10 Reasons to include figs in your diet

Figs tend to be a forgotten fruit that many neglect and don’t include in their diet — not least because, let’s face it, they are not so easy to find in fairs and supermarkets. But it is important to know that, fresh or dried, they are full of nutrients and, in addition to having an attractive appearance and delicious taste, they also bring surprising benefits to the body.

O awesome.club wants to invite you to discover the hidden benefits of figs. Don’t miss the bonus at the end where we’ll share some delicious dishes with this special ingredient.

Due to their high fiber content, figs can ease bowel movements and help the digestive system. In addition, they contain probiotics, which can stimulate good bacteria in the gut, improving overall digestive well-being. In 100 grams of dried figs, there are 9.2 grams of fiber — it is estimated that the ideal is to consume between 25 and 30 grams of fiber per day. This means that this fruit contains about a third of what we need to eat daily.

Antioxidants are essential to our diet and are primarily responsible for protecting cells against free radicals. Smoking and excessive consumption of sugar and alcohol are among the causes of the increase in these substances, which can accelerate aging and cause diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. To avoid these problems, you can add figs to your diet — they are an excellent source of vitamins C and E.

Fresh figs can be great for your skin cells. To make a mask with them, just mix some with a tablespoon of yogurt and let it sit on your face for about 15 minutes. Facial skin is highly sensitive, but thanks to the antioxidant content of this fruit, it will be nourished and renewed.

Among the essential minerals present in this fruit are potassium, phosphorus, zinc, sodium and magnesium. The first one is essential for the good performance of physical activities. Blood pressure, heart health and muscle strength are ensured by balancing mineral levels in the body. In 100 grams of figs, 232 mg of potassium can be found. Consumed dry, they are an excellent source of the mineral.

Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s and omega-6s, are designated as such (“essential”) because the body cannot make them but needs them to function. They are fundamental to the functioning of the brain, heart and metabolism. Dried figs contain them in large amounts.

Sometimes, losing weight can become very complicated, especially when we have a sweet tooth. Figs, both dried and fresh, are a healthy and juicy option for high-calorie desserts. The sugar provided is natural, with no need for artificial ingredients. A fig has only 21 calories and 4 grams of sugar.

As a side dish, breakfast, snack or even in a salad, figs are very versatile. For breakfast, they can serve as an accompaniment to cereal. At lunch, they can accompany a salad or a meat dish. And, in the middle of the afternoon, when you hit that hunger, a handful of dried figs can satisfy you, leaving a delicious taste in your mouth.

Loss or weakening of the scalp roots is common at any age. Figs are a key ingredient in many hair tonics and products out there. They contain zinc and copper, two minerals that help hair growth. It is estimated that the fruit is able to help with hair nutrition and give strength to the follicles.

Eating figs can be highly beneficial for people with circulation problems and high blood pressure. They contain a huge amount of soluble fiber, which, when ingested, is fermented in the colon. During this process, certain compounds are created that can prevent cholesterol from rising. And high cholesterol is associated, above all, with the risk of heart problems.

Dried figs are fruits with the highest levels of calcium. This is the mineral present in greater quantity in the human body, since the bones, which support the entire physical structure, are largely formed by calcium. The same goes for the nervous and cardiovascular systems. In 100 grams of figs there are 162 mg of calcium. If you are lactose intolerant, this fruit is an excellent option to consider.

For the breakfast:

Fried figs with honey, accompanied by yogurt. Granola with strawberries, blueberries and figs. Fig jam accompanied with toast.

As a main dish:

Fig pizza with goat cheese. Salad of arugula, salmon, broccoli and figs cooked in salted water. Grilled cheese sandwich with fried figs.

For dessert:

Fig pie with vanilla ice cream and cinnamon. Figs stuffed with ricotta, pistachios and honey. Lemon meringue pie and figs as a side dish.

What other recipes with figs can you think of? Do you prefer dried or fresh fruit? Tell us in the comments section.