During the Christmas period, it is impossible to give up the pleasure of the dried figs: they are the perfect complement to any meal, a delight to be enjoyed instead of dessert. And since their nutritional profile is really interesting, they are a great choice to fill up on well-being.
A portion of dried figs, corresponding to 100 grams of product, provides 250 calories: we are therefore talking about a food to be consumed in moderation, if you are on a diet. Its caloric content is in fact justified by the presence of an important quantity of sugars, substances that are concentrated when fruit is dried. However, this delicious snack it can prove beneficial to our health – just pay attention to the portions.
Dried figs are indeed very rich in fiber, substances that perform multiple functions at the digestive level. Passing unscathed into the stomach, they increase the sense of satiety and help to eat less, while helping to reduce the absorption of sugars. And in the intestine they provide nourishment to the bacterial flora, stimulating our immune defenses. Furthermore, their action against constipation is now known, favoring intestinal transit.
Among the fibers, the pectin: a recent study published in Nutrients highlighted how this compound is able to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, since it helps to control the level of cholesterol in the blood. Always for the benefit of the heart, dried figs contain good amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which in particular reduce “bad” cholesterol and counteracthypertension.
The antioxidantsInstead, they are excellent allies for the body: they fight the formation of free radicals, which often cause an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cancer. As demonstrated in a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, in dried figs there are high concentrations of polyphenols, but also of vitamins C and E, which play an important antioxidant role.
Finally, we find excellent amounts of sali minerals: a portion of 100 grams of dried figs provides 20% of the recommended daily allowance of football, essential substance for bone health. The magnesium and potassium, both important for the well-being of the body. The first plays a prominent role in blood coagulation and in the process of transforming food into energy, it also has a relaxing action on muscles and the nervous system. The potassium instead it helps to keep blood pressure under control.
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