Have you ever wondered if eating a fruit can be non-vegetarian? That’s shocking, but we are not discussing all the fruits. Fruits are nature’s delicacies, and they are rich in nutrients. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that maintain your health. Whether it’s vitamin C from oranges to boost your immune system or potassium from bananas to stimulate muscle, fruits are required in daily diet for everyone. But what if one day you got to know that eating fruits like figs makes you a non-vegetarian and being a vegetarian? That can be quite shocking to you!
Speaking of facts, some fruits are non-vegetarian, but not all. They are not only detectable and nutritious but also have some interesting pollination. Things from the plant kingdom that turn out to be vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Even some fruits like figs have an interesting relationship with insects that might make you think twice before eating them.
The Fig Wasps Relationship
Figs rely on small wasps as their pollinators. These interactions between the fig and wasps have a history of over millions of years. Once inside the fig through a small hole called ostiole, the female wasp lays her egg and then transfers pull into that fig flower that becomes fertilized. The cycle of wasps continues with larvae that start to develop inside the interior of the fig. After a week they hatch. Once the eggs hatch, they mate with the female and dig out of the fig, creating an exit for a female wasp which carries pollen into the new fig. However, some females do not survive the entry process and remain inside the fig.
The Role Of Ficin
Ficin is an enzyme in fix that is proteolytic. If a wasp dies inside a fig, Fincin eats the wasp’s body, so that the wasp is assimilated into the fruit, effectively turning it into a part of the fruit. This means that the wasps are no longer discernible, and what remains are nutrients that are absorbed by the fig.
Being Vegetarian A Concern While Eating Figs?
It is quite interesting when it comes to being vegetarian on all vegan diets as wasps remain in figs. It may raise ethical issues with some people as a wasp’s body after being broken down will be absorbed, which is not visible or even distinguishable as separate. However, many people are still consuming things, thinking that it is a vegetarian and natural ecological cycle. While it is true that not all figs have pieces of wasps inside them, especially commercial ones which are bred without the use of wasps for pollination.
Figs are nutrient-rich fruits offering several benefits to your health. For 100 grams they provide approximately 30 cal, 0.3 g of protein, and 1.2 g of fiber, making them a low-calorie and fiber-rich snack. These are sources of magnesium, calcium, and potassium which are good for muscle functioning and bone health. They also contain antioxidants that help you protect cells from damage and support. Overall health with their natural sweetness can healthily satisfy sweet craving making it more attractive towards a balanced diet. But if you are vegetarian you should consider yourself once before eating.
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