Figs - benefits, harm and contraindications. Danger and contraindications

One of the most healthy fruits is a fig (fig, wineberry, fig). This one is juicy sweet fruit contains a huge amount useful vitamins and minerals. To prevent the fruit from causing harm to the body, you need to choose the right fig, and also know medicinal properties figs and contraindications.

Beneficial properties of dried figs

Fig has a bright amazing taste. Green fig fruits are difficult to transport and store, so they are often sold dried. Moreover, the usefulness of such a product is not inferior to fresh fruit. Many people are often interested in the question, what are dried figs - their benefits and harm to the body? This product can improve your mood.

Dried black fig fruit is a record holder for fiber content, so consuming this dried fruit improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and guarantees a long-lasting feeling of fullness. In addition, the benefit of dried figs lies in the content huge amount vitamins and microelements necessary for joints. Dried fruits have the following properties:

• eliminate inflammatory processes;
• help with constipation (photos of figs can often be found on laxatives);
• are a preventative against colds;
• normalize lung function;
• protect the body from fatigue and stress;
• are a good expectorant;
• help with anemia;
• due to the pectin content, they promote rapid wound healing;
• remove toxins;
• get rid of unpleasant odor from the mouth;
• have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the kidneys and genitourinary system;
• affect the elasticity and firmness of the skin;
• help reduce the risk of chronic diseases cardiovascular diseases;
• prevent the occurrence of arterial hypertension.

Dried figs - calorie content

During drying of fruits, the ratio of components changes: the number of proteins increases by 5%, the carbohydrate content reaches 70%. Nutritional value figs is 49 kcal per 100 g of product. This is not enough for the body, so you can safely eat fresh figs without worrying about harm to your figure. The calorie content of dried figs is 4 times higher than in fresh product(per 100 g there are 214 kilocalories). Therefore, those who want to keep themselves in perfect shape should not get too carried away dried fruit. Although you can’t eat a lot of it, because when dried, figs have sugary taste.

Figs - composition

Dried figs are rich in vitamins and minerals that are needed for the smooth functioning of the body. The most important thing is what is interesting chemical composition figs - the presence of potassium. In terms of the content of this element, the fruit ranks second among products, second only to nuts. Dried figs contain little water and 70% calorific agent (sucrose). Dried figs can contain almost the same vitamin and mineral complex as fresh ones. The main components of dried fruit are:

• vitamin PP;
• vitamin A;
• vitamin C;
• vitamins B2, B1, B9;
• potassium;
• iron;
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• calcium;
• dietary fiber;
• organic acids;
• starch;
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids;
• phytosterol;
• antioxidants;
• fats;
• proteins;
• tannins.

What are the benefits of dried figs for women?

Eating fig tree fruits is of great importance for the female body. Scientists say that the beneficial properties of dried figs help women look good. Thanks to the high calcium content, you can forget about poor nail condition and hair loss. The healing substances contained in figs have a beneficial effect on health during menstruation. Fig helps to overcome emotional outbursts and relieve pain. In addition, the following beneficial properties of dried figs for women are highlighted:

• thanks to great content folic acid, dried fruit is often prescribed when planning pregnancy;
• eliminates the inflammatory process in diseases of the genital organs;
• Regular use of figs at home helps reduce the risk of varicose veins;
• favors the preservation of the placenta, without harm to the baby;
• helps fight anemia.

Dried figs during pregnancy

Many women often wonder what is useful dried figs during pregnancy? Dried fig fruit contains large number vitamins and useful substances, necessary to the expectant mother. At the same time, you should eat this fruit correctly so as not to harm your child. In addition, pregnant women with diabetes should eat figs with caution, because dried fruit contains a lot of sugar. Benefits of dried figs during pregnancy:

• helps relieve cough without using medicines;
• maintains the required level of vitamins;
• promotes weight loss;
• improves blood condition;
• helps to cope with colds faster;
• eliminates digestive problems (disorders, constipation).

Dried figs for breastfeeding

During lactation, doctors can advise patients watching their figure to include fig tree fruits in their diet, which will become great addition to the diet. Regular consumption of dried figs for breastfeeding normalizes stool, regulates salt balance in the body. In addition, new mothers who have difficulty defecating can eat this product instead of laxatives. natural product. Beneficial properties of figs for nursing women:

• improves blood circulation,
• increases vascular tone;
• cleanses the body of toxins;
• strengthens nervous system;
• Regular consumption of fig tree fruits helps to avoid the development of hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and hypertension;
• forms immune system baby;
• improves milk quality;
• eliminates swelling.

What are the benefits of dried figs for men?

Men are also interested in consuming fig tree fruits, because the main benefit of dried figs is that it enhances male potency, prevents prostatitis and helps to forget about ailments associated with the genitals. In addition, the benefits of dried figs for men are as follows:

• accelerates blood circulation;
• helps reduce belly fat;
• improves reproductive health;
• reduces cholesterol levels;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• prevents the development of colorectal cancer.

Figs - contraindications

Dried wine berries have almost no side effects, its use in rare cases can cause harm to the body. Because of great content calories, dried fruit should be consumed with caution if you are obese or obese. Dried figs are a strong laxative, so you should not eat the fruit before a long trip or an important meeting. As a rule, figs have the following contraindications:

• diabetes mellitus;
• spicy gastrointestinal diseases(gastritis, colitis);
• pancreatitis;
• inflammation of the stomach;
• gout.

Video: the benefits and harms of figs

Figs grow in warm, dry climates around the world. It is eaten fresh or dried.

Sweet fruits contain a lot of sugar. In Mediterranean countries, figs are so popular that they are called "poor man's food."

Figs have been used to treat ailments for thousands of years. It contains many vitamins and minerals.

Composition and calorie content of figs

Figs are rich in fiber, which is good for digestion and prevents blood clots.

Composition 100 gr. figs as a percentage of daily value:

The calorie content of figs is 74 kcal per 100 g.

For centuries, figs and their extracts have been used to combat constipation, bronchitis, disorders, wounds and warts.

For muscles

Figs contain magnesium, which is important during physical activity. It is involved in the production of energy during muscle contractions. During intense exercise, magnesium requirements increase by 10-20%.

For the heart and blood vessels

Figs relieve stress on the walls of veins.

Thanks to magnesium and potassium, figs help keep blood pressure normal. The element removes sodium from the body through urine.

For the nerves

The beneficial properties of figs protect nerve cells from destruction and age-related death.

Magnesium in figs prevents migraines, helps fight depression, insomnia and improves mood.

For the gastrointestinal tract

Doctors advise adding figs to the diet of people suffering from chronic constipation.

For the pancreas

The leaves of fig trees are valuable for health due to their antioxidant properties. Taking fig leaf extract reduces blood sugar levels.

Figs improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

For the reproductive system

Figs are good for women because they contain magnesium and vitamin B6. They reduce the manifestation of premenstrual syndrome, which occurs 1-2 weeks before menstruation. This manifests itself in the form of mood swings, weight gain, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, chest pain and digestive problems.

For skin

Fig leaves prevent the development of skin cancer. Creams with fig extract reduce facial wrinkles thanks to antioxidants. They can be used for hyperpigmentation, acne and freckles.

For immunity

Figs contain antioxidants that prevent aging and cancer. The fruit relieves inflammation in all organs.

Beneficial properties of dried figs

Dried figs contain 19% of the daily value of potassium, which regulates blood pressure. At regular use dried fruit you will protect yourself from the development of hypertension.

The fruit contains a lot of fiber, which protects against overeating. If you want to lose weight, replace sweets in your diet with dried figs.

Dried figs are rich in iron. Women aged 19 to 50 years should receive 18 mg. iron per day, and over 51 years - 8 mg. A glass of dried figs contains 3 mg. gland. If the body is deficient in an element, you become vulnerable to infections and constantly feel weak.

Harm and contraindications of figs

Contraindications to consuming figs:

How to choose figs

Figs are sold in grocery stores and markets, they are supplied all year round. It is advisable to eat the fruit from mid-June to mid-October - this way the benefits from it will be maximum. Choose figs that are richly colored.

How to store figs

Fresh figs are best eaten immediately after picking from the tree. In the refrigerator, its shelf life will increase by a couple of days. After purchasing figs, immediately remove them from the packaging.

Jams and confitures are made from figs or dried. You can freeze figs within 12 hours of harvesting to prolong their freshness.

Drying the fruit is the easiest way to preserve fig fruits. The traditional method of sun drying produces products of varying quality. Drying the fruit in special "dryers" ensures that you get healthy dried figs. In most commercial growing areas, figs are picked as they fall and placed on trays to dry.

Figs contain many beneficial compounds, making them a healthy alternative to sweets.

Figs - nutritious product, containing a large amount of vitamins and microelements. Not many people know how dried figs are beneficial for women, despite the fact that their benefits are invaluable to a woman’s body.

Composition and calorie content

Figs surpass all other fruits in iron content. The berry also contains many other vitamins and substances necessary for a woman’s health.

Figs contain:

• minerals (iron, sodium, calcium, potassium, zinc, manganese and magnesium);
• vitamin compounds (ascorbic acid, vitamin A, B vitamins);
• organic acids (malic, aspartic, glyceric);
• pectin substances;
• amino acids;
• fiber;
• sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose).

The form of nutritional compounds in figs is such that all nutrients are well absorbed by the body, without any negative manifestations.

The calorie content of 100 g of product is 257 kilocalories.

Eating too much fruit can cause you to gain weight, so you should limit your fruit intake to a few pieces per day.

What is good for the body

Beneficial properties for women lie in the composition of the berries. Daily use Figs help provide the body with all the nutritional compounds necessary for normal functioning.

In medicine

Dried fruits can improve your health female body. During menstrual bleeding and menopause, the fruit allows you to maintain an optimal balance of microelements in the body. Due to the coumarin contained in the fruits, blood thins, which reduces the pain of menstruation.

1. Eating figs helps prevent the development of iron deficiency anemia, which is most common in women during pregnancy.
2. When breastfeeding, dried fruits can improve lactation and improve the baby's health.

Important! Consume no more than 2 fruits per day, as excessive consumption of figs can provoke lactostasis in the mother and colic in the child. There is no difference between eating fresh and dried fruit; their properties are identical.

Figs can replace sweets and confectionery, which is very useful for losing weight. Also, due to its high nutritional value, eating a couple of fruits will help relieve the feeling of hunger at a time when it is not possible to eat normally.

The diuretic and laxative effect of dried fruits allows you to remove waste and toxins from the body, as well as relieve intoxication during various diseases. The high fiber content helps improve intestinal function and relieve a woman from constipation, this is especially important in the last stages of pregnancy or after surgery.

Regular consumption of dried fruits reduces the appearance of varicose veins. This is due to the high potassium content in the fruit. The same component helps get rid of cramps and swelling of the limbs.

Dried fruits brewed in milk help fight colds, sore throat, bronchitis and tonsillitis. The high content of vitamin C speeds up the healing process and improves the functioning of the immune system.

In cosmetology

The medicinal properties of figs are used not only for health, but also for beauty. The pulp of dried fruits contains a large number of small seeds, which, after grinding, are used in scrub compositions to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin.

Insisted on olive oil crushed fruits are used as a remedy for itching and redness of the skin. This mixture nourishes the skin and eliminates inflammatory processes. Appearance Skin improves significantly after several uses.

Masks using figs have a softening and regenerating effect on the skin. Fig-based cosmetics have the following effects:

• even out the color of the skin;
• eliminate dryness and flaking;
• reduce the severity of facial wrinkles;
• accelerate tissue regeneration;
• improve metabolic processes in tissues;
• relieve swelling and reduce the severity of dark circles under the eyes;
• protect the skin from the negative effects of external factors and the environment.

Cosmetics based on dried fruits can not only be purchased in stores, but also made independently. Homemade masks have a more pronounced effect, as they contain a high concentration of the product.

Face masks with figs

The most simple mask for the face consists of one component. To prepare it, you need to take one fig and soak it overnight in warm water. This will allow the fruit to become softer and application of the mask easier.

The pulp of the fruit should be ground into a paste and applied in an even layer to the skin of the face. Keep the mask on for at least 20 minutes, but more is possible. long time. After the time has passed, you should wash the figs off your face. warm water and wipe it with a cotton pad soaked in warm chamomile infusion.

Such a simple mask, even after one use, will significantly moisturize, cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. By adding honey or other ingredients to it, you can enhance the effect of the product.

Contraindications

Eating figs is prohibited for women with inflammatory diseases of the stomach and duodenum. The oxalic acid contained in the fruit will aggravate inflammation and worsen the course of the disease.

Inflammation of the pancreas is also a direct contraindication to the consumption of dried fruits.

Due to the high sugar content, women with diabetes are not allowed to consume the fruit. We should not forget about allergic reactions, in case of individual intolerance, the fruit is contraindicated.

Despite the fact that the benefits of dried fruit are obvious, it is important to observe moderation when consuming it and not to forget about existing contraindications. Excessive use berries can cause harm to the body.

Figs are one of the earliest fruits that humans began to grow. It is this fruit that people prefer to eat, among the many sweet fruits in warm countries of the world. Unfortunately, in fresh it is not available all year round. We buy most of our fig trees in dried form. But in this article we will talk about fresh figs, their beneficial properties and benefits for the human body. Let's stop and possible harm how to select and store. Still, in the fall, fig or fig fruits can be bought fresh.

How and where figs grow

Everyone knows figs. But few people have seen it in person in its fresh form. Unfortunately, it does not tolerate frost and does not always take root in our climate. True, it is possible to grow it in home greenhouse conditions, which significantly increases the degree of its useful qualities for the human body.

These sweet fruits appear thanks to the so-called fig tree (in botanical circles it is also called a fig tree or simply a fig). It belongs to the genus Ficus and the mulberry family.

The true homeland of this plant is considered to be India and Mediterranean countries. That is, areas with a subtropical climate. True, some believe that it still comes from Egypt, where it was grown before our era.

Externally, the fig tree is a strong tree with smooth, light gray bark (it grows up to 10 meters) or a spreading shrub (usually its height is about 8 meters).

As a ficus genus, the fig tree is distinguished by large, rigid leaves (they are arranged alternately), which are dark green above and grayish below. In addition, they are always pubescent.

In the leaf axils there are inflorescences called syconia. They are hollow, pear-shaped and have holes at the top. Such holes are necessary for osblastophages, which pollinate trees. All inflorescences are divided into male (caprifiga) and female (fig).

Juicy and sweet fruits appear only from female inflorescences. They are characterized by a length of 8 centimeters, a width in a radius of up to 5 centimeters and a total weight of about 70 grams. Inside the fruit there are small seeds-nuts.

Regarding size and color, they directly depend on the variety. The most common types include yellow-green, dark blue, black, purple and yellow fruits.

A tree or shrub blooms quite often - up to three times a year. Inflorescences belonging to the male genus are formed from spring to late autumn. But for women - exclusively in summer and autumn.

Figs can be seen growing wild in India, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Afghanistan, Iran, Asia Minor, on the Black Sea coast and in the Krasnodar Territory.

In mountainous regions, figs prefer heights. Therefore, it can grow at altitudes from 500 to 2 thousand meters above sea level, on slopes and along the coastal line of high-mountain rivers.

Today it is customary to widely cultivate the fig tree. There are fig plantations in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Tunisia, America, Portugal, as well as the European southern part of Russia. The main thing is that the temperature does not drop below -12 degrees.

When growing, it is customary to use light, even “poor” soil (not black soil) and water the plant abundantly.

Figs are planted by seeds or petioles. You can try grafting it onto other fruit trees with sweet fruits. This option will additionally help prevent damage from pests and plant diseases.

It also became possible to plant figs in wide, deep pots. Thus, the tree will perform a decorative function, grow no more than 3 meters in height, and begin to produce fruits from the fifth year of life. In general, from a small tree you can get at least 90 fruits per year; it will delight the owner for up to 60 full years. True, for inexperienced gardeners there is a danger of wasp nests appearing on such trees, which are often formed in caprifages.

Figs beneficial properties and composition

Figs are the fruit of the fig tree or fig tree, known since ancient times for their beneficial properties. Avicenna also described its effect on the human body in his works. And all this thanks to its composition. This food product, although it contains a large amount of sugars, is still characterized by an excellent balance of various beneficial vitamins and microelements, including:

• Protein fractions (naturally of plant origin);
• Small amount of fat;
• Carbohydrates;
• Pectins;
• Fiber (or insoluble dietary fiber);
• Retinol (vitamin A);
• Beta-carotene;
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
• Tocopherol (vitamin E);
• B vitamins (riboflavin, thiamine, niacin);
• Minerals: sodium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, calcium, magnesium and iron.

Besides, fresh figs is good dietary product. Total calories fresh fruit is only 49 kilocalories per 100 grams of product. Therefore, it is advisable to consider it low-calorie.

Since figs are rich in vitamin C, it helps strengthen the immune system and helps protect against viruses.

Like many other fruits, this fruit contains many antioxidant compounds. Antioxidants play a very important role in maintaining health: they reduce the risk of vascular and heart diseases, inflammatory diseases, tumors and many other diseases.

Iron improves blood composition and oxygen delivery to all organs and cells of the body.

Figs benefits for the body

The benefits of consuming fresh fig fruits were known to ancient healers. Modern medicine, based on existing records, has somewhat classified all the benefits of the application. Now wineberry is recommended for the following purposes:

• Increased vitamin deficiency in the body;
• Strengthening the skeletal system;
• Giving the body vital energy and strength;
• Removing toxins;
• Improving immunity;
• Cure coughs and colds;
• Additional therapeutic treatment for kidney and liver diseases;
• Fortifications cardiovascular system(lowering cholesterol levels, giving elasticity to blood vessels, stabilizing the work of the heart muscle);
• Promotions male potency and the fight against sexual impotence;
• Losing body weight and combating obesity;
• Improved brain activity;
• Quickly satisfy the feeling of hunger;
• Need to replace chocolate.

According to ancient legend, the Greeks used figs as a natural aphrodisiac. It was considered a sacred fruit that could improve reproductive functions. WITH scientific point This is easily explained: it contains minerals such as zinc, manganese, magnesium, which increase libido.

Medicinal properties of figs

This tasty fruit has not only purely gastronomic uses. It has been used to treat various diseases for over 5,000 years. Fig fruits have good:

Anti-inflammatory

Diuretic

Antipyretic

Expectorants

Disinfectants

properties. It is traditionally used to treat:

Colds;

Bronchitis;

Tracheitis;

Gastritis;

Eating 5-6 pieces of fruit will help normalize blood pressure and the functioning of the heart muscle.

Not ripe fruits contain a substance called ficin, similar to milk. After squeezing this milk out of the fruit, it is used to lubricate calluses and is used to heal wounds, cuts, ulcers and other skin lesions, as it has antiseptic properties. By smearing your teeth with it, you can get rid of plaque.

To increase hemoglobin, eat 10 figs daily.

Fresh figs can help cope with toothache. To do this, cut the fruit in half, remove the pulp and apply it to the gums for 5-7 minutes. Repeat this 3-4 times and the toothache will gradually go away.

Eastern women use these fruits to whiten tooth enamel. To do this you need to burn open fire 2-3 large fruits, collect the ashes and mix with glycerin. Use the resulting paste to brush your teeth 2 times a day. After a week, as a rule, the enamel becomes several shades whiter without any chemicals.

Fresh leaves of the tree are applied to burn wounds or to stop bleeding.

Fig tree decoction helps with gastritis and constipation. It is used to gargle for sore throats and colds.

A decoction of figs with milk is a proven remedy for treating coughs in children and adults. To prepare such a decoction, pour milk over several pieces of fruit and boil. Leave for 3 hours and drink warm.

In addition, juice fresh leaves Fig trees are used in cosmetology, adding it to various cosmetics. It has excellent antiseptic properties and helps fight premature aging.

Figs during pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy and feeding a child with breast milk, fresh fig tree fruits play an important role not only in the life of the mother, but also of the baby.

And this importance lies in the following positive characteristics:

How to eat figs correctly

For many consumers, fresh figs are not available. But even when the opportunity arises to use not dried fruits, it is necessary to follow certain rules and not forget that unripe fruits are not eaten due to the presence of a poisonous and caustic milky milk called ficin.

In addition, the maximum daily number of fruits should not exceed three pieces. Otherwise, the rules are the same as for all other fruits, vegetables and berries. Before you eat figs, you need to wash them.

But most often, fresh figs are used to prepare various desserts, salads, as a filling for baked goods, and when cooking meat. Compotes, preserves and jams are made from these fruits, including in the form of preparations for the winter.

Fig jam is not only tasty, but also healthy. This jam will come to the rescue during colds.

For those who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, prepare delicious mousse with cottage cheese and figs.

How to select and store figs

Due to the fact that we do not often come across a fresh fig tree, it is very important to understand how to choose such a fruit correctly.

Therefore, when purchasing, you should give preference to:

• Soft light yellow fruits (although it all depends on the variety);
• Large fruits of the same size;
• Fruits with sweet pulp (sourish pulp indicates immaturity or expiration date);
• Figs packed in separate cardboard cells (so they won’t get wrinkled);
• Fruits with smooth skin and without various types damage (so they rot faster).

It is not customary to store fresh figs for a long time. The maximum period is two days (this is permissible, since the harvest is often harvested). When purchasing it, it is best to leave it in a cool, dark place or put it in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf. But it’s better to eat it right away or make jam from it.

Contraindications

No matter how beneficial fresh figs are, unfortunately, doctors limit their consumption to the following categories of people:

• Figs are prohibited for those diagnosed with gout;
• Those who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract should treat the fruit with caution;
• Despite recommendations for consumption during pregnancy, figs are excluded from the diet of those women who are rapidly gaining weight;
• It is not recommended to eat figs even when diabetes mellitus.

Individual intolerance to the fruit is also a contraindication for consumption in order to avoid an allergic reaction.

Fig or fig tree, fig is healthy for most people and can provide great benefits to the body. When it’s in season, and here we sometimes sell fresh figs in the fall, buy this fruit. It will help cleanse the body, give tone, and simply be a pleasure to consume.

The benefits of figs for weight loss

Figs can be eaten both fresh and dried. High amounts of calcium, iron, potassium, along with high content squirrel and low content fat makes it one of the healthy foods. It can be added to yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies and other dishes.

Figs, on the one hand, even fresh, not to mention dried, are a nutritious product. But recently, nutritionists have been taking a closer look at it and recommending it in weight loss diets. Why? There are several reasons:

It is rich in fiber - soluble dietary fiber;

Contains several vital vitamins and minerals;

Good source of calcium;

Helps strengthen the immune system;

Removes harmful substances from the body;

It contains antioxidants.

All this together helps, first of all, to survive the purely psychological aspect of losing weight, when a person is forced to give up the usual food and the usual portions of food. Many people become depressed during this period and, as a result, “break down.”

The second reason is the composition of the fruit. Indeed, during a diet, which often consists of monotonous foods, and there are those who like to “sit” on mono-diets, figs can replenish the body with the necessary elements. In addition, fresh figs are not high-calorie foods.

Elena Malysheva talks about the benefits of figs, also known as figs or wineberries.

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

Common fig, also known as fig, fig tree, wineberry, ficus carica, fig tree, is a subtropical deciduous tree reaching a height of 12 m. Figs usually produce two to three harvests per season, in summer and autumn. The color of the fruit varies from creamy yellow to dark red and black and blue, the taste ranges from sweet and sour to sickly sweet, the shape is round and pear-shaped. The tree begins to bear fruit 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 humans. In Ancient Greece it has been known since the 9th century BC, and in Ancient Egypt it was considered sacred. Figs began to be grown as a cultivated plant in Arabia, and from there the tree was brought to Syria, Phenicia and Egypt. In America, the Carian 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 that 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 method of pollination, yield, ripening period, frost resistance, shape and size of the fruit.

The most popular varieties of figs: Blanche, Kadota, Chapla, Oglobsha, Azari, Hazari, Communa, Italian white, White Adriatic, Italian black, Dalmatian (Dalmatica), Yellow giant, Purple Sukhumi, Nikitsky aromatic, Sunny, Sochi-7, Fraga white , Sary-fig, Sary-lob (Smirnsky-2), Kalimirna, Muason, Honey (Krymsky-41), Apsheronsky. 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 jelly-like flesh and rich flavor, containing 14 minerals and 11 vitamins. Ripe figs have very tender and juicy pulp, and dried and dried fruits They are quite hard and need to be soaked or steamed before use.

Figs contain beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, PP and group B, from 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, pectin and omega-3 fatty acids, which are extremely important for health. The benefits of figs are also associated with the presence of antioxidants in it - polyphenols and flavonoids. In addition, ripe figs are an alkaline food, and there is a significant lack of it in the modern human diet. Based on the above, it can be argued that figs are an ideal option for a snack, of course, if a person seeks to satisfy hunger quickly and beneficially for 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.

Calorie content of dried figs: 257 kcal per 100 g. Nutritional value: carbohydrates - 57.9 g, proteins - 3.1 g, fats - 0.8 g.

Universal benefits: medicinal properties of figs

High cholesterol, hangover, cough, stress, overweight– figs can cope with these and many other problems. Official medicine today appreciates its healing properties as highly as ancient Greek healers did several thousand years ago.

For a cold

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

For gastrointestinal diseases

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

For cardiovascular diseases

Figs are useful for hypertension, iron deficiency anemia and venous insufficiency, as they are rich in rutin and potassium, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels and the heart muscle. The enzymes contained in wine berries maintain normal blood composition, preventing it from thickening, and promote the resorption of blood clots in the veins. The amino acids that are part of figs help break down excess cholesterol in the blood.

For skin lesions

Figs accelerate the opening and healing of boils, abscesses, and ulcers: fruits steamed in milk are applied to the sore spots. Juice and infusion from fresh leaves of the 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 from food from turning into fat. Mexican scientists have found that rich in carbohydrates figs, paradoxically, are useful for type II diabetes. In addition, wineberry fruits perfectly satisfy hunger and help the body get rid of excess fluid. Based on the above, figs can be considered perfect dessert for those who watch their weight.

Figs during pregnancy

The beneficial properties of figs also apply to pregnant women. Rich in microelements and folates, fiber and ascorbic acid, wineberry fruits are simply irreplaceable for maintaining the health of the mother and her unborn baby. Figs are especially useful for women with excessive weight gain: healthy fruits can be replaced unhealthy sweets and synthetic vitamins.

For the mood

Figs will be useful for people whose work involves creativity and mental stress. This sweet fruit, in addition to the healing effect, it is also able to elevate mood and strengthen memory, thanks to the potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6 it contains. A breakfast of figs will help those who had too much the day before: the fruits of the fig tree cope perfectly with thirst, nausea and dry mouth.

Contraindications

Figs, especially in dried form, are contraindicated in cases of severe obesity, gout (due to the high concentration of oxalic acid), pancreatitis, acute inflammatory diseases Gastrointestinal tract, disorders of salt metabolism in the body and diabetes mellitus. Figs only bring 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 can be stored for no more than two days even in the refrigerator, which is why we more often see dried fruits on the shelves of domestic stores. High-quality berries are quite soft to the touch. Staleness of dried fruits can be indicated by spots, plaque on the skin, bad smell, excessive hardness. And one more secret: experts say that what smaller fruits fig trees, the tastier they are.

The fig tree is considered a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism and is mentioned in both the Bible and the revelations of the Koran. According to biblical legend, it was the leaves of the Carian ficus that became the first “clothing” 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 tables different nations peace. Cleopatra herself preferred it to other fruits, and the ancient Greeks awarded the fruits of the wineberry to the winners of the Olympic Games. Pamper yourself too healthy sweets and always be healthy!