What is useful figs for the human body, who is contraindicated. The benefits and harms of eating dried figs

Mentioned in the Bible. The leaves of the fig tree covered the first people - Adam and Eve. Fig seedlings are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. The rich chemical composition of the wine berry, so called dried figs, has a positive effect on many processes occurring in the human body. The berry is especially useful for women.

Very often, when dried, many fruits lose their beneficial properties. But this is not the case for figs. The nutritional value of the berry after its drying increases, it was not for nothing that the soldiers ate it during the campaigns of Alexander the Great. Yes, and fresh fig berries are difficult to preserve, so it is better to dry them. You can enjoy dried fruits for a whole year until the new harvest.

Composition and benefits for women

In the dried fruits of the fig tree, or figs, many vitamins are preserved. The fruits are especially rich in vitamin A, folic acid, slightly less vitamin E in them. Of the minerals in the fig, there is enough magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and almost as much potassium as in nuts. Wine berries are valued for their high content - about 70 percent - of glucose, sucrose. Pectin in the composition of figs increases the nutritional value of seedlings, is able to normalize metabolism.

Dried berries are especially useful for the female body:

1. Keep the balance chemical elements during the period critical days help eaten a few figs. Since they contain coumarin, the blood thins, making the condition of the woman easier.
2. Anemia is one of the common diseases of a woman during pregnancy. It is the use of dried figs that will improve the composition of the blood.
3. The properties of the wine berry include the stimulation of the lactation process, therefore, during the feeding period, they eat two or three pieces a day. Excessive passion can adversely affect the child's digestive system.
4. For those who suffer from increased body weight, the wine berry will become the best assistant in weight loss. The inclusion of figs in the diet will allow you to quickly get enough, help to exclude sweets and sweets from the menu. Fig berries can easily replace them during a snack.
5. To cleanse the body of a woman from toxins and toxins, dried fruits of the fig tree are used. They have so much fiber that after eating even two berries a day, the need for it will disappear. And the dietary fiber of the berry will relieve constipation, improve metabolism.
6. The symptoms of varicose veins are particularly severe in women. Dried figs make up for the deficiency of potassium in the body, relieve swelling, cramps in the calf muscles.
7. Figs are useful for colds, sore throats. Dry fruits of figs, infused with milk, are used for gargling.
8. The pulp of dried figs contains many seeds. In crushed form, it is used as a scrub for exfoliating dead skin cells, facial rejuvenation.

The positive effect of fig fruit on female body described by Avicenna.

But some women will have to give up fig treats if they suffer from an acute form of peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum. Oxalic acid in the composition of the fruit will irritate the walls of the digestive tract, increasing pain.

It is forbidden to use dried figs for pancreatitis.

A large amount of glucose will not allow people with diabetes to enjoy figs. Although there are no figs in the fruits essential oils, but allergy sufferers need to include wine berries in their diet with caution.

Whatever benefit the fig tree berry brings to the woman's body, it is necessary to observe the measure in its use.

Since figs grow only in warm countries, the fresh fruits enter the trading network for a short time: either in July or September. The maturity of the berry is determined by the opening of the fruit from below into four parts. Drying of fruits is carried out under a canopy, where they are well ventilated. Washing before drying the figs is not recommended.

The very name of the berry suggests that it can ferment like young wine. You can avoid this by dipping the fruit in boiling syrup for a second or two. Now it remains to lay them out on the grids and place them in a well-ventilated room. After a week of drying, the berries are flattened, strung on a thread and hung in the sun. Some berry bunches are placed over the gas or placed in the oven. After drying, the fruits are placed in a paper bag, keeping in a cupboard.

There are also such ways of storing figs:

• The dark variety of figs is dried and put in sealed bags and placed in the freezer.
• Jam is prepared by passing the berries through a meat grinder along with a lemon. Adding sugar to the prepared mass, cook over low heat for twenty to forty minutes. Store jam in jars. Per kilogram of berries take 700 grams of sugar.
• Dried figs are used to make wine with the addition of a few blueberries. A kilogram of figs is poured into ten liters of warm water and placed in a dark place for ten days.

All types of wine storage will allow you to enjoy its beneficial properties for a long time.

More information can be found in the video:

In ancient times, the fig tree was a symbol of wealth and prosperity, fertility and love. This is not surprising - the berries of the plant, which was also called fig, fig, and fig, are very tasty and nutritious, they healing properties were known to the ancient Greeks.

So, the soldiers of Alexander the Great always had a bag of dried or dried berries with them on a campaign, because the gruel from these fruits healed wounds, and after a hard campaign or battle, the berries helped to quickly restore strength. Is the fig really that valuable?

Useful and medicinal properties for health

The fig is a southern plant and its fruits have long been used in cuisines. different peoples. But fresh berries spoil in just a day or two, so most often we are dealing with dried figs, which fully retain all the qualities of fresh fruit.

Dried fruits are more nutritious, have a rich taste, give strength, fill us with energy and improve mood. Gourmets give preference to them, adding to desserts, pastries, muesli, etc.

Figs boast the richest composition, it has vitamins A, D, E, C, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, B11, PP, as well as pectins, proteins, various enzymes, fiber, sugars, amino acids, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, etc. In dried figs, as it turned out, there are even more minerals than in fresh ones: sodium - 10 times, calcium - 5.

Potassium in it is only slightly less than in nuts and 3 times more than in fresh berries, and the fruits are richer in iron than apples, which doctors recommend for anemia.

What diseases does fig help with?

• Berry juice removes sand and stones from the kidneys and gallbladder, has a beneficial effect on the liver and spleen

• Eliminates infectious and viral skin diseases, removes toxins and is effective in the prevention of cancer.

• A record amount of potassium strengthens the heart muscle, normalizes blood pressure, improves hemoglobin, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, prevents the formation of blood clots and venous insufficiency. Regular consumption of berries can prevent heart attack, stroke, hypertensive crisis.

• Figs are used for colds, pharyngitis, sore throats, severe coughs, laryngitis and loss of voice. It is easy to prepare a remedy for these diseases: evaporate 6 fruits in 400 ml of milk and take a warm decoction of 50-60 ml 4-6 times a day.

• Calcium is a very valuable mineral in the menu of children and the elderly, it strengthens bones and teeth, improves overall tone, and prevents visual impairment.

• The fig quickly removes poisonous and toxic substances, therefore it is used in the treatment of poisoning and liver diseases.

• Dried or dried figs are recommended to always be on hand for athletes, tourists, people engaged in heavy physical labor. It is quickly absorbed and well restores strength.

• Fiber, trace elements and acids of fresh fruit gently cleanse the intestines, relieve constipation and bloating.

Figs are extremely beneficial for men. He is effective medicine with prostatitis, gives a surge of energy and restores male power at any age .

You can create a healing drink at home on your own: soak 2 medium-sized berries in 250 ml of warm milk, leave for 10-12 hours, and then drink the milk and eat the berries. The course of treatment is about a month.

For women, regular inclusion of fresh and dried figs in the menu is a way to solve many health problems.

Smokva will help:

• get rid of excess weight. Just replace one meal with 2-3 berries, and soon you will feel how those extra pounds go away. Fruits help to activate the metabolism and remove excess fat. Also, fresh figs can become the main meal on a fasting day. The diet on this day should be as follows: 1 kilogram of berries, 500 g of vegetables or fruits, 2 liters of low-fat yogurt.

• fix the legs. On heels, the legs often get tired, veins begin to protrude, varicose veins appear. Dealing with these painful and unaesthetic problems is not easy, especially if you have a sedentary job. Now among office workers, more than half suffer from such troubles, and expensive ointments do not always help. the solution to the problem is much simpler: one or two fruits (dried or fresh) per day will be enough to prevent such problems.

• get rid of such an unpleasant phenomenon as leucorrhoea caused by an infectious or fungal disease of the female organs.

For children, figs are, first of all, a tasty treat, very sweet and interesting, with pinkish or yellowish fibers inside. Kids eat it with pleasure, replenishing the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals.

A mixture of fig gruel, liquid honey, warm milk and butter- delicious and very effective cough remedy. Fresh fig puree is tasty and reliable remedy from childhood constipation, a way to improve appetite and improve digestion. However, before preparing for a child dishes or medicinal mixtures with figs, make sure he's not allergic for this product.

berry calories

The energy value of figs is noticeably higher than that of many fruits we are used to, so people who monitor their weight should eat it with caution, in small quantities.

Calorie content per 100 grams of fresh berries is 50-70 kcal. For comparison, in watermelon and grapefruit - about 35 kcal, in apricot - 47 kcal, pear - 54 kcal, strawberries - 28-35 kcal.

Dried and dried fig berries are much more nutritious than fresh ones. 100 grams more than 250 kcal!

Use during pregnancy

Even for unborn babies and expectant mothers, the benefits of figs are enormous! Very often, women who are waiting for the replenishment of the family suffer from weakness, nausea, digestive disorders, anemia, and depression.

• supplies the body of the child and mother with the necessary micro and macro elements
• allows you to solve problems with difficult stools without medications and unpleasant procedures
• improves blood quality, raises hemoglobin and contributes to the proper development of the fetus
• promotes the production of the happy hormone serotonin in the body. with its help, it will be easier for future mothers to cope with worries, mood swings, depressive states.

It should be remembered that for pregnant women who are rapidly gaining weight, figs can be harmful due to their rather high calorie content.

During lactation, figs will become a valuable source of potassium and calcium for the baby, and it also stimulates the release of mother's milk. A decoction of berries will be especially valuable in cases where there is intolerance to milk and dairy products.

Harm and contraindications

Figs are a fruit that grows in a warm climate, where not only people, but also birds, insects, and other animals want to eat them. Accordingly, trees are often treated with drugs that repel pests or to improve the preservation of fruits.

Berries treated with chemicals can be harmful to health, so if you are not sure that the fruit is absolutely “clean”, it is better not to eat the peel and be sure to wash them before eating.

When buying dried figs, make sure they are free of mites or other small insects. A whitish coating on dried fruits is mistaken by some for mold, but it is not at all dangerous - these are glucose crystals that have appeared on the skin, completely harmless and very sweet.

Doctors and nutritionists do not give direct contraindications to the use of figs, but they strongly recommend not to include it in the menu for exacerbation of stomach diseases, diabetes, gout, allergies. However, it is not safe for perfectly healthy people to eat figs in unlimited quantities, overeating can only do harm. For good health, it is enough to eat 2-4 fruits.

Enjoy sweet and useful figs and stay healthy and strong!

The benefits and harms of figs for the body of women and men have been known to mankind since biblical times. This fruit is similar to which they were also described back in the heyday of civilization. Ancient Greece. And just like the noble laurel, the fig is surrounded by a mass of myths and legends, because it is one of the most ancient plants cultivated by man.

What it is?

The fig, or fig, is the fruit of the fig tree, or the common fig tree (Fig). Sometimes it is called a wine berry. Grows in subtropical regions throughout the globe.

The photo shows what a fig fruit looks like and the tree on which it ripens.

There are a large number of different varieties of fig tree.

Below are two well-known varieties: dark - "Black Mission" and green "Kadota".

Of course, there are many more varieties of figs. Their color varies from light yellow-green to black. Lots of brown varieties.

Compound

Calorie content of fresh figs per 100 grams - 74 kcal. In this amount, fig tree berries are present:

• 19 g of carbohydrates (2.8 grams are fructose);
• 3 g fiber;
• 7% of the daily dose of potassium;
• 6% manganese, vitamin K and B6;
• 4% magnesium, calcium, thiamine.

The calorie content of dried figs is 249 kcal per 100 grams. which also includes:

• 63.9 g of carbohydrates (of which almost 23 grams is fructose);
• 9.8 fiber;
• 26% of the daily requirement of manganese;
• 19% vitamin K and potassium;
• 17% magnesium;
• 16% calcium;
• 14% copper;
• 11% iron;
• 6% vitamin B 6 and thiamine;
• 5% vitamin B2.

In addition to vitamins, microelements and vegetable fiber, figs contain other bioactive compounds, which explain why figs are useful for the human body. In particular, these are polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids with antioxidant activity. In dried berries, these components are much greater than in fresh ones.

More in dried figs and all other useful compounds. So in ½ cup of fresh berries there is as much calcium as in ½ cup of milk. And just one dried berry contains as much calcium as an egg.

However, there are more harmful components (sugars) in the dried product. And this must be remembered, including figs in the diet.

Beneficial features

Protection against the occurrence of malignant neoplasms.	Elimination of constipation.
Decreased triglyceride levels (useful for the prevention of heart and vascular diseases).	Stabilization of the mental state by enhancing the biosynthesis of serotonin.
Strengthening immunity.	Prevention and treatment of anemia.
Strengthening bones and teeth.	Normalization of the balance of potassium: sodium, necessary for the prevention of many dangerous diseases, such as hypertension.
Relief of sore throat in colds.	Preservation of vision (prevention of age-related macular degeneration).
Reducing the severity of symptoms of hemorrhoids.	Prevention of early aging, including the preservation of youthful skin.
Antimicrobial and antifungal activity.	Help in the work of beneficial intestinal microflora.

Naturopaths sometimes explain the benefits of figs for the body also by the fact that it is included in the number. Although the theory of alkaline and acidic foods does not have rigorous scientific support, alkaline foods usually include natural plant components of the diet, which are undoubtedly important for health.

Beneficial features figs and contraindications for its use are similar to. Both fruits are high in sugar. Therefore, they are beneficial to the body only when they are used in in large numbers. If you eat a lot of wine berries, then it will be harmful, not useful. Since an excessive amount of sugar is dangerous to health.

Can you eat while losing weight?

Dried and fresh figs have benefits for the body of losing weight people. For example, this product reduces chronic inflammation and normalizes the intestinal microflora. And this is important for weight loss.

However, figs (both fresh and dried) are not the kind of fruit that those who lose weight should lean on. Because there are too many sugars in it, which you will never be able to lose weight on. Therefore, for those who want to lose weight, you can include figs in your diet. But only in limited quantities.

The calculation can be made on the basis of the fructose content in the berry, since this sugar is the most fattening.

Losing weight people are allowed to consume no more than 15 grams of fructose per day. In terms of the number of figs, this means that you can do:

500 grams of fresh fruits;

60 g - dried (three things).

But this is only what concerns fructose. In addition to it, there are other sugars in the fig. Therefore, the total amount of figs that losing weight can afford will be less. Approximately 300 grams for fresh berries and 2 pieces for dried.

Answers to common questions about this fruit

Figs: is it a fruit or a berry?

Fruits are the fruits of trees and shrubs. Since the fig is the fruit of the fig tree, it is a fruit.

Botanically, fruits can refer to different types. For example, it can be drupes or berries.

The fruit of the fig tree is a syconium, not a berry. Therefore, from a botanical point of view, figs are not berries. However, in Russian it is called a berry, for example, wine.

Which figs are healthier: fresh or dried?

The fruit of the fig tree is one of those rare fruits that, when dried, do not at all lose their medicinal qualities. And even multiply them.

Therefore, there is no point in chasing fresh berries. Moreover, you will not succeed, as they deteriorate very quickly. And therefore, from time immemorial, the fig was used mainly in dried form, even where it grew.

Can figs be breastfeeding?

Yes. It is possible and necessary.

The fruit of the fig tree is rich in calcium - a trace element that nursing mothers need in large quantities.

At the same time, the fig not only provides calcium, but also reduces its loss in the urine, as it brings potassium into the body. It is low potassium levels that often cause calcium leaching.

Is it possible to eat figs during pregnancy?

Yes. It protects expectant mothers from the occurrence of viral diseases, prevents anemia, avoids constipation, fills life force, strengthens bones, etc.

In fact, all the benefits of figs are important for the body of a woman who is expecting a baby.

How to choose fresh figs?

The fruits of the fig tree rarely reach our table fresh. The harvest season is short. Moreover, they are collected only when they are fully ripe. Since the figs plucked green will not be able to ripen.

Therefore, figs do not tolerate transportation well. This is the most perishable fruit. In torn form, they are stored for only a few days. So it is quite difficult to buy fresh figs. But if you still have such an opportunity, then pay attention to the fact that the berries:

• should be soft, but not too;
• must have a bright ripe fruit color (even if this variety is green, it must be "ripe greens");
• the tail should be curved and the skin slightly wrinkled (if the skin is shiny and smooth, the fruit is immature, although it looks more attractive).

Never purchase a fresh fig tree that shows signs of mold or stains. Even a completely clean benign fruit is stored for only a few days. If he has already begun to deteriorate, then he has a couple of hours left to live.

How to store fresh figs?

In the fridge. In a paper bag or in a plastic container with a tightly closed lid.

The fruits cannot be stacked on top of each other. They must lie in one row.

The maximum storage period is three days.

How to eat fresh figs?

Fresh figs are eaten without the skin. There are several ways to get to its pulp. Here is one of them.

1. Cut off or unscrew the tail.
2. Make a cross cut.
3. Insert the tip of a knife between the skin of the fig and its flesh. And cut about 2 cm deep.
4. Next, pull on the skin. She must crawl.
5. On the ass of the fruit, the remains of the peel will need to be cut off again.

How to eat dried figs?

Easier than fresh.

You can just eat it without peeling anything (along with the peel). Just be sure to wash it first.

If the fig is too hard, it can be poured hot water and hold for a few minutes.

Examples of medicinal use

1. To eliminate chronic constipation, soak 2-3 figs in a glass overnight warm water. And in the morning, eat them with the water in which they lay overnight. In the season of fresh figs, you can just eat 2-3 berries for breakfast.
2. To increase sexual stamina, also soak 2-3 berries in the evening. Only not in water, but in milk. And eat them in the morning with milk.

Recipe for making figs with cough milk

Ingredients: milk and figs per glass of milk - one fruit.

• Warm milk to room temperature.
• Wine berries must be thoroughly washed. Since dried figs are usually used, before dipping the fruits in milk, it is good not only to wash them, but also to steam them in boiling water.
• Put the container of milk on the fire and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, close the lid and simmer for an hour.
• Then take the pot off the heat and wrap it in a blanket. And then let it cool down completely. And then just put it in the fridge.

Drink the milk in which the figs have been boiled warm. Eat the berries themselves - don't throw them away.

Contraindications and side effects

When used in permitted quantities (300-400 grams of fresh fruit, a few dried berries), the fig does not cause any harm to health. Except in cases of allergy to it, which develops in people with allergies to natural rubber and other plants of the Mulberry family.

Also, fig can harm diabetic patients and those people who are preparing for surgical interventions.

But for the use of figs in large quantities, there are contraindications. In fact, this fruit is not recommended for anyone to eat in large volumes. Moreover, this is not required.

To get the benefits of figs for the body, it is enough to eat it a little bit: the concentration of treated compounds in the fruit, especially dried, is high.

In volumes exceeding the permitted, wine berry:

• causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating;
• aggravates the symptoms of gout and kidney stones;
• may lead to irritation of the upper respiratory tract.

But the most important thing, what is the harm of figs consumed in large volumes, is an overdose of sugars, which completely neutralize all the useful properties of the fruit.

So if in a small amount the fig has anti-inflammatory properties, prevents atherosclerosis and helps to lose weight, then consumed in large volumes it leads to weight gain, strengthening inflammatory processes, the occurrence of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

And all because the harmful effects of sugar blocks the medicinal qualities.

The benefits and harms of figs for the human body: conclusions

The beneficial properties of figs are associated with the presence of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in its composition.

The negative health effects are mainly due to the high sugar content.

And therefore, in order for the benefits of figs to exceed its harm, you need to eat fruit only in small quantities: a few pieces of dried fruit, 300-400 grams - fresh.

The main contraindications for use are diabetes and allergies.

Figs are not a fruit at all (although it is commonly called that), not a vegetable, not even a berry! A unique plant is inflorescences that are practically not stored for a long time, therefore, dried inflorescences are most often found in Russia.

But even so, the benefits and harms to the body of figs are 100% preserved. Possessing a specific taste, these fruits require a careful attitude towards themselves in terms of cooking.

They taste sweet, sugar, a little honey. There are no specific vitamins or minerals in the composition that could be isolated in a special concentration, such as, for example, rich in folic acid in a special form.

History of the sweet berry

Fig fruits grow on a fig tree. According to legend, it was the leaves of this tree that Adam and Eve used to create clothes. The plant is considered one of the most ancient in the world, and its homeland is Asia Minor. Figs were used by the ancient Greeks.

The tree lives for 200 years, during this period the plant gives an excellent harvest. The main suppliers are Greece, Turkey and Iran.

Useful properties of different types

The benefits and harms of figs for the body are almost the same for dried and fresh. Both of them have a good effect on the digestive system due to the high content of fibers, pectins. Gallic acid, which is part of the fruit, has a good antiseptic effect, so they are recommended in small quantities after poisoning.

The same can be said about fig for the heart system. Here it can even be a little envious, since the fig tree berry contains a huge amount of potassium. the same mineral. It should be noted that the benefits of dried figs for the heart will be somewhat higher, since phenol, fatty acids are formed inside, which protect against heart disease and atherosclerosis. The action of the fresh is as follows:

• lowers cholesterol levels;
• stimulates the excretion of sweat, bile, perfect for the treatment of colds;
• contains a lot of calcium, useful for teeth and skeleton;
• lowers sugar levels in diabetes;
• destroys fungi;
• improves the condition of the vocal cords and tonsils.

This is how dried figs are useful: increases sexual stamina, helps with bronchitis and asthma, is used to gargle with sore throat (similar to the action of a fresh product). Both species have beneficial properties for immunity, blood condition, and prevention of the formation of cancer cells due to the enormous amount of antioxidants in the composition.

What diseases is it used for?

The wine berry, like the feijoa fruit, has tremendous benefits in the treatment of various acute respiratory viral infections. It copes well with high fever and infections, even treats diseases such as tonsillitis and bronchitis. Inflorescences are included in the diet for tuberculosis. Use in diet food for other diseases:

• any inflammation of the oral cavity;
• hypertension;
• diseases of the kidneys and stomach;
• almost all vascular diseases;
• high blood viscosity;
• constipation;
• anemia and liver disease.

In diabetes, there are restrictions on the use of fresh wine berries, and dried is strictly prohibited.

Harm and contraindications

The fruits of the fig tree have contraindications for use:

• tendency to gout;
• disturbances in the exchange of oxalic acid;
• inflammatory diseases of the digestive system;
• diseases of the pancreas;
• pancreatitis;
• stomach ulcer and gastritis.

With urolithiasis, you need to eat only a few pieces a week, no more. You should not get carried away with them even with normal health, since uncontrolled use can lead to unforeseen reactions from the gastrointestinal tract.

How to choose and store?

If all the beneficial properties for the body of figs are taken into account, you can start choosing the right snacks. Make it simple. Fresh inflorescences have an even appearance, they should not have rotten or wrinkled sides, and the fresh product smells like fruit. If there is a sour smell of fermentation, you should refuse to eat, as the wine berry thus begins to rot.

Since dried wine berries are most often found on the market, you need to be able to choose them too. There should be no plaque on the inflorescences, and if in this regard, on the contrary, it implies the presence of a whitish coating on the right fruits, then the fruit with such a coating is old and tasteless. The skin is not bright, yellowish or light brown.

You can store fresh figs only for 3 days in the refrigerator:

• after purchase, it is well washed and dried;
• wrap with a napkin and put in a glass container;
• the vessel is removed in the refrigerator.

The paper absorbs all the moisture and allows you to keep the benefits of the fruit for the body and its freshness longer.

Dried figs are well stored in a dark place at a low temperature for six months. In markets and shops, a fig flower is most often sold in boxes or baskets, but it can also be found in the form of beads - a fig is strung on a string. Some housewives prefer this type, considering it the most delicious.

But next to spices and strongly smelling substances, fig fruit should not be stored.

How to eat?

Not everyone knows how to eat fresh figs, because they have a very specific taste. The candied dry product is pre-soaked in water for 2-3 hours, but some people simply rinse and eat in this form.

Made from sweets delicious jam, but there are much less vitamins in it, as well as coarse fibers. A great option is to eat fresh fruit with various cheeses. It is cut into quarters and put together with grapes, nuts, next to cheeses. The fruit perfectly interrupts the taste of cheese and allows you to take pleasant breaks between the use of one or another type of dairy product.

Slimming with figs

The calorie content of fresh fruit does not exceed 40-45 kcal per 100 g, but dried fruit has an indicator of 200-230 kcal per similar volume. For weight loss, it is enough to include 2-3 inflorescences in the diet daily, you can mix sweetness with cottage cheese or yogurt, add to pastries, make delicious puree and.

Recipes for health

From fragrant inflorescences you can cook not only delicious recipes for the daily menu, but also real healing potions that will help you quickly get rid of fever, sore throat, cough. Here, for example, is a recipe for making figs with cough milk:

• milk 3.2%;
• fig - 6 pieces for 2 cups of liquid.

The recipe will help not only to remove the cough, but also improve the condition of the vocal cords. The recipe is especially useful for singers during the cold season.

After the inflorescences are well washed, they are cut into halves, the flesh is peeled, folded into milk and put on medium heat. As soon as the milk boils, cover the saucepan, wrap it in a warm towel. The decoction should be infused for about an hour. In one day you need to drink all the contents.

If you don’t like drinking at all, then they can simply gargle. For this, dried fruits are poured with boiled milk for 40 minutes.

Sweet fruit salad

Tender berries go great with tofu! Useful and harmful properties figs for the body are perfectly balanced. Fresh inflorescences are thinly sliced, mixed with cheese, cut into cubes. Everything is laid out on a plate, sprinkled with red pepper. You can decorate the dish with mint leaves or lemon basil.

Candies with wine berry

Dried sweet berries are easy to make delicious, healthy sweets without sugar. To do this, take about 0.25 kg of inflorescences, 100 g of dark chocolate. If desired, add walnuts or almonds, a spoonful of cocoa powder.

Dry berries are briefly soaked in hot liquid. Then it is dried, and the chocolate is finely rubbed, heated in a water bath. If desired, you can season the liquid mixture with a spoonful of butter.

Cut crosswise, stuffed with ground walnuts. Then the sweets are shaped into standard truffles, dipped in melted chocolate, and laid out on a wire rack. Then each candy should be rolled in cocoa powder and placed in the refrigerator for several hours.

The cost of figs is quite high, but given that it is better not to eat more than 3-4 pieces per day, then 1 kg is enough for a long time. Adding a product to the right diet is simply necessary for those who have switched from harmful sweets to dried fruits and nuts, because fig tree inflorescences can completely replace harmful sugar!

Figs: history, types, distribution, composition and calorie content, health benefits, medicinal properties and contraindications. A photo.

Common figs, also known as figs, figs, figs, ficus caricas, fig trees, are subtropical deciduous trees reaching a height of 12 m. Usually figs produce two to three crops per season, in summer and autumn. The color of the fruit varies from creamy yellow to dark red and black-blue, the taste is from sweet and sour to sugary-sweet, the shape is round and pear-shaped. The tree begins to bear fruit already at the age of three, and can live 50-300 years.

History, types and distribution

The fig tree is one of the first crops domesticated by man. In ancient Hellas, it has been known since the 9th century BC, and in Ancient Egypt considered sacred. how cultivated plant figs began to be grown in Arabia, and from there the tree was brought to Syria, Phoenicia and Egypt. In America, the brown ficus appeared only at the end of the 16th century. By the way, this name comes from ancient Caria - a mountainous region in Asia Minor, which is considered the birthplace of the plant. Today, figs are grown in Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Greece, the Krasnodar Territory, as well as in the Caucasus and Crimea, where the tree was brought by the Genoese. At the moment, about 1000 varieties of figs have been bred. They differ from each other in the way of pollination, yield, ripening period, frost resistance, shape and size of fruits.

The most popular varieties of figs: Blanche, Kadota, Chapla, Oglobsha, Azari, Khazar, Commune, Italian white, White Adriatic, Italian black, Dalmatian (Dalmatica), Yellow giant, Purple Sukhumi, Nikitsky fragrant, Sunny, Sochi-7, Fraga white , Sary-fig, Sary-forehead (Smirnsky-2), Kalimirna, Muason, Honey (Crimean-41), Apsheron. Of the dried fruits, the light yellow Samarkand fig is considered the best.

Vitamin cocktail: composition and calorie content of figs

Figs are a fruit with a jelly-like pulp and a rich taste, containing 14 minerals and 11 vitamins. Ripe figs have very tender and juicy flesh, while dried and dried fruits are quite hard, they need to be soaked or steamed before use.

Figs contain beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, PP and group B, minerals - iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, sulfur, bromine. There is more iron in fresh fruits than in apples, and in terms of potassium content, figs are second only to nuts.

Figs are also a source of proteins, natural sugars, organic acids, dietary fiber, tannins, fiber, pectins, and extremely important omega-3 fatty acids for health. The benefits of figs are also associated with the presence of antioxidants in it - polyphenols and flavonoids. In addition, a ripe fig is an alkaline food, and in the diet modern man there is a significant deficiency. Based on the foregoing, it can be argued that figs are ideal option for a snack, of course, if a person seeks to satisfy his hunger quickly and for the benefit of his body.

Calorie content of fresh figs: 74 kcal per 100 g. Nutritional value: carbohydrates - 12 g, proteins - 0.7 g, fats - 0.2 g.

Dried figs calories: 257 kcal per 100 g. Nutritional value: carbohydrates - 57.9 g, proteins - 3.1 g, fats - 0.8 g.

Versatile Benefits: The Medicinal Benefits of Figs

High cholesterol, hangover, cough, stress, excess weight- figs can cope with these and many other problems. Official medicine today appreciates its healing properties as highly as ancient Greek healers did several millennia ago.

With a cold

The benefits of figs for colds are explained by its antipyretic, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effects. In the form of a decoction (in milk or water), fig fruits are used in folk medicine with inflammation of the gums, respiratory diseases, as a rinse for sore throats. Cough figs (4-5 fresh fruits pour a glass of hot milk, soak and grind) can be given to young children: you need to drink such a cocktail in 2-3 doses a day.

For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Figs are useful in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver diseases, and for the prevention of colon cancer. Its fruits have a mild laxative effect, they help to improve bowel function without the use of medicines. You need to take a couple of berries and soak in water (if it is dry figs) or milk (fresh fruits) and eat on an empty stomach. Doctors also prescribe the fruits of the wine berry for nephritis, urolithiasis and painful urination.

For cardiovascular diseases

Figs are useful for hypertension, iron deficiency anemia and venous insufficiency, as it is rich in rutin and potassium, which strengthens the walls of blood vessels and the heart muscle. The enzymes contained in the fruits of the wine berry maintain the normal composition of the blood, preventing it from thickening, and contribute to the resorption of blood clots in the veins. The amino acids that make up figs help break down excess cholesterol in the blood.

For skin lesions

Figs accelerate the opening and healing of boils, abscesses, abscesses: fruits steamed in milk are applied to sore spots. Juice and infusion of fresh leaves of carian ficus perfectly moisturizes dry skin, removes pigmentation in vitiligo, removes warts, treats acne and other skin diseases.

Figs are high in fiber, which improves digestion and prevents excess sugar in food from turning into fat. Mexican scientists have found that carbohydrate-rich figs, paradoxically, are useful for type II diabetes. In addition, the fruits of the wine berry perfectly satisfy hunger and help the body get rid of excess fluid. By virtue of the foregoing, figs can be considered an ideal dessert for those who monitor their weight.

Figs during pregnancy

The beneficial properties of figs also apply to pregnant women. Rich in trace elements and folates, fiber and ascorbic acid, the fruits of the wine berry are simply indispensable for maintaining the health of the mother and her unborn baby. Figs are especially useful for a woman in a position with excessive weight gain: healthy fruits can be replaced harmful sweets and synthetic vitamins.

For the mood

Figs are useful to people whose work is associated with creativity and mental stress. This sweet fruit, in addition to a healing effect, is also able to cheer up and strengthen memory, thanks to the potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6 it contains. A breakfast of figs will help out those who “went through” the day before: the fruits of the fig tree do an excellent job with thirst, nausea and dry mouth.

Contraindications

Figs, especially in dried form, are contraindicated in severe obesity, gout (due to the high concentration of oxalic acid), pancreatitis, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, impaired salt metabolism in the body and diabetes. Figs only brought benefits if consumed in reasonable quantities: no more than 100 g of dried and no more than 400 g of fresh fruits per day.

How to select and store figs

Fresh figs, even in the refrigerator, are stored for no more than two days, so we often see dried fruits on the shelves of domestic stores. Quality berries are quite soft to the touch. The staleness of dried fruits can be indicated by spots, plaque on the skin, bad smell, excessive hardness. And one more secret: experts say that the smaller the fruits of the fig tree, the tastier they are.

The fig tree is considered a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism, and is mentioned both in the Bible and in the revelations of the Koran. According to biblical legend, it was the leaves of the carian ficus that became the first "clothes" of Adam and Eve.

Invaluable health benefits, unusual taste, moderately sweet, somewhat reminiscent of honey, tender and fresh at the same time - all these advantages make figs a welcome guest on the tables of different peoples of the world. Cleopatra herself preferred it to other fruits, and the ancient Greeks rewarded winners with the fruits of the wine berry. Olympic Games. Pamper yourself with only useful sweets and be always healthy!