Figs
The ancient world had a reverential affection for figs. They're celebrated in both the Bible and in Islamic texts. In Egypt, they were offered to the gods, while the Greeks considered figs a gift from them. Today, scientists would consider the common fig, Ficus carica, to be slightly less than a miracle food. But if you're looking for a healthy treat that's divinely sweet, you could do worse - Michael Merschel
HWN Suggests
Figs: Are They Good for You and the Planet?
Have you ever had an experience where you thought you knew someone well, and then they turned around and totally surprised you? Like, the quiet guy in your yoga class turns out to be a world-famous YouTuber, or your cranky aunt used to be a trapeze artist? Well, that’s the experience I just had researching this article about figs. I thought I knew a lot about this yummy fruit until I started digging into the topic. Spoiler alert: They’re not even fruits! And when I discovered how they get pollinated — that’s a drama worthy of a Game of Thrones episode! But aside from their storied pollination method, figs have a lot to offer. In addition to being a delicious food, figs have also traditionally…Featured
Are figs good for you? Get the whole sweet story
Figs might have been the first fruit cultivated by humans. In America, they were grown by the earliest European settlers in Florida in the 1500s and were at the Jamestown settlement in Virginia by 1621. Despite such a long history, modern Americans probably know them only from a popular square cookie. Gardner himself used to devour fig bars as a young man.
Articles of Interest
Beyond the Newton
Unleash the delicious potential of ripe and juicy fresh figs
Figs: Brain & Gut Food
If you’re seeking answers for brain and gut health, look no further than the fig. It’s the ultimate tool for balancing these two intertwined aspects of well-being. Figs have unique phytochemicals that are bonded to minerals such as bioavailable potassium and sodium that specifically nourish and build neurotransmitters while also supporting neurons and synapses in the brain.
Health Benefits of Figs
When you think of superfoods, figs may not immediately come to mind. But these small, sweet fruits — packed with rich flavor and impressive nutritional value — have been cherished since ancient times for both their taste and health-promoting properties. Whether enjoyed fresh, dried, or as part of various culinary creations, figs offer numerous health benefits that make them a valuable addition to any diet.
Phytochemical Composition and Health Benefits of Figs (Fresh and Dried): A Review of Literature from 2000 to 2022
With their rich history dating back 6000 years, figs are one of the oldest known plants to mankind and are a classical fruit in the Mediterranean diet. They possess a diverse array of bioactive components, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their health-promoting effects addressing gastrointestinal, respiratory, inflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular issues.
The Many Health Benefits of Figs
While most people think of figs as a fruit, they're really bulb-shaped, soft flowers with seeds inside. Figs grow in pods and come from hot, dry climates. The great thing about figs is they're sweet enough to satisfy sugar cravings but in a much healthier way than candy and processed snacks. Here at Bobo's, we've added fig bars to our tasty snack lineup with just that in mind.
The Surprising Health Benefits of Figs
Figs are very high in fiber, which helps prevent common digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion. When the digestive tract functions correctly, fiber helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates while keeping the digestive system moving. The net effect is to limit the overall absorption of fuel, thus regulating calories. By preventing blood sugar from rising too high or too low, fiber maintains healthy blood sugar levels, making figs a good choice for those with diabetes.
We couldn't have figs without wasps. Here's how mutualism works.
A form of symbiosis, mutualism is an interaction between two individuals that benefits both—and it’s widespread across the animal kingdom.
Resources
4 Health Benefits of Figs
Get figgy with it. People think of figs as fruits, but they’re actually clusters of flowers that grow inside a pod. Technically called a syconium (rather than fruit), figs are bulb-shaped and a bit squishy. The inner flesh has a seedy texture with a sweet and sometimes floral flavor.
Top 5 health benefits of figs
Figs are the fruit of the ficus tree, which is part of the mulberry family (Moraceae). They have a unique, sweet taste, soft and chewy texture, and are filled with slightly crunchy, edible seeds. Fresh figs are delicate and perishable, so are often dried to preserve them. This produces a sweet and nutritious dried fruit that can be enjoyed all year round.
