Guest guest Posted July 31, 2004 Report Share Posted July 31, 2004 I'm betting, even though I haven't read the cancer book yet (it should get here on Monday) that figs are a super beneficial for O's since it promotes tanning and O's have skin cancer concerns. Also answers a fiber question or two. *********************** Although considered a fruit, the fig is actually a flower that is inverted into itself. The seeds are drupes, or the real fruit. Figs are the only fruit to fully ripen and semi-dry on the tree. For many years the fig has been used as a coffee substitute. The fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme that is considered an aid to digestion and is used by the pharmaceutical industry. And, because of its high alkalinity it has been mentioned as being beneficial to persons wishing to quit smoking. Dried figs were first sold in a commerically manufactured cookie in 1892. Figs contain a natural humectant -- a chemical that will extend freshness and moistness in baked products. A chemical found in figs, Psoralens, has been used for thousands of years to treat skin pigmentation diseases. Psoralens, which naturally occurs in figs, some other plants and fungi, is a skin sensitizer that promotes tanning in the sun. California produced over 30 million pounds of dried figs in 1997. All dried figs harvested in the United States are grown in California's Central Valley. Figs provide more fiber than any other common fruit or vegetable. The fiber in figs is both soluble and insoluble. Both types of fiber are important for good health. Figs have nutrients especially important for today's busy lifestyles. One quarter-cup serving of dried figs provides 5 grams of fiber -- 20% of the recommended Daily Value. That serving also adds 6% of iron, 6% of calcium, and 7% of the Daily Value for potassium. And, they have no fat, no sodium, and no cholesterol. Recent research has shown that California figs also have a high quantity of polyphenol antioxidants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2004 Report Share Posted July 31, 2004 Thanks, I enjoyed reading the fig facts! Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2004 Report Share Posted July 31, 2004 Belinda - So then for O's: A fig a day keeps the doctor at bay? :-)) Irene -- Irene de Villiers, B.Sc; AASCA; MCSSA; D.I.Hom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2004 Report Share Posted July 31, 2004 What a great post. Thanks!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2004 Report Share Posted July 31, 2004 Your welcome. Nice to get outside confirmation of what the dr is telling us - and reasons WHY he's telling us! > Thanks, I enjoyed reading the fig facts! > > Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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