Get Fiber and Minerals From Figs
By Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen, MDs
The fig tree has a place in the history of many cultures. Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment in 528 B.C. while sitting under a fig tree.
In Greek and Roman mythology, figs are sometimes associated with Dionysus/Bacchus, god of wine and drunkenness, as well as with Priapus, a frisky satyr.
Special: Add This to Coffee or Tea to Eliminate Constipation
In India, the goddess Nirantali is credited with creating humans’ tongues from the fluttering leaves of a fig.
In the 21st century, we credit the fig with packing a lot of nutrition into one 37-calorie, teardrop-shaped package:
• One fresh fig provides 1.4 grams of fiber as well as a bit of nine important minerals, including magnesium and potassium, and vitamins from A through the Bs to C, K, and more. Each fig also contains around 8 grams of sugar.
• 1.5 ounces of dried figs (around six) contain about 125 calories, and 8% of your daily magnesium requirement, 7% of daily potassium, and 6% of daily iron and calcium needs. Although six dried figs have about 24 grams of sugar (natural, not added), they also have around 17% of your recommended daily intake of fiber — and that slows down the effect of the sugar on your blood glucose level.
So figure out how to get some figs into your day. As a snack, a fresh fig sliced in half with a walnut on top provides energy and a flavor festival. Or try the Blueberry, Fig, Prune, and Balsamic Dressing and "Addictive" Quinoa Salad recipes in Dr. Mike's "What to Eat When Cookbook."