Known and loved since ancient times, the fig – fresh and dried – is full of beneficial health benefits.

Delicious, sweet, filling and adored since ancient times. The Ancient Greeks considered them a gift from the gods, while the ancient Egyptians offered it to the gods!

An important but underrated kitchen ingredient that can be used in many ways is described by Dr Christopher Gardner, a professor of medicine at Stanford University.

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A fig has 37 calories, and provides us with 2.5% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of potassium, 2% magnesium, 1% iron and calcium.

Six dried figs provide 125 calories and higher amounts of magnesium (8%), potassium (7%), calcium (6%) and iron (6%).

Figs are a source of vitamin K which, however, is noted to affect the effectiveness of warfarin anticoagulants.

They are rich in sugars and fiber – more in the dried ones – which make them an ideal choice for the proper functioning of the intestine. Six dried figs have 5 g of fiber and 24 g of sugar.

It is no coincidence that in traditional medicine figs are used for their action as laxatives.

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Small-scale animal studies have found that fig extract is associated with a reduction in blood pressure in experimental animals. 

Also in another small study of ten adults, it was found that compared to a high-sugar drink, fig extract was more effective in regulating sugar levels.

Rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, figs stand out as valuable hypertrophy full of benefits both fresh and dried.

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• Does This Mean We Stopped Being Animal and Started Being Human Due to ‘Copy Paste’ Errors?
• The One Lifestyle Choice That Could Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk By More Than 22%
• Aging: This Is What Happens Inside Your Body Right After Exercise
• Immune-Boosting Drink that Mimics Fasting to Reduce Fat – Scientists ‘Were Surprised’ By New Findings

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