FIGS is an American healthcare apparel brand based in Santa Monica, California. The company sells scrubs that come in a variety of colors and styles, as well as a number of other products for healthcare professionals. It was founded in 2013 by Heather Hasson and Trina Spear who both serve as co-CEOs.
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Genus: | Ficus |
| Subgenus: | F. subg. Ficus |
| Species: | F. carica |
Figs facts and health benefits
Ficus carica is an Asian species of flowering plants in the mulberry family, known as the common fig (or just the fig). It is the source of the fruit also called the fig, and is an important crop in those areas where it is cultivated commercially. Native to the Middle East and western Asia, it has been sought out and cultivated since ancient times, and is now extensively grown throughout the world, both for its fruit and as an ornamental plant. The species has become naturalized in scattered locations in Asia and North America.
Fig, Common Fig, Cultivated Fig, Edible Fig, Wild Fig is few of the common names of Fig. Apart from that Commom Fig, Caprifig, Smyrna Fig, San Pedro Fig, Adriatic Fig, Black Mission Fig, Brown Turkey Fig, Calimyrna Fig, Sierra Fig, King Fig, Kadota Fig and Strangler Fig are few of the popular varieties of fig that are grown throughout the world because of its delightful taste and wonderful nutritive value. Figs are known for their sweet and juicy flesh, tender skin and crunchy seeds. They’re highly perishable and are commonly dried to preserve them. And unlike many other fruits and vegetables, studies have shown that the health benefits of figs actually increase after drying. They can be prepared in a number of ways and make a great pairing with meats and cheeses.
Plant
Fig is a robust, deciduous, dioecious shrub or small tree, 5–10 m high. It is normally found growing in warm, dry climates and normally perform best on well-drained, reasonably fertile, organic matter rich soils. Figs are comparatively salt tolerant and can be grown along the coast near brackish water. Fig is intolerant of poorly drained, waterlogged conditions. The plant has shallow and spreading roots and short, rough trunk. Bark is usually smooth, distinctly lenticellate, grey or dull white, young twigs glabrous or softly hairy. The plant has a small leaf like appendage to a leaf that is red, ovate-lanceolate, about 1 cm long and caducous.
Leaves
Fig plant bears leaves that are bright green, single, alternate and large (to 1 ft. length). They are more or less deeply lobed along with 1 – 5 sinuses, rough hairy on the upper surface and soft hairy on the underside. In summer their foliage gives a beautiful tropical feeling. Fig tree leaves release a pleasant, woodsy-green fragrance. Some people dry the leaves and use them in perfume or in potpourri for their homes. Fig trees produce a natural latex sap that is also used for a number of practical and medicinal purposes.
Flowers
The tiny flowers of the fig are out of sight, clustered inside the green “fruits”, exactly a synconium. Pollinating insects gain access to the flowers through an opening at the apex of the synconium. In the case of the common fig the flowers are all female and need no pollination. There are 3 other types, the caprifig which has male and female flowers requiring visits by a tiny wasp, Blastophaga grossorum; the Smyrna fig, needing cross-pollination by caprifigs in order to develop normally; and the San Pedro fig which is intermediate, its first crop independent like the common fig, its second crop dependent on pollination.
Fruits
The common fig bears a first crop, called the breba crop, in the spring on last season’s growth. The second crop is borne in the fall on the new growth and is known as the main crop. Fig is normally pyriform- obovoid to sub-globose, 3–5 centimeters (1.2–2.0 in) long, glabrous or shortly hispid and is greenish- yellow, yellow, reddish to reddish-violet colored. The skin of the fruit is extremely thin and flesh is whitish, pale-yellow, or amber, or more or less pink, rose, red or purple colored and consists of several slightly crunchy, edible seeds. The fruit has unique, sweet taste when completely ripe, gummy with latex when unripe. Figs are known for their sweet and juicy flesh, tender skin and crunchy seeds. They’re highly perishable and are commonly dried to preserve them. Unlike many other fruits and vegetables, research has shown that the health benefits of figs actually increase after drying. They can be prepared in a number of ways and make a wonderful pairing with meats and cheeses.
History
Fig is said to have originated from south-western Asia to northwest India. Figs have been cultivated by humans for over 5,000 years and were first known from Caria in south-western Asia. It has naturalized all over the Mediterranean area and is now cultivated elsewhere in areas with a similar climate.
Nutritional Value
Apart from their unique sweet taste, fig is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Consuming 64 gram of figs offers 12.28 g of Carbohydrate, 0.072 mg of Vitamin B6, 1.9 g of Total dietary Fiber, 0.045 mg of Copper, 0.192 mg of Vitamin B5 and 0.082 mg of Manganese. Moreover many Amino acids 0.004 g of Tryptophan, 0.015 g of Threonine, 0.015 g of Isoleucine, 0.021 g of Leucine and 0.019 g of Lysine are also found in 64 gram of Figs.
Health benefits of Figs
Figs are seasonal fruits that are found in the western parts of Asia, but dried figs are accessible almost everywhere, at any point during the year. The fig tree is a member of mulberry family. The health benefits of figs come from the presence of minerals, vitamins and fiber contained in the fruit. Figs contain a wealth of beneficial nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, potassium and chlorine. A few of the health benefits derived from figs include:
1. Prevention of constipation
Every three serving of fig offers about 5 grams of fiber. That high concentration of fiber helps promote healthy, regular bowel function and help to prevent constipation. Fiber works to add bulk and mass to bowel movements, so it not only avoids constipation, but also eliminates diarrhea and unhealthy or irregular bowel movements.(1)
2. Anticancer
Figs have a reputation in traditional medicine as a cure for several health problems, including as a natural cancer treatment. Research by the Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry at China Pharmaceutical University displays that some elements present in figs are poisonous to various human cancer cell lines.
Although more research is needed, there are references encouraging researchers to find out more about how figs’ bioactive compounds can combat illness because of the success of numerous findings thus far.(2), (3)
3. Weight loss
Fiber in figs helps to decrease weight and is often suggested for obese people. However, their high calorie count may also result in weight gain, particularly when consumed with milk. A few figs are sufficient to get the recommended amount of nutrients, so don’t overdo it! Remember, it is possible to have too much of a good thing.(4)
4. Lower cholesterol
Figs consist of Pectin, which is actually a soluble fiber. When fiber moves through the digestive system, it mainly wipes up excess masses of cholesterol and carries them to the excretory system to be removed from the body. As a soluble fiber, pectin from figs stimulates healthy bowel movements. Figs can have a laxative effect, as they are one of the most fiber-dense foods available. High amounts of fiber in your diet can benefit your overall health by avoiding certain types of abdominal cancer, as well as colon cancer.(5)
5. Treat Common Illnesses
Since ancient time, a fig has been used to treat a wide range of common ailments. More than 40 ailments related to the digestive, endocrine, reproductive and respiratory systems have been treated with the regular use of fig fruit, extracts and components of the fig tree.
Researches have shown figs to be a good source of treatment for anemia, liver disease, gastrointestinal tract, cancer, paralysis, diabetes, skin diseases, leprosy, ulcers, and urinary tract infections, and more. Figs and the fig tree are considered promising candidates for helping develop new drugs as well, and researchers hope to find new medicinal uses for the plant.(6)
6. Prevention of coronary heart disease
Phenol, Omega-3 and Omega-6 are found in dried figs. These fatty acids help to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Additionally, the leaves of figs have a significant effect on the level of triglycerides in a person’s system. A fig leaf has an inhibitory effect on triglycerides, and makes the overall number of triglycerides drop. Triglycerides are another major factor behind various heart diseases.
7. Prevention of colon cancer
Fiber present in fig helps to stimulate the elimination of free radicals and other cancer causing substances, mainly in the colon, since fiber increases the healthy movement of the bowels.(7)
8. Good for diabetic patients
The American Diabetes Association recommends figs as a high fiber treat that helps encourage functional control of diabetes. Fig leaves help to reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients who have to frequently take insulin injections. Figs are rich in Potassium, which helps to regulate the amount of sugar which is absorbed into the body after meals. Large amounts of potassium can ensure that blood sugar spikes and falls are much less frequent, so figs can help diabetics live a much more normal life.(8)
9. Antibacterial and Antifungal
Figs act as a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent. A review by the Drug and Herbal Research Centre at the Universiti Kebangsaan in Malaysia cited two researches showed fig extract’s ability to combat a strand of oral bacteria, as well as various fungi and microbes.
There are also studies done in grass carp that shows effectiveness in figs’ ability to stimulate immune system response, therefore making figs great immune system boosters. This may explain why figs are such great common illness fighters, which are normally the work of bacteria and other invaders.
10. Prevention of hypertension
People usually take in sodium in the form of salt, but low potassium and high sodium level may lead to hypertension. Figs are high in potassium and low in sodium, so they are a wonderful defense against the appearance and effects of hypertension, making figs a relaxing food as well, which helps to settle the nerves and bring some calmness to your day.
11. Bronchitis
Natural chemicals present in fig leaves make it an ideal component for a tea base. Fig leaf tea has been popularly recommended for several respiratory conditions like bronchitis, and it is also used to prevent and lessen the symptoms of asthmatic patients.
12. Venereal Diseases
Figs have been traditionally used as a calming ointment for venereal diseases. Ingestion or topical application both work for relief from sexually transmitted diseases, though further research needs to be done on the exact range of symptoms and diseases which figs positively effect.
13. Sexual Dysfunction
Since ancient times, figs are recommended to correct sexual dysfunction like sterility, endurance, or erectile dysfunction. It is referenced as a powerful fertility or sexual supplement. Its actual success as an aphrodisiac is doubtful, but the huge amount of valuable vitamins and minerals might result in the sudden boost in energy and stamina that people mistake for a sexual surge. Soak 2-3 figs in milk overnight and eat them in the morning to enhance your sexual abilities.
14. Strengthens Bones
Figs consist of good amount of calcium, which is one of the most important components in strengthening bones, and decreasing the risk of osteoporosis. It is also rich in phosphorus, which inspires bone formation and spurs regrowth if there is any damage or degradation to bones.(12)
15. Urinary calcium loss
People with high-sodium diet may be affected by increased urinary calcium loss. The high potassium content in figs helps to avoid that condition and controls the content of waste in your urine. It reduces the calcium you lose, while increasing the amount of uric acid and other harmful toxins which you want to get out of your body.(13)
16. Prevention of macular degeneration
Vision loss in older people is normally due to macular degeneration. Fruits and figs are mainly good at helping you avoid this very common symptom of aging.
17. Relief for throat pain
High mucilage content in figs helps to heal and protect sore throats. The calming nature of figs and their natural juices relieve pain and stress on the vocal chords.
Health Benefits of Fig Leaves
If you are lucky enough to have access to a fig tree, the leaves of the trees are incredibly valuable to your health, mostly due to their antioxidant abilities. The leaves are dried and made into teas or extracts, which is very common in areas of the world with substantial fig tree growth.
1. Anti-diabetic
Research show reduction of glucose in the blood of rats when given an extract made from fig tree leaves. Research also showed a decline in the levels of cholesterol, as well as help normalizing antioxidant activity to help combat oxidative stress caused by diabetes.
Fig fruit is proven as a powerful treatment for the side effects of diabetes. With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, figs can normalize many bodily functions sometimes damaged by diabetes, making them a probable diabetes natural remedy. (1), (2), (3)
2. Help Treat Skin Cancer
Fig leaves are wonderful source of bioactive compounds that are great at fighting free radical damage. As a result, research has used information about the makeup of the fig leaf to develop better forms of photodynamic therapy to treat certain types of skin cancer.
3. Anti-Wrinkle Capabilities
Several researches on fig tree leaf extract have shown successful examples of anti-wrinkle capabilities. Individuals using creams including fig leaf and fig fruit extracts showed considerable decrease in length and depth of facial wrinkles, dueto antioxidant and anti-collagenase activity.
Another research published in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences even concluded that creams containing fig extract help to hyper pigmentation, acne and even freckles.