Potassium

Fresh Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. A low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially when coupled with a high intake of sodium, can lead to hypertension. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study showed that a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products lowered blood pressure by an average of 5.5 point (systolic) and over 3.0 points (diastolic).

Fiber

Increased fiber intake has been shown to significantly decrease energy intake (calories) and not change hunger and satiety scores. Fresh Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, and, like other fruits, may have a positive effect on weight management.

Consuming fruits and cereals rich in fiber has been shown to reduce breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The fruits richest in fiber include apples, dates, figs, pears and prunes. Whole grain cereals supply the most fiber with about 14 grams per 1/3 cup of bran, and California Fresh Figs add taste and excitement when combined with cereals.

Calcium

Figs are a fruit source of calcium, a mineral that has many functions including promoting bone density. In addition, the potassium in figs may also counteract the increased urinary calcium loss caused by the high-salt diets typical of most Americans.

Antioxidants

Fruit intake is protective against the severe form of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). In a study of more than 100,000 men and women over 12 to 28 years, it was shown that 3 servings of fruits containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E and carotenoids were definitely protective against this vision-destroying disease, even more so than vegetables.