FIGS

Benefits  

• Dried figs are high in fibre, which helps to prevent constipation.
• Dried figs are rich in potassium. 

Be aware - Adverse Effects

• Dried figs are high in sugar, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
• Dried figs may be contaminated with toxins from mould.

Since fresh figs bruise easily and do not travel well, most people obtain fresh figs from trees in their own gardens. Dried figs, mainly imported from Turkey, are now available in supermarkets, while dried fig ‘rolls’ can be bought from fruit shops and vendors. Weight for weight, dried figs provide roughly six times as many kilojoules as fresh figs. Drying also concentrates the nutrients to make them a rich source of potassium and a useful source of calcium, iron and magnesium.

Dried figs contain pectin - a form of soluble fibre which can help to reduce blood cholesterol levels - and also insoluble fibre, which helps the movement of food through the gut, so preventing constipation and other bowel disorders. A handful of dried figs will usually have a laxative effect while syrup of figs is a traditional remedy for constipation.

However, dried figs are also high in sugar, and if eaten too frequently can cause tooth decay. They are also prone to mould contamination and may contain mould toxins such as aflatoxins, which are potentially carcinogenic.

Return To The Following Index Pages:

1. Fruit
2. Vegetables
3. Herbs & Spices
4. Vitamins & Minerals