Health Benefits of Gerbs Dried Figs

Figs have been popular around the world for centuries. Gerbs dried figs are the sulfur dioxide free, naturally sweet, and packaged fresh daily in our Top 14 Food Allergy Free Facility. They are both tasty and nutritious. In fact, recent studies have shown that they may be helpful in treating a range of medical concerns, from diabetes to eczema. Consider adding figs to your shopping list. Here are some of the benefits that this fruit might provide you.

Well-loved for their sweet, mild flavor and multiple uses, figs are low in calories and have no fat. One large, raw fig has just 47 calories. If you’re looking to shed pounds, figs are a great replacement for unhealthy snacks (in moderation). Both raw and dried figs are good for you. One ounce of dried figs has 3 grams of fiber. Fiber may help alleviate constipation and keep you feeling full longer. It may also help lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. Figs are a good source of calcium, which can ward off osteoporosis as well as other health issues. You won’t find a better plant source of calcium than figs. If you’re hoping to add more antioxidants to your diet, you can’t go wrong with figs. According to a 2005 study in Trusted Source, dried figs “have superior quality antioxidants.” Antioxidants are thought to reduce cell-damaging free radicals in the body. Nutrition experts recommend upping your antioxidant intake by eating more fruits and vegetables like figs.

Figs are one of the richest plant sources of a variety of vitamins and minerals, including:

• vitamin A
• vitamin C
• vitamin K
• B vitamins
• potassium
• magnesium
• zinc
• copper
• manganese
• iron

Figs and diabetes

It’s not just the fruits of this shrub that are healthy. Some evidence also suggests that the leaves of the fig shrub can help regulate diabetes symptoms. A 2016 study in rats showed that ficusin, an extract from fig leaves, improves insulin sensitivity and has other antidiabetic properties. And a 2003 animal study showed that fig extract can contribute to diabetes treatment by normalizing blood fatty acid and vitamin E levels. Speak with your doctor to see if figs might be a good addition to your overall diabetes management program. Keep in mind that they aren’t a substitute for healthy eating, medications, or blood testing.

Figs benefits for skin

In some folk medicine traditions, figs are used to treat a variety of skin issues Trusted Source, such as eczema, vitiligo, and psoriasis. There haven’t been any conclusive, scientific studies, but anecdotal evidence and preliminary research show promise. Fig tree latex may remove warts, according to a 2007 comparative study. For the study, 25 people applied fig tree latex to common warts on one side of their body. Warts on the opposite side were frozen (cryotherapy). Fig tree latex was just marginally less effective than cryotherapy and caused no side effects.

Raw figs may be used to create a nourishing, antioxidant-rich face mask. Simply mash the figs and apply to your face in a circular motion. Add 1 tablespoon of yogurt for additional moisturizing benefits. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Don’t use figs on your skin if you’re allergic to latex! Mashed figs are also a popular home remedy for acne, but there’s no scientific evidence that they work.

Figs are a good source of many enriching vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Improving your overall health often balances your skin and helps with your circulation. If you feel like your skin is better when you eat more figs, enjoy! Your body will thank you, and your skin might, too.

Figs benefits for hair

Figs are a popular ingredient in many shampoos, conditioners, and hair masques. The fruit is believed to strengthen and moisturize hair and promote hair growth. Scientific research on the benefits of figs for hair is lacking, but there’s some evidence that some of the vitamins and minerals may help keep your hair healthy. One study in Trusted Source looked at the role of zinc and copper in hair loss. A deficiency in either mineral is believed to contribute to hair loss. Zinc is thought to speed up hair follicle recovery. Study results confirmed that hair loss may be linked to zinc deficiency, but not copper.

A later study in Trusted Source reviewed the nutrition of women with hair loss during menopause. The study indicates that several nutrients found in figs help keep hair healthy. They include:

• zinc
• copper
• selenium
• magnesium
• calcium
• B vitamins
• vitamin C

(Original Source: November 10, 2016 — Written by Annette McDermott. https://www.healthline.com/health/figs)

Oatmeal Fig Bars – Homemade Fig Newtons

Oatmeal Fig Bars are a chewy, fig-filled bar made on the lighter side.  They taste pretty close to a Fig Newton, but homemade is always better, right?  When I was researching for a healthy fig bar recipe made with oatmeal, I was surprised to find there weren’t many (or rather any that were suitable).  So I decided to take the dough of a oatmeal date bar recipe and replace the date filling with a fig filling.  Because I wanted these to be healthier, I reduced the amount of sugar in the dough and eliminated added sugar from the filling.  In lieu of sugar, I added lemon juice and zest to the filling to brighten the flavor and also act as a thickener.  The result was just what I had in mind for a healthy fig bar, and they were also really simple to make.

When I was making these Oatmeal Fig Bars, I couldn’t help but think about my grandma and grandpa and chuckle.  I’ve talked many times about my grandma and what a wonderful baker she was.  While I’m sure my grandpa loved all of her (delicious!) baked goodies, he always had a stash of Fig Newtons in their pantry.  I really can’t blame him.  Not much beats a Fig Newton (except for these bars of course!.. but I digress).  I don’t think my grandma ever attempted to make a homemade variety of his beloved fig bars, but I’m sure they would have been similar to these…and my grandpa would have stashed these instead!

(Original recipe April 15, 2013: https://www.alidaskitchen.com/2013/04/15/oatmeal-fig-bars-homemade-fig-newtons/)

PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD:

Ingredients

• 1 cup Gerbs Dried Figs, chopped & stems removed (8 ounces)
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1½ cups Gerbs Traditional Oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup butter, melted (I used light butter)
• 1 egg white
• Cooking spray

Instructions

In a small sauce pan, put figs, water, lemon juice and zest, and bring to a boil. Simmer until mixture starts to thicken (about 3 minutes). Let cool for about 5 minutes. Put filling in food processor and process until smooth. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Add butter and egg white to oat mixture and stir until combined. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan. [Note: I used waxed paper to press and spread the mixture into the pan]. Next, carefully spread with fig mixture. Last, drop pieces of remaining oat mixture over the fig mixture so it appears crumbly and then gently pat it down [Note: I used waxed paper for this step]. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack.