Fun with Figs

While figs are often served during fall, they are abundant all throughout the year. Excellent on roast pork, in pies, as salad dressing, or eaten as is, figs are good either fresh or dried. Aside from being good on your palate, figs also offer amazing health benefits.

Fresh figs are a great source of energy and vitality, which may explain the aphrodisiac and fertility-boosting powers they've traditionally been thought to possess. Nutritionally, they contain more mineral matter and alkalinity than most fruits and are one of the highest sources of calcium in the plant world. Both dried and fresh figs are impressive sources of soluble and insoluble fiber, which are important for cardiovascular and digestive health and for removing toxins from the body. Figs are also loaded with antioxidants. A single fig contains more polyphenols, which help fight free radicals in the body than a cup of green tea.

Figs even contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with healthy heart and brain function, and lutein, which aids vision. Nutritionists recommend figs for lowering blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Four fresh figs only contain 120 to 148 calories and trace amounts of fat.