The Fig: The powerful gift from God

Figs originated in the Middle East, but they are currently cultivated in the Mediterranean basin and they have spread to other parts of the world. They are appreciated in Africa, the Middle East, the US and Asian countries for their rich taste, nutritional value, and medicinal properties which maintain skin and treat its imbalances and also how they affect digestive disorders. Due to its density of essential nutrients, figs are considered a wholesome food in faminestricken regions. Figs offer a wealth of nutrients, which are important to maintain health. They are rich in protein, vitamins A, Bs, C, E and K, essential minerals, periodic (soluble) and insoluble fiber, and omega-3 essential fats (alpha-lanoline and lanoline acids in the seeds), which

benefit the blood and vascular system, thus promoting heart health. Their natural sugars and nutrients boost energy and immunity. Figs contain a variety of arytenoids, anthocyanins, polyphenols and the fiber in the skin of the fruit, more than the pulp, results in antioxidant benefits. The darker the figs are, the greater amount of phytocompounds. Dry figs are more practical to buy and store than fresh ones because they have a longer shelf life and more uses in cooking and snack recipes. They add more nutritional value to snacks, dishes, salads, cereals, cakes, and desserts. Figs have gone through significant research in the recent years. They are still undergoing more exploration due to their potential effects on bacterial and viral infections, inflammation, pain, skin problems, cardiovascular, digestive, and metabolic disorders, malnutrition, immune deficiencies, and even cancer. Many of us fear eating figs, because they are calorie-dense, thus we forgo their wealth of nutrients. Their sugars are natural and their vitamins, minerals, and omega fats are even good for diabetics, but in very limited quantities. Their calories are healthy and supply sustainable energy for schoolchildren, sportsmen and athletes when combined with nuts. They are healthy substitutes for sweets. Four figs make a helping. If you have diabetes or are overweight, reduce this quota within the allowed portion, but do not deprive your body of the plethora of nutrients and healthful photochemical in the fruit. According to Heinemann's Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs, figs have many medicinal uses in traditional medicine. When cut and soaked in boiling water, they make a soothing drink for sore throats, which is also good for the lungs. More interesting information in Heinemann's book is that scientist Jonathan Hartwell in his five-year survey said that figs were a useful treatment for different kinds of cancer. Japanese scientists also found a compound called benzaldehyde in steam-distilled figs, which acts against tumors on cancer patients, resulting in higher chances of recovery. In the Holy Quran, God began surat Al-Tin, The Fig, by swearing by the fruit: By the fig and the olive... Allah gives us cues about the importance of the mentioned fruits or foods in His Holy Book. Look closely and think about the other foods such as olives, grapes, pomegranates, dates, onions, garlic, legumes, gourds, whole grains,

fish, honey, etc..., which were named in the Quran. Have they not been added as super foods recently for their health benefits? Figs are also mentioned frequently in the Bible. According to the California Fig Advisory Board, it is believed that the antioxidants in fruit and vegetables protect against a number of diseases. Antioxidants neutralize harmful substances (free radicals) that arise as a result of chemical reactions in the body or else are taken in from the outside and thus prevent the destruction of cells. In one study performed by the University of Scranton, it was determined that dried figs had a much higher level of the phenol makeup, which is rich in antioxidants, than other fruits. Phenol is used as an antiseptic to kill micro-organisms. The level of phenol in figs is much higher than that in other fruits and vegetables. Another study, by Rutgers University in New Jersey, revealed that due to the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 and phytosterol contained in dried figs, they can play a considerable part in reducing cholesterol. It is known that omega-3 and omega-6 cannot be manufactured in the body and need to be absorbed with food. Furthermore, these fatty acids are indispensable to the proper functioning of the heart, brain and nervous system. Phytosterol permits the cholesterol in animal products, which has the potential to harden the heart's arteries, to be expelled from the body without entering the blood stream. Despite being one of the oldest fruits known to man, the fig-described as "nature's most nearly perfect fruit" by the California Fig Advisory Board -has been rediscovered by food producers. The nutritional value of this fruit and its health benefits have led to its acquiring a whole new importance. The fig can constitute a part of just about any special diet. Since figs do not naturally contain fat, sodium or cholesterol but have high levels of fiber, they are an ideal food for those trying to lose weight. At the same time, figs have higher mineral contents than any other known fruit. Forty grams of figs contains 244 mg of potassium (7% of the daily requirement), 53 mg of calcium (6% of the daily requirement) and 1.2 mg of iron (6% of the daily requirement). The calcium level in figs is very high: The fig ranks second after the orange in terms of calcium content. A crate of dried figs provides the same level of calcium as a crate of milk.

Figs are also thought of as a medicine which gives strength and energy to long-term patients as they seek to recover. They eliminate physical and mental difficulties and give the body strength and energy. The most important nutritional component of figs is sugar, which comprises 51-74% of all fruits. The sugar level in figs is one of the highest. Figs are also recommended in the treatment of asthma, coughs and chills. The benefits we have restricted ourselves to mentioning here are an indication of the compassion Allah feels for human beings. Our Lord provides the substances required by human beings in this fruit, which is so pleasant to eat, already packaged and at the ideal levels for human health. The way that this special blessing from Allah is mentioned in the Qur'an may indicate the importance of the fig for human beings. (Allah knows best.) From the point of view of human health, the nutritional value of the fig was only established with the advance of medicine and technology. This is another indication that the Qur'an is indisputably the Word of Allah, the Omniscient. Fresh Fig Nutritional Value (100 grams) Calories (kcal) Fiber (g) Fat (g) Protein (g) Sugar (g) 74 3 0 1 16 Dried Fig Nutritional Value (100 grams) Calories (kcal) Fiber (g) Fat (g) Protein (g) Sugar (g) 249 10 1 3 48

Vitamin A (IU) 142 Vitamin C (mg) 2 Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B6 Sodium Potassium Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium 0.1 0.1 0.1 1 232 35 232 17

Vitamin A (IU) 10 Vitamin C (mg) 1.2 Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B6 Sodium Potassium Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium 0.1 0.1 0.1 10 680 162 67 68

Iron Manganese Copper Selenium Zinc

0.4 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2

Iron Manganese Copper Selenium Zinc

3.07 0.8 0.3 0.6 0.5

Recent scientific evidence points to figs influence on human health and effectiveness against disease. Because scientific facts and clinical and medical researches support their intake, we should include super fruits in our diets in order to maintain and enhance health. Remember, whole super fruits come with other bonuses. They happen to be appealing to the palate, quenching to thirst, replenishing to energy, and satisfying to the sweet tooth. Dont hesitate. Start today!