A founding principal of chiropractic is that the mind, body and spirit are connected. Nutrition is an integral component of wellness. At The Winchester Institute of Chiropractic Health and Wellness we offer individual nutrition programs designed by Dr. Dana Winchester .
The Fashionable Fig- Healthy and Hip
Figs are the latest in style, hip fruit gracing celebrity hot-spot restaurants from Los Angeles to Paris. But the fig won’t just make you hip-it can also make you healthy. With over 50 varieties to choose from-and countless ways to prepare and enjoy this ancient delicacy-it’s truly one of the most delicious, versatile, nutritious and fashionable foods available.
Dr. Winchester promotes the inclusion of nutritionally rich foods, such as figs, as part of the chiropractic lifestyle: a philosophy that focuses on preventing disease and illness with regular chiropractic care, exercise and proper nutrition.
Figs are loaded with nutrients and provide a rich source of dietary fiber, according to Dr. Winchester. They’re also pleasantly plentiful year-round, particularly in their dried state or as preserves.
The skins of the tiny but nutritionally powerful fig range from greenish-brown and the brown-purple of the “Hardy Chicago’ variety. Inside, the fruit is equally multi-hued.
Antioxidant Amplifier
Dried figs share top honors with dried plums for having one of the highest nutrient scores among dried fruits. What’s more, they are loaded with powerful, disease- fighting antioxidant chemicals.
Researchers from the University of Scranton found that “figs produced a significant increase in plasma (blood) antioxidant capacity for four hours after consumption, and overcome the oxidative stress of consuming high fructose corn syrup in a carbonated soft drink.” Oxidative stress is the process that turns healthy cells into diseased ones, which occurs in cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and a myriad of other conditions.
Carotenoids Carrier
Carotenoids are fat-soluble plant pigments. In addition to sparking antioxidant activity in the body, some of the more than 600 carotenoids can transform themselves into vitamin A.
Why are carotenoids so important? Because, among other things, studies link them to the prevention of several cancers.
Figs contain all of the major carotenoids found in blood plasma, according to researchers in Australia.
The Nutrient Numbers
Figs have no saturated fat, sodium or cholesterol. They are also high in calcium, iron and potassium. A quarter cup has 3.7 milligrams of potassium and just 93 calories.
When it comes to calcium, three dried figs provide 80 milligrams of this bone-boosting mineral. In comparison, one cup of milk contains 300 milligrams of calcium.
Let’s Talk
As you partners in preventive health care, one of our goals at The Winchester Institute is to provide you with the information you need to make well-informed nutritional decisions for yourself and your entire family.