Feasting on Figs

This past week we’ve enjoyed daily treats of colorful, ripe and amazingly delicious figs from our local food market.  While figs have been around for centuries, they remain underrated with respect to their high nutrient value.  Just 2 medium-large figs daily provides an ample supply of potassium (230-270 mg), magnesium (15-20 mg) and soluble fiber (2-3 grams) that when combined with other fruits/vegetables help maintain normal heart rhythm, promote vascular health and lower cholesterol.

Recent Studies also suggest that figs possess anticancer properties.  Suppression of tumor cells have been observed in breast, prostate and colon cancer.  In animal models, the antioxidant compounds in figs have also been implicated in the attenuation of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s , Parkinson’s and Amyloidosis. Taken together, feasting on figs should be part of your dietary ritual for optimal health!                                                                                                                                                                      Michael Miller, MD is Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland USA.  His most recent book is    “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease“.