43. FIGS

                                                          FIGS

Nutrition in 100 gm (dried)
Energy: 250 kcal
Carbohydrates Sugar Dietary fibre	63.87 gm 47.92 gm 9.8 gm
Fat	0.93 gm
Proteins	3.3 gm
Vit B1 (Thiamin)	0.085 mg
Vit B2 (Riboflavin)	0.082 mg
Vit B3 (Niacin)	0.619 mg
Pantothenic acid (Vit B5)	0.434 mg
Vit B6	0.106 mg
Vit B9 (Folate)	9 µ gm
Vitamin C	1.2 mg
Calcium	162 mg
Iron	2.03 mg
Magnesium	68 mg
Phosphorus	67 mg
Potassium	680 mg
Zinc	0.55 mg

Ripe figs are mostly light green from outside and red from inside with many white seeds. The fig can be eaten whole with peel and seeds. Both fresh and dried figs are high in carbohydrates, dietary fibre, natural sugars, iron, potassium and calcium. Figs can be eaten fresh or dried. They are also used to prepare jams. Dry figs can be dissolved in water to make them soft and good to eat.

Figs contain polyphenoloxidase. This is an enzyme that oxidises the phenols in the fruit. Due to this the fruit becomes brown when it is cut. In order to stop the figs from turning brown during drying, the figs are treated with Sulphur compounds. Treated figs can cause serious allergies in people who are sensitive to sulphites.  

Figs are the highest plant source of calcium and fibre. Dried figs are richest in fibre, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium and vitamin K, relative to human needs. They are a good source of flavanoids and polyphenols.

Benefits:

1. Fresh figs contain ficin, a proteolytic (protein breaking) similar to papain in papaya and bromelin in pineapple. Hence fresh figs are used to make substance with proteins tender. Canned figs contain fewer vitamins and absolutely no active ficin as compared to fresh figs.

2. Figs are a very good source of iron and hence they are used in iron supplementation.

3. Fig is rich in potassium and hence helps reduce the risk of stroke.

4. Fig is rich in fibre and hence it makes a good laxative.  Also the ficin in figs also has some laxative effect.

5. Figs have a laxative effect and contain many antioxidants.

6. Some religious books mention the use of figs to prevent haemorrhoids, piles and gout.

7. Excessive bleeding during menstruation: Grind fresh figs and apply on lower abdomen below the navel. Wash after a few hours. Repeat again some time later.

8. Piles: Soak 2-3 dry figs overnight. Eat on empty stomach daily for 2-3 weeks.