Figs are a popular and nutritious fruit that have been enjoyed for thousands of years. This delicious fruit is not only a treat for your taste buds but also has numerous health benefits that make it a great addition to your diet. In this article, we explore the anti-inflammatory benefits, bone health effects, nutritional values, and more of Figs.
Nutritional Values of Figs
Figs are known for their high nutritional values. One medium-sized fig contains:
- Calories: 37
- Carbohydrates: 9.6 grams
- Fiber: 1.5 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Protein: 0.4 grams
- Vitamin C: 2% of the daily recommended value
- Vitamin K: 4% of the daily recommended value
- Potassium: 3% of the daily recommended value
- Calcium: 2% of the daily recommended value
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Figs
Figs are rich in various nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural immune system response to infection or injury, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues such as arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer.
Figs contain polyphenols like quercetin and kaempferol that have been found to reduce inflammation in the body. Studies have also shown that the high fiber content in figs can help lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a marker of inflammation in the body.
Bone Health Effects of Figs
Figs are also great for your bone health. This fruit is rich in Calcium, which plays a crucial role in bone metabolism and is essential for building strong bones. Lack of calcium can lead to osteoporosis (a condition where bones become weak and fragile).
In addition, figs are also rich in Phosphorous, another essential mineral that supports bone health. One medium-sized fig provides about 3% of the recommended daily value of Calcium and 2% of the recommended daily value of Phosphorous.
Immune System Effects of Figs
Figs are a great source of Vitamin C, which is known to support the immune system. Vitamin C helps the body produce white blood cells, which fight infection and disease. This antioxidant vitamin also helps protect the body from harmful free radicals that can damage cells.
Food Combining Information
Figs are versatile fruits that can be added to various dishes or eaten on their own. They also pair well with other fruits and foods, which makes them perfect for food-combining.
To get the most out of the nutrients in figs, it’s recommended to combine them with foods that are high in healthy fats and proteins like nuts and seeds. This can help slow down the digestion of figs, which can help the body absorb the nutrients better.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe
Want to reap the benefits of figs in a tasty and refreshing way? Try this anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 figs
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 banana
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp honey
Directions:
- Blend all the ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
This smoothie is a great way to start your day on a healthy and delicious note. It’s packed with anti-inflammatory nutrients that can help boost your immune system, support bone health, and reduce inflammation in the body.
If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, check out the rest of our fruits section here, or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie.
Thank you for reading, and we hope this article has inspired you to add figs to your diet. Remember, good nutrition is the foundation of good health, so take care of your body and it will take care of you.