"Turn to God and change the way you think and act, because the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 2:3

Sunday, April 10, 2011

FIG:THE HEALING FOOD !!!

SEVEN BIBLE FOODS: PART-III

Figs can trace their history back to the earliest of times with mentions in the Bible and other ancient writings.

They are thought to have been first cultivated in Egypt. They spread to ancient Crete and then subsequently, around the 9th century BC, to ancient Greece, where they became a staple foodstuff in the traditional diet.

Figs were held in such esteem by the Greeks that they created laws forbidding the export of the best quality figs. Figs were also revered in ancient Rome where they were thought of as a sacred fruit.

Fig is one of the seven living Bible foods given to the new generation of Israelites destined to possess the land of Promise. (Refer Duetronomy. 8:7-9) 
God has given us healing foods right in the Bible, beginning in the garden of Eden. The fig is mentioned in Genesis and more than 50 times throughout the word of God.

Do you know the fig is the first fruit specifically mentioned in the Bible ? (Gen.3:7).

The fig held great importance as one of the "SEVEN SPECIES" with which the HOLY LAND was blessed. In biblical terms, the fig is a symbol of peace, prosperity and great joy.

There was a time, when King Hezekiah was "sick even to death". He was visited by prophet Isaiah who ordered that they should "take a lamp of figs, and apply it as a poultice and apply it to the boil,and he will recover." (Isaiah.38:21)


In some version "boil" is translated as "wound",which some biblical scholars meant aform of cancer.The fig treatment was so effective that King Hezekiah lived and ruled another fifteen years.

The figs caused King Hezekiah's sickness to melt away. The BENZALDEHYDE in the fig is a powerful anti-cancer compound, and God knew it was the solution to King Hezekiah's illness thousands of years ago.

Figs are high in ANTIOXIDENTS, one of which is benzaldehyde. Much of figs medicinal value is due to their high amounts of fiber,magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, copper, iron, and vitamins C and B6.
Figs have been recommended for centuries to tone and nourish the intestines. In biblical times, fige were often pressed into cakes, or they were dried for preservation.

One study found that the fruit fiber in figs is linked to reducing SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE, the upper number of a pressure readin, representing pressure during the heart's contractions.



The potassium, a mineral found in the figs helps to control blood pressure. Since many people not only do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, but do consume high amounts of sodium as salt is frequently added to processed foods, they may be deficient in potassium. Low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially when coupled with a high intake of sodium, can lead to HYPERTENSION.

You probably do not think about the LEAVES of the fig tree as one of fig's edible parts. But in some cultures, fig leaves are a common part of the menu, and for good reason. The leaves of the fig have repeatedly been shown to have antidiabetic properties and can actually reduce the amount of insulin needed by persons with diabetes who require insulin injections.

In one study, a liquid extract made from fig leaves was simply added to the breakfast of insulin-dependent diabetic subjects in order to produce this insulin-lowering effect.

In animal studies, fig leaves have been shown to lower LEVELS OF TRYGLYCERIDES , a form in which fats circulate in the bloodstream.

Vitamin B6 found in figs, has been shown to help women cope up with STRESS & TENSION. Also in figs is an enzyme called physan, which breaks down certain toxins in the body and the enzyme actually dissolves foreign tissues in the body.

When we eat figs, we receive the same benefits that King Hezekiah enjoyed.As we consume these marvelous Bible foods that heal, they literally become an AGENT OF HEALING TO US.


There is nothing like the unique taste and texture of fresh figs. They are lusciously sweet with a texture that combines the chewiness of their flesh, the smoothness of their skin, and the crunchiness of their seeds. Now it is upto us to be faithful with this knowledge and apply the truth found in God's precious Word.

TIPS FOR PREPARING FIGS:
Before eating or cooking figs, wash them under cool water and then gently remove the stem. Gently wipe dry.

Dried figs can simply be eaten, used in a recipe as is, or simmered for several minutes in water or fruit juice to make them plumper and juicier.

A FEW QUICK SERVING IDEAS:


* When preparing oatmeal or any other whole grain breakfast porridge, add some dried or fresh figs.

* Poach figs in juice or red wine and serve with yogurt or frozen desserts.

* Add quartered figs to a salad of fennel, arugula and shaved Parmesan cheese.

* Fresh figs stuffed with cheese and chopped almonds can be served as desserts.


Well, when we take preventive steps by eating properly, we can avoid having to take unnecessary medication, which often masks symptoms, and we can live healthier, more productive lives in Christ.

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