In my quest to shake things up this month, I ventured to the market to find some seasonal fruits and veggies, and low and behold, I was greeted with some figs. As a kid, I always enjoyed fig newtons. However, I’m not sure I ever concerned myself with what a fig actually was or if there are any fig benefits. Show of hands—how many of YOU can identify a fig? I don’t see many hands up.
One would assume figs grow on trees, but it isn’t that simple. You see, figs grow in a unique and fascinating way. The fig tree produces fruit that develops from a flower cluster inside a fleshy, hollow structure known as a syconium. Unlike most fruit-bearing plants, figs require a specific pollination process involving a specialized wasp to develop fruit.
I won’t get into the technicalities, but let’s just say the entire process is magical, and it makes me appreciate figs all the more.
Figs are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that offer numerous health benefits. They have been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to their medicinal properties. Packed with vitamins A, K, and B, along with minerals like potassium, magnesium, zinc, and copper, figs are a nutritional powerhouse.
They’re also high in fiber, which supports digestive health and regulates blood sugar levels. Bonus with the fiber—this can promote a feeling of fullness and reduce appetite, potentially aiding in weight management. By keeping you fuller for longer, one of the biggest fig benefits is they may help prevent overeating. #winning
By adding figs to your protein shake, you can enjoy a low-calorie, high-protein snack or meal replacement. I love using frozen fruit such as bananas in lieu of ice, so my shake doesn’t get watered down. Check out this sweet concoction!
Ingredients
- 2 scoops BioTRUST Vanilla protein blend or your desired flavor or protein
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup chopped fig
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp flax seed
- 1 cup almond milk or your desired milk product
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a blender or mixer. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Chef Note: Another option if you have an abundance of figs is to replace the dried apples in the following recipe with figs. It would be an equal 1:1 swap. Homemade Healthy Apple Pie Granola Bar Recipe (So Good!)
Chef Note: Another option to get figgy with it is to replace the dried apricots in this granola snack with figs. With this one, you can add as many or as few as you desire. Healthy, Nut-Free Granola Recipe (Gluten-Free and Delicious)
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