The Nutritional Benefits Of Figs: Figs For The Win!
Ever windered about the nutritional benefits of figs? Fresh and dried figs are filled with nutrition and health benefits. Most notably, and not surprisingly, figs are a good source of fiber. Eating the whole fruit, skin and all, helps you to get all the fiber goodness along with a variety of bioactive compounds that offer multiple potential health benefits.
A Closer Look at the Nutritional Benefits of Figs
Let’s kick-off with some basic nutrition facts. One serving of fresh or dried figs (three figs) contains about 120 calories and 260 milligrams of potassium, a mineral that promotes healthy blood pressure levels.
The fiber in figs supports gut health, giving good bacteria food to thrive and do good work for our overall health. Did you know that gut health is associated with every other aspect of our health and wellbeing, including our mental health?
The Science Behind the Sweetness
Okay, let’s tackle some more intense nutrition science. Figs contain hundreds of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols. These four families of compounds are associated with colors and flavors of figs, as well as potential benefits like boosting cardiovascular health through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Further, phenolic compounds, such as those found in the dark purple skin of fresh Mission figs and red wine, are amazing defensive players, protecting cells throughout our body from oxidative damage.
Why California Figs Deserve a Spot in Your Diet
Research on figs in healthful eating patterns suggests that people who eat figs in place of other snacks not only get more beneficial nutrients in their diets, but may also absorb more minerals from other foods. Talk about a player you want on your team!
CA GROWN and Always in Season
The next time you’re at a gathering and someone passes you the figs, grab a few and savor the moment. Figs are a delicious, nutritious powerhouse. Enjoy fresh figs from California when they are available (typically May through November). You can rest assured knowing that dried figs are always on the bench, waiting for you to put them into play and celebrate a win!
Check Out Some of Our Favorite Recipes with Figs
Want to get in the groove while snacking on California figs? Check out this Spotify playlist from CA GROWN!
This article was written by Amy Myrdal Miller, MS, RDN, FAND, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Amy Myrdal Miller, MS, RDN, FAND, is an award-winning dietitian, farmer’s daughter, public speaker, author, and president of Farmer’s Daughter® Consulting, Inc., an agriculture, food, and culinary communications firm. Amy’s career highlights include working for Dole Food Company, the California Walnut Commission and California Walnut Board, and The Culinary Institute of America. A farmer’s daughter from North Dakota, today Amy and her husband Scott Miller live in Carmichael, California with “the interns” Violet Grey and Schroeder the Shredder.