THE FIG: A FRUIT WHOSE PERFECTION HAS ONLY RECENTLY BEEN REVEALED
[I swear] by the fig and the olive. (Qur'an, 95:1)
The reference to the fig in the first verse of Surat at-Tin is a most wise one in terms of the benefits imparted by this fruit.
The Benefits of the Fig for Human Beings
Figs have a higher fibre level than any other fruit or vegetable. One single dried fig provides two grams of fibre: 20% of the daily recommended intake. Research over the last fifteen years or so has revealed that the fibre in plant foods is very important for the regular functioning of the digestive system. It is known that fibre in foods assists the digestive system and also helps reduce the risk of some forms of cancer. Nutritionists describe eating figs, which are rich in fibre, as an ideal way of increasing one's fibre intake.
Fibrous foodstuffs are divided into two types: soluble and insoluble. Foods rich in insoluble fibre facilitate the passage of substances to be expelled from the body through the intestine by adding water to them. They thus accelerate the digestive system and ensure its regular functioning. It has also been established that foods containing insoluble fibre have a protective effect against colon cancer. Foods rich in soluble fibre, on the other hand, have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood by more than 20%. These are therefore of the greatest importance in reducing the risk of heart attack. Excessive levels of cholesterol in the blood collect in the arteries, hardening and narrowing them. Depending on which organ's blood vessels the cholesterol accumulates in, disorders connected to that organ arise. For example, if cholesterol accumulates in the arteries that feed the heart, problems such as heart attacks result. Accumulations of cholesterol in the kidney veins can lead to high blood pressure and kidney deficiency. Furthermore, the intake of soluble fibre is important in terms of regulating blood sugar by emptying the stomach because sudden changes in blood sugar can lead to life-threatening disorders. Indeed, societies with fibre-rich diets have been shown to have far lower incidences of illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.117
It is also another major health advantage for soluble and insoluble fibres to be present at one and the same time. It has been shown that when both forms are present together, they are much more effective in preventing cancer than when they are on their own. The presence of both forms of fibre, soluble and insoluble, in the fig makes it a most important foodstuff in this regard.118
Dr. Oliver Alabaster, Director of the Institute for Disease Prevention at the George Washington University Medical Centre, refers to figs in these terms:
… [H]ere is an opportunity to add a really healthy, high fiber food to your diet. Choosing figs and other high fiber foods more frequently means that you'll naturally choose potentially harmful foods less frequently-and this is great for your lifelong health.119
According to the California Fig Advisory Board, it is believed that the antioxidants in fruit and vegetables protect against a number of diseases. Antioxidants neutralise harmful substances (free radicals) that arise as a result of chemical reactions in the body or else are taken in from the outside and thus prevent the destruction of cells. In one study performed by the University of Scranton, it was determined that dried figs had a much higher level of the phenol makeup, which is rich in antioxidants, than other fruits. Phenol is used as an antiseptic to kill micro-organisms. The level of phenol in figs is much higher than that in other fruits and vegetables.120
Another study, by Rutgers University in New Jersey, revealed that due to the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 and phytosterol contained in dried figs, they can play a considerable part in reducing cholesterol.121 It is known that omega-3 and omega-6 cannot be manufactured in the body and need to be absorbed with food. Furthermore, these fatty acids are indispensable to the proper functioning of the heart, brain and nervous system. Phytosterol permits the cholesterol in animal products, which has the potential to harden the heart's arteries, to be expelled from the body without entering the blood stream.
Despite being one of the oldest fruits known to man, the fig-described as "nature's most nearly perfect fruit" by the California Fig Advisory Board 122-has been rediscovered by food producers. The nutritional value of this fruit and its health benefits have led to its acquiring a whole new importance.
The fig can constitute a part of just about any special diet. Since figs do not naturally contain fat, sodium or cholesterol but have high levels of fibre, they are an ideal food for those trying to lose weight. At the same time, figs have higher mineral contents than any other known fruit. Forty grams of figs contains 244 mg of potassium (7% of the daily requirement), 53 mg of calcium (6% of the daily requirement) and 1.2 mg of iron (6% of the daily requirement).123 The calcium level in figs is very high: The fig ranks second after the orange in terms of calcium content. A crate of dried figs provides the same level of calcium as a crate of milk.
Figs are also thought of as a medicine which gives strength and energy to long-term patients as they seek to recover. They eliminate physical and mental difficulties and give the body strength and energy. The most important nutritional component of figs is sugar, which comprises 51-74% of all fruits. The sugar level in figs is one of the highest. Figs are also recommended in the treatment of asthma, coughs and chills.
The benefits we have restricted ourselves to mentioning here are an indication of the compassion Allah feels for human beings. Our Lord provides the substances required by human beings in this fruit, which is so pleasant to eat, already packaged and at the ideal levels for human health. The way that this special blessing from Allah is mentioned in the Qur'an may indicate the importance of the fig for human beings. (Allah knows best.) From the point of view of human health, the nutritional value of the fig was only established with the advance of medicine and technology. This is another indication that the Qur'an is indisputably the Word of Allah, the Omniscient.
Fresh Fig Nutritional Value
(100 grams)
Dried Fig Nutritional Value
(100 grams)
Calories (kcal) 74 Calories (kcal) 249
Fibre (g) 3 Fibre (g) 10
Fat (g) 0 Fat (g) 1
Protein (g) 1 Protein (g) 3
Sugar (g) 16 Sugar (g) 48
Vitamin A (IU) 142 Vitamin A (IU) 10
Vitamin C (mg) 2 Vitamin C (mg) 1.2
Vitamin B1 0.1 Vitamin B1 0.1
Vitamin B2 0.1 Vitamin B2 0.1
Vitamin B6 0.1 Vitamin B6 0.1
Sodium 1 Sodium 10
Potassium 232 Potassium 680
Calcium 35 Calcium 162
Phosphorus 232 Phosphorus 67
Magnesium 17 Magnesium 68
Iron 0.4 Iron 3.07
Manganese 0.1 Manganese 0.8
Copper 0.1 Copper 0.3
Selenium 0.2 Selenium 0.6
Zinc 0.2 Zinc 0.5
Mon Jan 24, 2011 4:51 pm by hossam Masri
» Muslims Majority in Europe Within 20 Years
Mon Jan 24, 2011 11:01 am by hossam Masri
» A Conversation with Ingrid Mattson
Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:46 am by hossam Masri
» القران الكريم Quran Mishary Alafasy
Sun Jan 23, 2011 2:27 am by hossam Masri
» صفحة الشيخ مشاري راشد العفاسي
Sun Jan 23, 2011 2:20 am by hossam Masri
» بر الوالدين طريقك إلى الجنة
Fri Jan 21, 2011 1:57 am by hossam Masri
» مليار وأربعون مليون وتسعمائة وثلاثة وسبعون ألف وثمانمائة وأربعة وعشرون حسنة
Fri Jan 21, 2011 1:43 am by hossam Masri
» سمية علي الديب في برنامج علم القرآن على قناة أزهري
Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:44 pm by hossam Masri
» قناة أزهرى برنامج علم القرآن الحقة
Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:12 pm by hossam Masri
» تحزيرنرجوا من الأخوة الأعضاء في الفيس بوك
Tue Jan 18, 2011 11:18 am by hossam Masri
» çocuk hafız sümeyye eldeb
Tue Jan 18, 2011 11:08 am by hossam Masri
» çocuk hafız sümeyye eldeb
Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:50 am by hossam Masri
» Somaya Abdul Aziz Eddeb - Surat Al Shams
Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:21 am by hossam Masri
» Summaya Eddeb--Surah Al Fajr
Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:12 am by hossam Masri
» Blind Student Recites Quran
Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:07 am by hossam Masri
» Little Boy Recites Quran
Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:01 am by hossam Masri
» Solutions: How to Deal With the Quran
Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:52 am by hossam Masri
» Solutions: Being Dutiful to Parents
Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:38 am by hossam Masri
» Solutions: The Concept of Worship in Islam
Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:31 am by hossam Masri
» Why a man can have four wives while a woman can not have more than one husband?
Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:23 am by hossam Masri
» Why a man can have four wives while a woman can not have more than one husband?
Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:22 am by hossam Masri
» Misrepresentation and lies about the Qur'an
Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:13 am by hossam Masri
» Sh. Yusuf Estes' Advice to Muslims
Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:49 am by hossam Masri
» How does Islam say to deal with Non Muslims?
Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:44 am by hossam Masri
» Priests and Preachers enter Islam
Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:38 am by hossam Masri
» لا تعرض نفسك للفتنة
Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:12 am by hossam Masri
» Learn Tajweed with Shaikh Yasir Qadhi
Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:46 pm by hossam Masri
» 7 - Learn Tajweed with Shaikh Yasir Qadhi - The Noble Emissaries (As-Safara Al-Keram)
Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:43 pm by hossam Masri
» 6 - Learn Tajweed with Shaikh Yasir Qadhi - The Noble Emissaries (As-Safara Al-Keram)
Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:40 pm by hossam Masri
» 5 - Learn Tajweed with Shaikh Yasir Qadhi - The Noble Emissaries (As-Safara Al-Keram)
Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:38 pm by hossam Masri
» 4 - Learn Tajweed with Shaikh Yasir Qadhi - The Noble Emissaries (As-Safara Al-Keram)
Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:35 pm by hossam Masri
» 3 - Learn Tajweed with Shaikh Yasir Qadhi - The Noble Emissaries (As-Safara Al-Keram)
Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:32 pm by hossam Masri
» 2 - Learn Tajweed with Shaikh Yasir Qadhi - The Noble Emissaries (As-Safara Al-Keram)
Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:27 pm by hossam Masri
» 1 - Learn Tajweed with Shaikh Yasir Qadhi - Introduction - The Noble Emissaries (As-Safara Al-Keram)
Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:24 pm by hossam Masri
» Quran Subjects
Sat Jan 15, 2011 2:34 am by hossam Masri
» حج المرأة
Sat Jan 15, 2011 2:19 am by hossam Masri
» تعريف الاسلام The definition of Islam
Wed Jan 12, 2011 4:50 pm by hossam Masri
» الوحدة الوطنيه في مصر المسلم والقبطى أخوه بوحدة الدم والأرض
Mon Jan 10, 2011 2:37 pm by hossam Masri
» كيف كرم النبي محمد أقباط مصر
Mon Jan 10, 2011 2:22 pm by hossam Masri
» الأرض المقدسة - حب الأقصى
Mon Jan 10, 2011 11:29 am by hossam Masri
» التيه - اليقين في الله
Mon Jan 10, 2011 11:21 am by hossam Masri
» قصة نبى الله موسى والخضر - قصص القرآن عمرو خالد
Mon Jan 10, 2011 11:12 am by hossam Masri
» قصة السيدة مريم - قصص القرآن عمرو خالد
Mon Jan 10, 2011 10:59 am by hossam Masri
» سيدنا يوسف وفتنة النساء- كنوز - عمرو خالد
Mon Jan 10, 2011 10:53 am by hossam Masri
» قبل بدء الخلق- كنوز 1- عمرو خالد
Sun Jan 09, 2011 6:46 pm by hossam Masri
» قبل بدء الخلق- كنوز 1- عمرو خالد
Sun Jan 09, 2011 6:45 pm by hossam Masri
» هل صوت المرأة عورة؟؟
Thu Jan 06, 2011 3:31 pm by hossam Masri
» (الإسلام بكل لغات العالم) Islam in all languages of the world
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:55 am by hossam Masri
» Islam Türkçe
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:50 am by hossam Masri
» Islam Nederlands
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:46 am by hossam Masri
» Islam Italiano
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:42 am by hossam Masri
» Islam Indonesia
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:40 am by hossam Masri
» Islam Français
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:38 am by hossam Masri
» Islam Español
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:35 am by hossam Masri
» Islam English
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:33 am by hossam Masri
» Islam Deutsch
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:30 am by hossam Masri
» Islam Bosanski
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:27 am by hossam Masri
» Islam Azərbaycanca
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:25 am by hossam Masri
» حتى لا تشتعل مصر
Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:13 am by hossam Masri
» Islam in Spanish - ISLAM EN ESPAÑOL 1/7
Wed Jan 05, 2011 6:14 am by hossam Masri
» رسالة لكل من تحب على الأنترنت رسالة هامة
Wed Jan 05, 2011 5:52 am by hossam Masri
» A) The Quran on Human Embryonic Development:
Mon Jan 03, 2011 6:59 pm by hossam Masri
» Some Basic Islamic Beliefs
Mon Jan 03, 2011 6:35 pm by hossam Masri
» Welcome to The Quran DVDWelcome to The Quran DVDWelcome to The Quran DVD
Sun Jan 02, 2011 4:44 pm by hossam Masri
» learn an Arabic Language.
Sun Jan 02, 2011 4:33 pm by hossam Masri
» Honey kills Bacteria that resist antibiotics
Sat Jan 01, 2011 9:05 pm by hossam Masri
» انا مصرى ضد الارهاب ودعوه جماعيه
Sat Jan 01, 2011 8:40 pm by hossam Masri
» ھۆججەت ئۇلىنىشى islamhouse
Mon Dec 27, 2010 9:02 am by hossam Masri
» ھۆججەت ئۇلىنىشى islamhouse
Mon Dec 27, 2010 9:02 am by hossam Masri
» روزا ھەققىدە 70 مەسىلە
Mon Dec 27, 2010 8:56 am by hossam Masri
» پەزىلەتلىك شەيخ مۇھەممەد سالىھ ئەلمۇنەججىد
Mon Dec 27, 2010 8:52 am by hossam Masri
» The Right Creed from the Book and the Sunnah
Mon Dec 27, 2010 8:35 am by hossam Masri
» موقع العفاسي Site .alafasy
Mon Dec 27, 2010 4:00 am by hossam Masri
» Relief through Supplication
Sun Dec 26, 2010 6:23 pm by hossam Masri
» )))))Huda TV
Sun Dec 26, 2010 6:05 pm by hossam Masri
» نعمة الإيمان
Sat Dec 25, 2010 4:09 pm by hossam Masri
» سيرة مصعب بن عمير رضي الله عنه
Sat Dec 25, 2010 3:21 pm by hossam Masri
» رساله الي ارهابي
Fri Dec 24, 2010 10:36 pm by hossam Masri
» محمد رسول الله صل الله عليه وسلم
Wed Dec 22, 2010 12:43 am by hossam Masri
» جسم الإنسان فى القرآن
Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:15 am by hossam Masri
» لأعمال التي تدخل صاحبها النار؛؛أسماء المبشرون بالنار .
Tue Dec 21, 2010 8:06 am by hossam Masri
» Insha Allah
Mon Dec 20, 2010 5:53 pm by hossam Masri
» LOVE IN ISLAM
Mon Dec 20, 2010 5:34 pm by hossam Masri
» Islam is the way of life for those who believe in God and want to live a life in worship and obedience to none but God.
Mon Dec 20, 2010 4:42 pm by hossam Masri
» CNN Reports: Powerball is Fireball
Mon Dec 20, 2010 4:25 pm by hossam Masri
» NO ALCOHOL, ABSOLUTELY AND POSITIVELY! لا الكحول، تماما وبشكل إيجابي!
Mon Dec 20, 2010 4:08 pm by hossam Masri
» The Islamic Wills الوصايا الإسلامية
Mon Dec 20, 2010 4:02 pm by hossam Masri
» العلاقة بين الوالدين والطفل في الإسلام Parent-Child Relationship in Islam
Mon Dec 20, 2010 3:58 pm by hossam Masri
» Family - Basis for Society
Mon Dec 20, 2010 3:43 pm by hossam Masri
» الطريق الروحي للإسلام The Spiritual Path of Islam
Mon Dec 20, 2010 3:21 pm by hossam Masri
» Social System of Islam
Mon Dec 20, 2010 3:02 pm by hossam Masri
» The Islamic Concept of Life
Mon Dec 20, 2010 2:50 pm by hossam Masri
» Parent-Child Relationship in Islam
Mon Dec 20, 2010 2:33 pm by hossam Masri
» Translation of the meaning of the Holy Quran in Russian Language - Al-Fatiha and Chapter Amma
Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:26 am by hossam Masri
» هل اقتبس القران من كتب اليهود والنصاري
Sun Dec 19, 2010 6:55 pm by hossam Masri
» دوعاو ئهذكارو ئاداب بۆ منداڵان له سوننهتی صهحیحی پێغهمبهرمان صلى الله عليه وسلم
Sat Dec 18, 2010 5:42 pm by hossam Masri
» دوعاو ئهذكارو ئاداب بۆ منداڵان له سوننهتی صهحیحی پێغهمبهرمان صلى الله عليه وسلم
Sat Dec 18, 2010 5:40 pm by hossam Masri
» حوكمی لهبهركردنی جل وبهرگ كه وێنهی تێدایه
Sat Dec 18, 2010 5:26 pm by hossam Masri
» لێكۆڵینهوهیهكی فقهی سهبارهت بهڕۆژووی مانگی شهعبان
Sat Dec 18, 2010 5:18 pm by hossam Masri