Mission Figs

The amazingly flavorful black mission fig was first introduced into the United States in the mid-1700s. The fact that it is a popular food with health-conscious eaters today is a tribute to its goodness and its importance to people’s overall health. Dried figs fit perfectly into today’s fast-paced lifestyle where healthy grab-and-go snacks are a sought-after pantry staple. Their versatility may also contribute to their sustaining popularity.

Nutritional Benefits

Right up front, dried black mission figs have two nutritional features that make them enticing to anyone dedicated to a health-conscious diet. Dried mission figs have a zero-fat content and are sodium-free. One cup of dried black mission figs provide a high amount of fiber and is a good source of manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, vitamins K and C and calcium. These quirky-shaped treats are also a good source of powerful antioxidants the body needs to function at its best.

Health Benefits

There’s a lot of focus today on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to multiple health problems. Incorporating dried mission figs into your meals and snack routine can help you with weight loss goals and with maintaining a healthy weight once you achieve your goal. The high fiber content of dried mission figs helps you feel full longer which eliminates the urge to snack too frequently or overeat at mealtime. Fiber also helps support overall digestive health.

Aging is a fact of life. Falling victim to some of the downsides of aging is preventable. One of the keys to staying active and healthy as you age is to make wise dietary choices before you begin experiencing age-related problems. Doing something as simple as adding dried mission figs to your diet can prevent age-related issues. The calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium in figs can support bone health thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Bone injury from thinning bones can adversely affect your activity level. Declining memory can become a concern as people get older. Well before memory problems occur, you can take steps to support brain health. Adding dried figs to your diet is one easy step to take. The antioxidants in dried mission figs can help improve memory and protect against neuronal degeneration. The high content of antioxidants can also help keep your skin youthful in appearance and your hair vibrant and healthy.

Dried Figs and a Diabetic Diet

The tendency might be to omit dried black mission figs from your diet if you are a diabetic. However, Figs can be a beneficial part of a diabetic diet. Figs contain vitamin E, sterols, tannins and coumarins that have anti-diabetic properties. You may find that you can reduce blood glucose levels by adding dried figs in moderation to your diet.

How to Use Dried Figs

The time frame for finding fresh mission figs is short. Buying dried figs is the only way to keep a supply on hand throughout the year. Dried figs can be rehydrated and used in recipes that call for fresh figs. Black mission figs have a fruity flavor that makes them a tasty ingredient in baked goods. They add a delightful sweetness to granola bars. They are wonderful eating alone as a snack or added to a salad or morning breakfast cereal.