The Fashionable Fig – Healthy and Hip

Posted on Oct 6, 2019


If you’re like most people, when you think of “fig,” you think of Fig Newtons, a Nabisco trademarked version of the fig roll– basically, cookies filled with fig paste. Yet you can also buy and eat fresh figs, which are usually eaten raw. While they’re best eaten straight off the tree, warm from the sun, you’re most likely going to find and buy them at your local grocery store or farmer’s market.

While most people think figs are a fruit, they’re actually inverted flowers! But fig trees aren’t like other trees– their flowers bloom inside the pear-shaped pod, which later matures into the fruit people eat. If you were to find fresh figs in a store, they have a thin skin with red/purple flesh and lots of tiny seeds. You can eat the entire fig (minus the stem) and you can peel them if you want.

Figs, which are healthy and hip these days, come from ficus trees in warm climates. With their unique and sweet taste, expect a soft and chewy texture coupled with crunchy (and edible) seeds. While fresh figs are perishable (and quite delicate), you’re probably most likely to find them dried and preserved– a version that’s available year round. In the days before refined sugar was readily available, figs were often used as sweeteners.

Just for some historical perspective, our ancestors probably ate their fair share of figs. They come from some of the world’s oldest trees, and have been documented in historical texts, including the Bible. Native to the Middle East and Mediterranean, these fruit flowers are high in minerals and fiber. If you’re looking for a food to get more potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper, figs are great! They also contain vitamins A and K.

Since they’re naturally high in fiber, figs are good for those who are watching their weight. High fiber foods make people feel full, which also helps reduce hunger and cravings. Furthermore, figs tend to act as a natural laxative.

If you’re seeking fresh figs, the season for them is between summer and autumn. They’re best eaten within a day or two of purchase. Look for plump ones that are tender to the touch with a rich, deep color. If they’re ripe, they’ll have a sweet fragrance.

Submit a Comment

Lakewoods Chiropractic
Lakewoods Chiropractic
385 Google reviews
SALLY DETLEFSEN
SALLY DETLEFSEN
September 26, 2022.
I am amazed at how much better I feel since coming to Lakewoods. The doctors and staff are amazing.
Lukas Drayna
Lukas Drayna
September 21, 2022.
Great friendly staff. They focus on the target area’s to ensure your body is happy and healthy !
Michael F.
Michael F.
September 13, 2022.
Lakewoods Chiropractic is awesome. Friendly, welcoming, and professional Environment. They make you feel comfortable. Definitely recommend Lakewoods. I'm well on the road to recovery. Keep up the good work.
tone2403
tone2403
August 30, 2022.
Definitely recommend Lakewoods. When I went in I was in very rough shape. After a few weeks of adjustments I'm feeling better then ever. Great staff and very knowledgeable. They take the time to really make you understand the process.
Eric Russell
Eric Russell
August 25, 2022.
Jason and his staff are the best. Since my 1st visit, they always informed on your progress and had your health as #1 priority.
Angel L Colon Jr
Angel L Colon Jr
August 11, 2022.
Excellent service, friendly accommodating staff. Awesome family friendly services. Highly recommend!!!
Carrie Davis
Carrie Davis
August 3, 2022.
By far the best chiropractor I’ve ever used. They customize a plan just for you and don’t use a one size fits all approach. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!! Thank you!!!
Justin W
Justin W
July 28, 2022.
Great place!
Jennifer Thelen
Jennifer Thelen
July 21, 2022.
I have been experiencing low back pain for at least 10 rememberable years and decided on a whim to try chiropractic care at Lakewoods. I had never been to a chiropractor before so I had no expectations that it would work or not but after just my first adjustment I had instant relief for the first time in 10 years. I have since been super impressed with how everything has been explained to me and how my care plan has been formed. The staff are all very kind and have been very helpful as well!