Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Nature's sweet treat... the FIG

I was fortunate to grow up with a tree giving these delicate, incredibly tasty, sweet gifts that have been enjoyed since ancient times. I was delighted to be able to go back 36 years later, battle the bees and pick these from the same tree, now huge and brimming with these little treasures!!

Figs are naturally rich in health benefits. These treats contain soluble dietary fiber, minerals, good levels of the B-complex group, and poly-phenolic flavonoid anit-oxidants, such as carotenes, lutein, tannins, chlorogenic acid...etc. Their antioxidant value is comparable to that of apples at 3200 umol/100g.

These little beauties protect us from cancers, diabetes, degenerative diseases and infections because of the phyto-chemical compounds found in figs that help scavenge harmful oxygen derived free radicals from the human body.

Because figs contain chlorogenic acid they help lower blood sugar levels and control blood-glucose levels in type-II diabetes mellitus (adult onset) condition




Figs and the fig tree are considered promising candidates for helping develop new drugs and researchers hope to continue finding new medicinal uses for the plant. Studies have already shown figs to be a good source of treatment for anemia, cancer, diabetes, leprosy, liver disease, paralysis, skin diseases, ulcers, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract infections, and more. 


If you're lucky enough to find some, they make a great addition to many recipes, pair perfectly with goat cheese and are an incredible healthy snack.