Page 20 - Inspire Health July/August 2015
P. 20
super food
FOUR REASONSTO AHevOseNwrEyeYoentFetIr!GeSat for
FigsINDULGE IN Ingredients
By Christina Leidenheimer • 6 whole, ripe figs
• ½ stick of butter
The fig has a long history of being a powerful, healthy food. • 3 tablespoons of honey
Figs are rich in minerals, vitamins, and other phytonutrients and Instructions
1. Cut 6 plump figs into half lengthwise
they provide an impressive number of health benefits. 2. Place on a baking sheet cut sides up
3. Brush with melted butter
Here are reasons to include figs in your 3. Figs reduce the risk of cancer. 4. Place figs about 3 inches below the broiler
health program: Fresh figs are a rich source of 5. Broil until the tops bubble and brown
6. Drizzle with honey
1. Figs improve regularity. antioxidants, known to protect us from 7. Serve while still hot
Figs contain a proteolytic enzyme, ficin, cancers and degenerative diseases. Studies
show that the increase in antioxidant FDIaGrkPCOhPoScolate
which along with a high fiber content, acts capacity from eating figs lasts for four hours
as a mild laxative. A ½ cup serving of after consumption. Ingredients:
dried figs contains about 7 grams of fiber. • 3.5 oz. bar of dark organic (fair trade)
That will certainly give your daily fiber 4. Figs promote heart health. cacao chocolate
intake a healthy boost! The high fiber content helps control • 12 large figs (green or mission figs)
• Raw coconut flakes (optional)
2. Figs contribute to maintaining cholesterol levels, the Omega-3 and Preparation:
bone density. Omega-6 fatty acids promote flexible 1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
arteries, and the potassium to sodium ratio Reduce heat to medium-low.
According to the University of lowers blood pressure. 2. Set a large glass bowl to rest atop the pot,
Maryland Medical Center, diets rich in with the bottom of the bowl partly touching
calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin In addition to these amazing facts about the water.
K help prevent bone loss. Figs provide all of figs, they have also been shown to improve the 3. Add the chocolate bar to the glass bowl.
these nutrients. Figs are one of the highest skin, help sleep disorders, and reduce fatigue. As chocolate begins to melt, stir with
plant sources of calcium. wooden spoon.
Add figs to your whole food diet.Your Whip it up:
body will thank you! 1. At the fig’s stem end, insert a 6-inch
wooden skewer (pointed end up) half way
HOW TO SELECT FRESH FIGS inside each fig.
2. Dip each fig in the chocolate. Coat all
Love that sweet taste and squishy feel! Figs are in season once in early summer and again in late sides by rolling the fig around evenly.
summer through fall. Choose wrinkled, plump, or even split figs. A bent stem and wrinkled skin 3. If you like coconut, once the chocolate is
indicates superior flavor. Avoid figs that are withered, mushy, leaking fluid or wet around the stem. coated on the fig, roll the fig in raw coconut
Eat right away! Fresh figs won’t last more than 48 hours … a little longer in the ‘fridge but the flakes.
cold lessens their flavor. 4. Place each fig on wax paper to cool.
5. Place figs on wax paper in the refrigerator
for 10 minutes.
6. Remove from refrigerator and enjoy!
20 INSPIRE HEALTH July § August 2015
FOUR REASONSTO AHevOseNwrEyeYoentFetIr!GeSat for
FigsINDULGE IN Ingredients
By Christina Leidenheimer • 6 whole, ripe figs
• ½ stick of butter
The fig has a long history of being a powerful, healthy food. • 3 tablespoons of honey
Figs are rich in minerals, vitamins, and other phytonutrients and Instructions
1. Cut 6 plump figs into half lengthwise
they provide an impressive number of health benefits. 2. Place on a baking sheet cut sides up
3. Brush with melted butter
Here are reasons to include figs in your 3. Figs reduce the risk of cancer. 4. Place figs about 3 inches below the broiler
health program: Fresh figs are a rich source of 5. Broil until the tops bubble and brown
6. Drizzle with honey
1. Figs improve regularity. antioxidants, known to protect us from 7. Serve while still hot
Figs contain a proteolytic enzyme, ficin, cancers and degenerative diseases. Studies
show that the increase in antioxidant FDIaGrkPCOhPoScolate
which along with a high fiber content, acts capacity from eating figs lasts for four hours
as a mild laxative. A ½ cup serving of after consumption. Ingredients:
dried figs contains about 7 grams of fiber. • 3.5 oz. bar of dark organic (fair trade)
That will certainly give your daily fiber 4. Figs promote heart health. cacao chocolate
intake a healthy boost! The high fiber content helps control • 12 large figs (green or mission figs)
• Raw coconut flakes (optional)
2. Figs contribute to maintaining cholesterol levels, the Omega-3 and Preparation:
bone density. Omega-6 fatty acids promote flexible 1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
arteries, and the potassium to sodium ratio Reduce heat to medium-low.
According to the University of lowers blood pressure. 2. Set a large glass bowl to rest atop the pot,
Maryland Medical Center, diets rich in with the bottom of the bowl partly touching
calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin In addition to these amazing facts about the water.
K help prevent bone loss. Figs provide all of figs, they have also been shown to improve the 3. Add the chocolate bar to the glass bowl.
these nutrients. Figs are one of the highest skin, help sleep disorders, and reduce fatigue. As chocolate begins to melt, stir with
plant sources of calcium. wooden spoon.
Add figs to your whole food diet.Your Whip it up:
body will thank you! 1. At the fig’s stem end, insert a 6-inch
wooden skewer (pointed end up) half way
HOW TO SELECT FRESH FIGS inside each fig.
2. Dip each fig in the chocolate. Coat all
Love that sweet taste and squishy feel! Figs are in season once in early summer and again in late sides by rolling the fig around evenly.
summer through fall. Choose wrinkled, plump, or even split figs. A bent stem and wrinkled skin 3. If you like coconut, once the chocolate is
indicates superior flavor. Avoid figs that are withered, mushy, leaking fluid or wet around the stem. coated on the fig, roll the fig in raw coconut
Eat right away! Fresh figs won’t last more than 48 hours … a little longer in the ‘fridge but the flakes.
cold lessens their flavor. 4. Place each fig on wax paper to cool.
5. Place figs on wax paper in the refrigerator
for 10 minutes.
6. Remove from refrigerator and enjoy!
20 INSPIRE HEALTH July § August 2015
