Two of the Best Foods

Rambam medical writings abound with cautions against many foods he felt were detrimental to health. Two foods, however, are found in several passages throughout his writings to be what the Rambam felt very healthy and beneficial, figs and almonds. Today through modern science we now know why these foods are so valuable to a healthy diet.

While all nuts are generally laden with calorie-rich essential fats almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, the same type of health-promoting fats found in olive oil.  Research at the King's College in London suggested that "the fiber structure of almonds may block some of the fat from being absorbed, thereby reducing the calories available from almonds". Because of this fibrous presence, researchers also claim that the addition of as little as two servings of almonds a day will also help prevent the additional absorption of fats from other foods consumed throughout the day – thereby reducing general calorie consumption. Almonds are also very concentrated in protein. A quarter-cup contains 7.62 grams protein whereas the typical egg contains 5.54 grams. Almonds are a good source manganese, copper, B2 and one of the richest sources of vitamin E in the diet. Figs contains a remarkable 250 mg of calcium per 100 grams of fruit, compared to whole milk which only provides around 118mg. They also contain magnesium, copper, iron, phosphorus, Vitamins A, B1 and B2, manganese and potassium, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Dried figs contain omega 3, omega 6 and phenol, which are beneficial in helping to reduce heart disease. Their high fiber content assists with the prevention of breast and colon cancers. Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. The edible leaves of the fig tree have repeatedly been shown to have anti-diabetic properties and can actually reduce the amount of insulin needed by persons with diabetes who require insulin injections.