When fresh figs are dried approximately 60% of their water content is removed. Because of this, dried figs have a higher concentration of calories, nutrients and fiber. Fresh figs are available for a short amount of time, so stocking up on dried figs is the best way to have a continual supply of this healthy fruit. Dried figs are rich in antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals that can lead to heart disease. Dry figs support heart health in many ways such as preventing hypertension and reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. The antioxidants in this amazing fruit can also help prevent cancer. Dry figs can help support digestive health and bone health. They are also beneficial to your immune system and nervous system. They can assist with the reduction of inflammation.
If you’ve done even the smallest amount of research on healthy eating, you know that fiber is an important part of any health-conscious diet. It’s important to note that there are two forms of fiber. Your body needs both forms in order to function at its optimum level. Insoluble fiber is necessary for moving waste through your colon. A ¼ cup serving of dried figs, approximately 5 figs, provides 3.5 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps support digestive health and assists in stabilizing blood sugar. Soluble fiber contributes to heart health by helping lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol. In that same serving size of five dried figs, you can acquire 1.38 grams of soluble fiber.
The high fiber content of dried figs, along with their low calorie content, makes them a fantastic food to include in a weight loss plan. The soluble fiber in dried figs contributes to the feeling of satiety that is so vital when you are dieting. Making dried figs bulk purchases is a great way to keep your pantry stocked with a snack that is an acceptable part of a weight management plan and a health-conscious diet.
In addition to the soluble fiber in dried figs, there’s also a good percentage of potassium in figs. Potassium is a mineral that helps control blood pressure. Eating as few as five dried figs will provide you with 240mg of potassium. The fact that dry figs are cholesterol free and sodium free makes them an ideal choice for any healthy eating regimen. An excellent reason to buy dried figs and keep a steady supply on hand is that they can be a benefit to you when you veer off of a low sodium diet. When you over-indulgence in salty foods, your sodium-potassium level is thrown off balance. The potassium content in figs is sufficient enough to help counteract the impact of consuming too much sodium during a meal. Consuming too much sodium can lead to elevated blood pressure. Eating dried figs can help lower your blood pressure.
One of the most common nutritional deficiencies among Americans is an iron deficiency. Iron is essential for the maintenance of healthy red blood cells. An iron deficiency leads to anemia. If you find yourself feeling unusually fatigued, that may be an indication of an iron deficiency. A sufficient amount of iron is necessary for the maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails. A healthy immune system is also dependent on iron. Dried figs are a good source of iron, A ¼ cup serving provides 6% or your daily requirement of iron. Incorporating dried figs into your diet can help prevent or possibly be part of a natural cure for anemia.
Due in part to their high fiber content, dried figs can be a beneficial part of a diabetic diet. Diabetics have to be conscientious about the impact dried fruit has on their blood sugar level. Dried figs are categorized as having a medium glycemic load. Therefore, a diabetic can eat them in moderation to experience the many health benefits they offer. It’s important that diabetics who are insulin dependent or who take medication for diabetes carry a snack with them to prevent hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Dried fruit is a conveniently portable snack. If you’re a diabetic, you might want to find dried figs for sale and keep a supply on hand to eat when mealtime is delayed or to eat whenever you feel you need something to keep your blood sugar from dropping.
