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.

What are the nutritional benefits of California Fresh Figs?

California Fresh Figs are a recognized powerhouse of nutrition. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, high in antioxidants, fat-free, sodium free, and cholesterol-free, too. Just 1/2 cup or 3 to 4 whole California Fresh Figs will count as one of the 9 to 13 recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables.

For full nutritional information about figs, please see our Nutrition page.

How do they compare to other fruits in nutritional value?

One serving of Fresh Figs provides 5g or 20% of the Daily Value for iron and 354mg or 10% of the RDI for potassium. They also have 54mg of calcium providing 6% of the Daily Value. At 110 calories per 5.4-ounce serving, they are often referred to as “nature’s most nearly perfect fruit.

Most food products have a big fossil fuel footprint. How are California Fresh Figs dealing with this issue?

California fig growers, packers and suppliers are dedicated to doing all they can to take care of the ecosystem and are focused on the sustainability and conservation of the land, water and soil for future generations.