Nutrition experts in Australia say that dried figs are rich in dietary fibre. Those who have tasted its flavourful nectar-taste swear that figs are perfect as snacks and/or as an addition to your favourite recipes. Whether you use them for cooking, baking, as garnish and as beverages, you can get a whole range of nutrients and essential minerals that help promote your health and well-being. But before tackling what particular health benefits you can obtain from eating dried figs, let’s mention some fun facts about the fruit.

Did you know that ancient people in Greece connect the figs to prosperity and health? Called the “fruit of the gods”, figs were figuratively associated with the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility known as Demeter. Likewise, in ancient Rome, people offered figs to the god, Bacchus.

Known to exist around a hundred million years ago, wild figs are still around in modern civilisation today. They are known to abound in such Mediterranean and Middle East countries as Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Iran, where the climate is hot, dry and sunny for most parts of the year. Australia imports figs mostly from Turkey.

4 Benefits of Dried Figs

1. Powerhouse of Nutrition

Whether you eat it fresh or dried, these naturally sweet-tasting fruits are loaded with good amounts of Vitamins A and C, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium. Though the dried fruits contain less moisture and the fresh ones have fewer calories, both are still highly nutritious. While practically free from fats and cholesterol, dried figs must be eaten only in moderation – which means a serving size of one medium fruit if you want to maintain low sugar levels.

2. Help Improve Digestive Health

Due to their high fibre content, figs let you enjoy ease of bowel movement and therefore, constipation is kept at bay. This is due to the enzyme, ficin which possesses laxative properties. Also rich in probiotics, figs aid in digestion thereby improving gut health. At least a half cup of dried figs offer about 4.9 grams of fibre, enough to add bulk and make bowel movement easy.

3. Make Bones Healthy

Their superior Calcium, Potassium and Phosphorus contents help improve bone density and bone mineral structure thereby keeping osteoporosis at bay as well as strengthening bones in children and adolescents. For adults who require 1000mg of Calcium per day, a half cup of dried figs can provide about 8 percent of that requirement.

4. Help Control Blood Pressure

Potassium imbalance that leads to hypertension is often caused by too much Sodium intake and less Potassium intake. Dried figs help maintain the Sodium-Potassium ratio so that blood pressure is controlled and reduced. Potassium-rich figs are also rich in fibre that can flush out the excess Sodium from the body.

Check out this link to order the best full-flavoured dried figs in Australia!