Carbohydrates have a bad reputation and many people are confused on how much to consume, but it is more important to focus on the type of carbohydrates rather than the exact amount. The carbs in dried figs are a great choice—let’s find out why and how many carbs in figs are present.
What are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates come in many different forms, the most common being starches, sugars and fiber. They are found in an array of both healthy and unhealthy foods and consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
Simple carbohydrates are sugars. While some occur naturallyin milk, most are added to foods. They provide a quick source of energy butleave us feeling hungry soon after eating. Examples are white bread, sugar andcandies.
Complex carbohydrates are comprised of three or more sugar molecules bonded together and take longer for our bodies to break down. Examples are fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
Plants, such as figs, are rich sources of complexcarbohydrates and fiber. Complex carbs provide a major source of vitamins, mineralsand energy for your body and play other important roles.
The US Dietary guidelines recommend that 45-65% of energy inour diet come from carbohydrates. Carbs metabolize into glucose, which yourbody’s cells require for fuel. If you consume a 2,000 calorie diet for example,you need somewhere between 225 and 325 grams of carbohydrates a day.
Like with any food group, some choices are better thanothers. Instead of getting your carbohydrates from highly processed sugarysodas and other sweets (aka refined or simple carbs), try to consume wholefoods like whole grains, legumes, fruits and veggies. Refined carbs are oftencalled “empty calories” because they provide little nutritionalvalue.
The type of carbohydrates in dried figs comes from the natural sugars found in fruit as opposed to added sugar. Plus, the fiber from the figs slows digestion, which promotes a feeling of fullness.
How Many Carbs in Figs are Present?
One-quarter cup of dried figs has 26 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of fiber, not to mention a plethora of other nutrients. Orchard ChoiceandSun-Maid California Dried Figs are equally delicious and are convenient to stock in your pantry.
Easy Ways to Get Carbs in Dried Figs
A breakfast of a piece of whole grain toast topped with dried figs and berries (choose avocado or whipped cream cheese as your base) is a great choice that will check off the box of “good carbs”.
If you still prefer to limit your carbohydrate intake, try asalad topped with dried figs as a way to incorporate some healthy carbs whilestill keeping your overall intake at a reasonable level.
Dinner could be this delicious Goat Cheese Pizza with Figs & Chicken.
Eating carbohydrates that are rich in fiber may reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain intestinal tract disorders. Learn more about how to increase fiber with figs.
Worried about gaining weight if you eat carbohydrates?Regardless of whether people consume a high-carb, high-protein or high-fatdiet, they can maintain their weight as long as energy intake matches energyoutput.
Even though complex carbohydrates have many benefits, thereis no need to overdo it unless you are planning to run a marathon. In additionto portion control, limit foods that are mostly refined carbohydrates (such asdesserts or packaged snacks) for special occasions or when strong cravings strike,as they do not satisfy hunger as well.
In summary, complex carbohydrates in dried figs:
- Fuel your body with preferred energy
- Boost fiber to promote fullness
- Add nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals to any meal or snack
- Provide a convenient source of complex carbohydrates to your diet
