With their soft skin, sweet pulp and the crunchy touch of the seeds, figs are highly appreciated fruits in Italy and very nutritious.
Figs are rich in minerals, vitamins and fibre , give energy and have been part of the Mediterranean diet for millennia. The ancient Greeks defined figs as “philosophers’ fruit”.
Although they have a very sweet flavour, fresh figs are not very rich in calories (around 74 per 100 grams of product), and contain very low percentages of fat and protein. Below we list the main properties of figs.
- Soluble fibers help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels , and help regulate intestinal transit. The most important fiber in figs is pectin.
- Thanks to the fibre, figs can help us lose weight due to their satiating effect and mild laxative power. Eating 2 or 3 figs before meals helps reduce appetite.
- Figs contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which, together with potassium, help prevent various disorders associated with the cardiovascular system , such as hypertension and coronary problems.
- The minerals in figs, especially calcium and magnesium, convert them into suitable fruits to keep the nervous and musculoskeletal systems in good condition .
- Like all fruits that contain natural sugars, figs also give energy and improve the mood .
- Regular consumption of figs prevents macular degeneration , especially among adults over 60 years of age.