purple or brownish red color instead of white.

Flavor, texture, and storage

Figs are often considered one of nature’s most delectable fruits, and for good reason. Not only are they sweet and crunchy, but their warm, almost caramel-like flavor also pairs perfectly with savory dishes and complement many different types of meals. 

It’s not uncommon to find fig dishes at restaurants or even in homes across a variety of cultures. Not only are figs easy to cook, but they have a unique ability to store without refrigeration. 

Whether you buy them fresh or dried (which is more common than you might think), they can keep well when stored properly. Like other perishable foods, it’s important to always check the use by date on the package before consuming any fig product. 

However, some sources claim that figs don’t need to be eaten right away because they contain natural sugar which has been shown to inhibit bacteria growth. 

If you're looking for a new way to enjoy this nutritious fruit, try these delicious recipes! With countless options to choose from, including both sweet and savory dishes, there's something for everyone! 

Figs make an excellent substitute for a dessert as they provide sweetness without being too filling. For example, strawberry almond tarts topped with juicy blueberries or chocolate dipped figs will satisfy your sweet tooth while still allowing you to continue your healthy lifestyle. 

And if you're just looking for something quick and simple? Try this pear almond butter pudding recipe which can be made from scratch in less than 20 minutes. 

There are plenty of ways to incorporate figs into your daily diet so next time you go grocery shopping make sure to give them a second look! Figs are available year round and the best place to purchase them is either from local markets or ethnic food stores. 

You'll typically find varieties such as Mission figs, Brown Turkey figs, Calimyrna figs, Kadota figs, Black Mission figs, and Fresh green California Moro River Medjool Fig.

Growing your own fig tree

If you have a garden, why not grow your own fig tree? It’s not as hard as you might think and will likely save you a good deal of money in grocery bills over time. 

Fig trees are very self-sufficient and require little attention other than watering; there are no special plant foods required for growing figs. 

Make sure your tree is getting plenty of sun and water throughout dry spells (just like any other fruit tree). Keep an eye out for pests, especially if you live in a climate that experiences some winter frost. 

Thrips can be a problem on young plants, so be careful with insecticides to avoid harming beneficial insects such as ladybugs. Mites can also be a problem on older plants, but they can usually be controlled by spraying the leaves with insecticidal soap every few weeks during the warm months. 

However, you may want to consider buying mite resistant varieties from reputable nurseries if mites are a persistent problem. There is one variety called Mission which has been bred for its resistance to mites and thrips. 

Fig trees are highly productive, bearing two crops per year. Even when not fruiting, they still provide shade and beauty to any landscape. Planting one in your yard will provide years of enjoyment! They are prolific growers, reliably providing a generous crop each year even when not fruiting. 

The unusual shape of their leaves gives them their unique look, but what do these curious shapes actually mean? Contrary to popular belief, most fig species cannot be identified just by looking at the leaf shape. 

The best way to identify what type of fig tree you have is by tasting it or looking at where it was originally grown. In general.

leaf shapes fall into three groups - those with a thick upper surface and crinkled margins (crimped), those with large teeth along the margins (teeth), or those without any teeth or crimping (smooth). You can find our favorite 10 types of figs here!

Facts about the fruit

Figs are sweet and tangy, with a soft texture. The fruit has been cultivated for over 7,000 years and is native to Iran; in fact, it’s one of Iran’s most popular fruits. 

With so many great health benefits—and a taste similar to dates—figs have become a go-to snack or dessert for dieters who are looking for something sweet without empty calories. 

However, there is one major drawback to figs: Their skin is coated with toxins that can cause rashes or itchiness in sensitive individuals. 

Luckily, peeling figs takes only a few seconds once you know how—see below for instructions on how to peel ripe figs! Fig tips & trickstricks 1) The most common way to peel figs is by cutting off the stem end, making a deep incision in the other end (1/4 inch), then opening the fig like a flower. 

2) Using your thumb and index finger, gently pull apart the halves of the peeled fig from its middle (use your knife if necessary). 

3) Once both halves are separated from each other, use your fingers to delicately squeeze the outside edges together while using your thumbs to hold them closed. 

Be careful not to break the fig as you do this. 4) Continue pulling until the skin comes free from around the fig, then discard it. 5) If any small sections of skin remain stuck to the fig, carefully cut those away using a sharp knife. 

6) Repeat steps 1-5 with all remaining whole figs until they are all peeled and ready to eat! 6) When life gives you lemons... Make lemonade! Or better yet, make pie out of them! It may sound odd at first, but pairing figs with fresh citrus fruit is an excellent flavor combination for pies and tarts. 

So now you don't need to feel guilty about indulging in this sweet treat: Your guilt will be offset by the amount of vitamins and minerals it contains! Research shows that figs contain high levels of potassium, fiber, and magnesium. 

Potassium helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure; fiber helps prevent digestive issues such as constipation; and magnesium promotes muscle relaxation and nerve functioning. 

Magnesium also aids in maintaining normal blood sugar levels by decreasing cravings for unhealthy foods--something every dieter knows all too well! Plus, according to experts.

about half of all people on earth suffer from some type of magnesium deficiency which may lead to conditions such as obesity diabetes mellitus type II.

metabolic syndrome , hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular disease anxiety disorders , depression symptoms  Parkinson's disease symptoms, osteoporosis symptoms--the list goes on.