PPI is having a ‘fig-raiser’ Did you know that aside from being nutritious and delicious, in the wild figs account for almost half of a chimpanzee’s diet, providing an excellent source of energy? At PPI we have three beautiful fig trees on site, and as you can see Bubba enjoys snacking on the leaves. Every now and then we get donations of figs from grocer H-E-B, but they are typically too expensive to buy on a regular basis. So, we are having a “fig-raiser.” Please consider making a donation by clicking here so we can throw some fig parties at the sanctuary this summer. Your support would be greatly appreciated by Bubba, who came to PPI in May of 2005 after spending most of his life at the Buckshire Corporation, which bred chimpanzees and leased animals to research labs and the entertainment industry, Although Bubba took time to adjust to living at the sanctuary, he’s now a thriving, friendly chimpanzee. Bubba has expert spitting skills. He also absolutely loves shoes. When an enrichment involves shoes, his panhoots can be heard throughout the sanctuary. He wants you to know that figs are good for humans too, which is no surprise since scientists have long known that chimps and humans share about 98 percent of their DNA. Here are some health benefits of figs, according to the San Francisco Chronicle:
  • One of the biggest benefits of eating figs is their fiber content. A serving of three large figs – about 140 calories' worth – supplies you with six grams of dietary fiber. This single serving covers between 16 and 27 percent of the fiber you'll need for the day, depending on your age and gender.
  • Fiber helps keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range, because certain types of fiber bind cholesterol in your gut and flush it out of your body. They’re also a good source of potassium, which helps lower your blood pressure, and managing the balance of potassium and sodium in your diet is key for heart health.
  • Figs promote good immune health because they're a good source of vitamin A.
Not sure how to use those figs? Bubba says start by adding thinly sliced figs to a spinach salad – they go especially well with toppings like walnuts and caramelized onions. Top your morning toast with sliced figs or add chopped figs and a drizzle of maple syrup to your steel-cut oats in the morning