Fig

[Sonu Sharma]

FIG

Figs can trace their history back to the earliest of times with mentions in the Bible and other ancient writings. They are thought to have been first cultivated in Egypt. They spread to ancient Crete and then subsequently, around the 9th century BC, to ancient Greece, where they became a staple foodstuff in the traditional diet. Figs were held in such esteem by the Greeks that they created laws forbidding the export of the best quality figs. Figs were also revered in ancient Rome where they were thought of as a sacred fruit.

Figs are seasonal fruits that are found in the western parts of Asia, but dried figs are available almost everywhere, at any point during the year. The fig tree is a member of mulberry family. Figs are the fruit of the ficus tree, (Moraceae). Figs have a unique, sweet taste. Fresh figs are delicate and perishable, so are often dried to preserve. This produces a sweet and nutritious dried fruit that can be enjoyed all year round. Dried figs are available throughout the year, there is nothing like the unique taste and texture of fresh figs. They are lusciously sweet with a texture that combines the chewiness of their flesh, the smoothness of their skin, and the crunchiness of their seeds. Since fresh figs are one of the most perishable fruits, they should be purchased only a day or two in advance of when you are planning on eating them. Look for figs that have a rich, deep color and are plump and tender, but not mushy. They should have firm stems and be free of bruises. Smelling figs can also give you clues into their freshness and taste. They should have a mildly sweet fragrance and should not smell sour, which is an indication that they may be spoiled.

Figs are unique in a way that they have an opening, called the "ostiole" or "eye," which is not connected to the tree, but which helps the fruit's development by increasing its communication with the environment. Figs range dramatically in color and subtly in texture depending upon the variety. The majority of figs are dried, either by exposure to sunlight or through an artificial process, creating a sweet and nutritious dried fruit that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

The health benefits of figs or anjeer include its use as a treatment for sexual dysfunction, constipation, indigestion, piles, diabetes, cough, bronchitis, and asthma. The reason that they have been recommended as a way to correct sexual dysfunction like sterility, endurance, or erectile dysfunction it has been a major part of mythology and culture, and most of the time, it is referenced as a powerful fertility or sexual supplement. Its actual success as an aphrodisiac is questionable, but the huge amount of valuable vitamins and minerals might result in the sudden boost in energy and stamina that people mistake for a sexual surge.  Soak 2-3 figs in milk overnight and eat them in the morning to enhance your sexual abilities.It is also used as a quick and healthy way to gain weight back after suffering through an illness. Figs, like other high fiber foods, may be helpful in a weight management program. as they are a good source of dietary fiber and Fiber as well as fiber-rich foods may have a positive effect on weight management so one can say that they can help in weight management .

Figs are high in natural sugars, minerals and soluble fibre. Figs are rich in minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper and are a good source of antioxidant Vitamins A, E and K that contribute to health and wellness. The fact that they are rich in Potassium, they are good in controlling one's blood pressure. Generally people do not eat good fruits and vegetables, or one can say that they do not have a habit of consuming them in their daily diet but they eat good amount of Sodium . This intake of Sodium and no or less of Potassium leads to Hypertension and blood pressure problems. Figs are a great help to those suffering with such problems.

Figs are among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates, naturally-occurring substances found in plants, animals, and human beings. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems. For this reason, individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating figs. Oxalates may also interfere with absorption of calcium from the body.

Figs are not only the main ingredient in a very popular cookie, the fig bar, but are a culinary delicacy par excellence. When preparing oatmeal or any other whole grain breakfast porridge, add some dried or fresh figs. This I Do when I eat and it is yum!!. I also do a yumm!! smoothie. I don't add any sugar in it. Its just figs that makes it so great.

This is a nutritional chart which I have sourced from internet. 

USDA Nutrition Chart For Figs:

Principle	Nutrient Value	Percentage of RDA
Energy	74 Kcal	4%
Carbohydrates	19.18 g	15%
Protein	0.75 g	1.5%
Total Fat	0.30 g	1%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	2.9 g	7%
Vitamins
Folates	6 µg	1.5%
Niacin	0.400 mg	2.5%
Pantothenic acid	0.300 mg	6%
Pyridoxine	0.113 mg	9%
Riboflavin	0.050 mg	4%
Thiamin	0.060	5%
Vitamin A	142 IU	5%
Vitamin C	2 mg	3%
Vitamin E	0.11 mg	1%
Vitamin K	4.7 µg	4%
Electrolytes
Sodium	1 mg	0%
Potassium	232 mg	5%
Minerals
Calcium	35 mg	3.5%
Copper	0.070 mg	8%
Iron	0.37 mg	5%
Magnesium	17 mg	4%
Manganese	0.128 mg	5.5%
Selenium	0.2 µg	<1%
Zinc	0.15 mg	1%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	85 µg	—
Lutein-zeaxanthin	9 µg	—

 Leaves of Fig Tree

The leaves of the fig tree are also edible . They have repeatedly been shown to have anti diabetic properties and can actually reduce the amount of insulin needed by persons with diabetes who require insulin injections. In one study, a liquid extract made from fig leaves was simply added to the breakfast of insulin-dependent diabetic subjects in order to produce this insulin-lowering effect . Fig leaves have been shown to lower levels of triglycerides and also the inhibition of the growth of certain types of cancer cells.

(All the pictures are taken from google)