Figs useful properties and medicinal qualities. Fig tea - useful properties

The fig tree (or fig) can be found in biblical treatises as a healing plant. Figs have been cultivated in our open spaces since ancient times, and small trees can be found on the southern coast of Crimea, in the Transcaucasus, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Its ripe fruits are not only tasty, but also healing. Therefore, some of them are dried in order to have a natural medicine on hand.

If the bees work on the inflorescences of the fig tree, then they will ripen on the tree large fruits 8 cm long and 5 cm in diameter. Inside are black-purple or yellow nuts, which are the fruits. They are enveloped by the tissue of overgrown seedlings.

In the fig tree, all parts of the plant have medicinal properties. The fruits contain a large set of vitamins, of which the following can be distinguished:

• C (or ascorbic acid) helps the intestines absorb iron that enters the body.
• E (tocopherol) is an excellent antioxidant that has a beneficial effect on cell repair.
• B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B9 ( folic acid) - the most necessary vitamins for the body to live. They are involved in metabolic processes, help restore cells and have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
• PP (nicotinic acid) detoxifies the body, purifies the blood and promotes normal adrenal function.
• A (carotene) is involved in the process of protein synthesis and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, hair, nails.

As for the mineral components, the fruits are saturated with iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium (more precisely, their salts). There are many organic acids and sugars, fats, proteins, tannins and phytosterol in the fig (another name for the culture). Of particular note unsaturated fats Omega-3 and Omega-6, as well as fiber and starch.

The dried (dried) fruit loses the water entering the fig during the process of dehydrolysis. But this does not in the least affect the chemical composition of the product, and even in this form it has useful properties. In a dehydrated fetus, the effect on the body is higher than in a fresh one.

• Potassium salts have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases. In combination with the enzyme ficin, a resolving effect on blood clots is observed.
• By introducing a small amount of fruits into the diet, coronary heart disease can be avoided and anemia can be cured.
• Figs are useful for hypertensive patients, as it helps to regulate blood pressure.
• Colds, accompanied by a strong cough, bronchitis, asthma can be treated with decoctions based on dried figs.
• Indigestion, constipation and hemorrhoids are equally treatable with figs.
• Kidney stones, liver and spleen problems are also indications for eating Asian fruit.
• A decoction of fruits will help to cope with toothache.
• Figs are classified as aphrodisiacs, so the fruit is able to cure sexual weakness.
• The powerful composition of figs not only improves immunity - it is able to fight cancer.

The properties of figs allow you to relax during internal organs their smooth muscles endow the fetus not only with diuretic and laxative effects, but also with hemostatic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

calories

Figs - a product not only healing, but also quite nutritious, because high-calorie. At the same time, there are more kilocalories in the dried fruit than in the fresh one - 257 kcal per 1 fruit. A larger percentage falls on carbohydrates - 237 kcal, which are supplemented with proteins (13 kcal) and fats (7 kcal).

Such biological indicators indicate that it is easy to get enough of one fruit. Although you won’t have to eat more because of the high sugar content. This property Figs are often used in various weight loss diets.

No matter how useful the fruit is, it also has contraindications.

• The high glucose content makes figs unacceptable for diabetics.
• Despite the fact that the fruits are used to treat constipation and other gastrointestinal problems, this should not be done in acute inflammatory processes.
• Figs have a great effect on libido, but with gout it is strictly forbidden to use it, since the fruit contains oxalic acid.
• Oxalate kidney stones are another reason to refuse to eat fig fruits.

The list of contraindications is small, but it must be taken into account, since serious health complications can occur if the prohibition is violated.

Figs. Benefits and harm to the body: video

IN traditional medicine The properties of the fig tree have been used for a long time. Most often, you can find diuretic, carminative and expectorant formulations.

Against cough

Dried figs are used to prepare cough syrup. 8 fruits are finely chopped and poured with a glass of water, put on fire and boiled for 20 minutes. Then the figs are taken out, another glass of water is added and 200 g of sugar (preferably unrefined) are added. Boil the syrup until the sugar is completely dissolved. Next, add ground ginger (1 tsp), lemon juice(with 1/2 citrus) and mix well. Pour into glass containers and store in the refrigerator. Children use 1 dessert spoon per reception, adults 3 each.

For constipation

To cope with constipation, take laxative balls prepared on the basis of dried fruits. Taking 100 g of figs and raisins, they are mixed with ground ginger or nutmeg(0.5 tsp). Blinding thin sausages from the resulting mixture, cut them into small dragees 1 cm thick. Store medicine tightly closed jar. You need to eat balls as needed, but no more than 2 pcs. in a day.

Diuretic

Steamed in a thermos for 4 hours dried figs at the rate of 50 g of fruit per 1 liter of boiling water. This infusion is divided into 4 portions, which should be drunk during the day. The course of therapy should not exceed 3 days. At the same time, a fresh diuretic infusion is made every day.

For children

Dried figs are not contraindicated in children. On the contrary, it contributes to the good development of the growing organism, and also helps to heal various diseases. Decoctions from the fruits of the fig tree are an excellent tonic, appetite stimulant, remedy for babies, especially during colds. If syrups can quickly cure a cough, then gargling with infusions will help to quickly remove inflammation there.

During pregnancy

All of the above about the benefits of figs does not contradict what is prescribed for pregnant women. For them, just this fruit is good in any form, but it is easier to buy a dried product in our country. If there are no contraindications, then figs should be present in the diet of a pregnant woman every day (1-2 fetuses), or drinks made from it. Nutrition, balance, normalization of all processes - this is the effect of the fetus on the body of a pregnant woman.

For men

It has already been mentioned above about the property of figs to influence potency. This is especially important for male body. Most men have prostate problems. To avoid its inflammation or the development of tumors there, in preventive purposes fig fruits should be eaten regularly. This will help to maintain masculine strength for a long time.

For women

Women evaluate the benefits of products for themselves through their impact on appearance. In this regard, figs are the most successful fruit that helps to monitor your weight (calorie content has already been mentioned above). Saturating the body with a complex of vitamins and minerals collected in one fruit, a woman will be able to maintain her hair, nails and skin in perfect condition. A normally functioning reproductive system will help you stay young for a long time.

IN fresh Figs are only eaten where they grow, as the fruits are too tender to be transported. But it’s real to buy dried ones in our markets, so you need to learn how to choose them correctly.

• First of all, you should pay attention to the color - it should be beige or pale brown.
• The presence of spots on the fruit is not allowed. But the white coating suggests that there is a lot of glucose in the fig.
• Normal dried fruits have a flattened rounded shape.
• You need to feel the figs to understand that the fruits are not overdried - they should be a little soft.
• It is advisable to taste the fig before buying. The fruit should be sweet and in no case sour.

If all the parameters correspond to those described, you can safely make a purchase.

Storage conditions

Having bribed dried fruits in reserve, they should be provided with normal storage conditions. First of all, it is necessary to protect the figs from moisture, which is very quickly absorbed into the fruit. Harmful and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, it is recommended that dried fruits be first packed in a canvas bag, which is then placed in a glass container and hermetically sealed. The fruits are sent for storage in a dark cool room.

Before eating figs, they should be thoroughly washed under running water or soaked for half an hour to wash off the accumulated dirt. Do not forget that the fruits have come a long way before getting on the table. Sometimes figs are treated with chemicals before transportation for better preservation. So unwashed fruits can cause problems for the body.

If figs are used for medicinal purposes, then you need to follow the recommendations folk recipes. When introduced into the diet as a prophylactic (or for the purpose of losing weight), fruits should be treated like a dessert, replacing other sweets with them.

Will become a fig good addition and to diet meals. For example, pieces of dried fruit can be seasoned with porridge or made on kefir homemade yogurt. Figs are good as a filling in muffins (instead of raisins), as an addition to fruit salads.

Many have heard the name of the fruit "figs" and tried this sweet product. Its size is not very large - like a medium-sized apple. The fruits grow on a very tall tree, reaching twenty-two meters in height. The tree is strong and powerful. The tree lives and bears fruit up to four hundred years. The plant is unpretentious and can bear fruit without the slightest care. This is a real miracle. The medicinal properties of figs are well studied.

Only fig fruits are used for food. For medicinal purposes, the bark and leaves of the tree are also used. The fruit grows in countries with a warm and mild climate. There are about five hundred different varieties of figs, which differ in shape, color, juiciness of the fruit.

Many other names are known - fig tree, fig tree, wine berry. The mention of the wine berry is found in the Bible, and our forefathers took refuge precisely with a fig leaf. Fresh fruit is not stored for a very long time, so it is most often used in dried or dried form. In cooking, figs - real delicacy, which is used in many desserts and pastries.

What are the benefits of fresh wine berries:

• favorably affects the condition of the liver;
• helps to increase hemoglobin;
• treats diseases of the female genital area;
• helps relieve an attack of bronchospasm;
• helps to overcome colds and infectious diseases.

Dried fruit is also no less useful:

• cleanses the intestines from harmful toxins;
• as adjuvant therapy for colds;
• indispensable for the liver;
• helps with anemia and helps to raise hemoglobin levels;
• proven remedy for tachycardia;
• antitussive effect.

The composition of the fruit of the wine berry

Figs have pleasant taste in any form. The fruit does not lose its useful properties either dried or dried. The sugar content in dried fruits is slightly higher than in fresh ones. His chemical composition the fruit is different from many fruits.

Figs are rich in the following minerals and elements:

• sodium;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• copper;
• iron;
• manganese;
• zinc;
• selenium.

• vitamin E;
• vitamin K;
• vitamin C;
• vitamin A;
• thiamine;
• riboflavin;
• pyridoxine;
• pantothenic acid;
• folates.

About vitamins in parsley

The benefits of figs for the human body

Figs are not only very tasty, but also have many medicinal properties. Eating one fruit a day can cover your daily requirement of vitamins and minerals. The fruit is a real salvation for people with low immunity. The main benefits of eating figs can be identified:

• the contractile work of the heart and cardiac muscle improves;
• stabilization occurs blood pressure;
• the risk of developing thrombosis and thrombophlebitis is reduced;
• dissolve cholesterol plaques in the vessels;
• the work of the gastrointestinal tract is improving;
• effective in the fight against helminths;
• has expectorant ability;
• effective in adjunctive therapy of asthma and bronchospasm;
• prevents the emergence and development of cancer;
• has anti-stress capabilities;
• normalizes sleep;
• lowers blood sugar levels;
• has a wound healing ability;
• useful during pregnancy;
• help with painful menstruation;
• great product for diet food;
• helps to strengthen bones;
• helps to cope with age-related eye diseases;
• essential for men's health.

How to eat figs

In the market, among the abundance of fruits, you need to be able to choose the right fig fruit. Pay attention to its color, size, correctness of shape and softness.

An unripe fruit will not give you gastronomic pleasure. An overripe fruit will also be tasteless. If you still bought a not quite ripe fruit, you need to bake it with honey and nuts. And you can pour honey and put in the refrigerator to prepare the filling for cakes.

If you have no contraindications for eating figs, you can safely introduce it into your diet. The fruit perfectly copes with the feeling of hunger, can replace sweets. Since fresh figs are not transported, we get them most often in the form of dried fruits. Before use, it is recommended to let them stand in water and swell a little. Figs are ready to eat. You can use it when baking pies and cooking desserts, make tinctures or add to the dough for a variety of flavors. confectionery.

fig leaves

Fig leaves are indispensable for therapeutic purposes. The acids they contain essential oil make them very useful. All summer and until half of autumn, it is recommended to dry the leaves of the fruit in a dark, ventilated place. Leaves must be protected from getting wet and ensure that they do not dry out. In case of drying, many useful properties are lost. In a dry room, the leaves can be stored for two to three years.

About orange peel and its beneficial properties

The prepared decoction or infusion is very effective for scabies, inflammatory skin diseases, abscesses, colds. When rubbed into the scalp, you can stop the process of hair loss. For fresh wounds, compresses from the leaves are used. Wounds heal quickly, even in the presence of purulent processes. Fig seeds are effective for constipation. If you take ten to fifteen seeds within three to four days, you can get rid of constipation.

Treatment of diseases with fig fruits

The fruit ranks second in potassium content. This allows the fruit to be used to support people with serious cardiovascular conditions. Another fig is used in the following situations:

• in case of poisoning and intoxication of the body;
• with digestive disorders;
• as a remedy for chronic fatigue;
• with hyperthermia, especially in children;
• during beriberi;
• with thrombophlebitis and blockages of blood vessels;
• with colds;
• with nephropathy;
• with baldness;
• with obesity of all degrees;
• with a debilitating, whooping cough.

The fruit is not always available, but getting it useful material possible at any time. In the pharmacy, fig syrup is on sale, which has useful features:

• activates appetite;
• helps with rheumatism;
• overcomes inflammatory manifestations on the skin;
• beneficial effect on women's health.

Dried pieces of wine berry can completely replace even the most delicious sweets.

All women want to be beautiful, and the fig tree helps them in this if it is added to masks and lotions:

• smoothes wrinkles;
• moisturizes and tones the skin;
• cleanses the skin from inflammation and rashes;
• strengthens nails and hair;

Benefits of the product for children

If the child's body is prone to constipation, then the introduction of figs into the diet will help to cope with this problem. The rational use of figs in baby food is the prevention of a large number of diseases:

• anemia;
• digestive dysfunctions;
• inflammatory processes on the skin;
• activates the brain and mental functions.

Fruit contraindications

Contraindications to the use of figs should be discussed in detail. Indications for the use of figs are much more than contraindications. But they also exist. Figs can be harmful in the following diseases:

Diabetes

The fruits and leaves of figs have long been used as medicine in folk medicine. Fresh figs are recommended for quick recovery of cardiac activity when the heart muscle is weakened, as a hematopoietic agent for anemia, and also for reducing excess acidity in gastrointestinal diseases. It is used for hypokalemia and for diseases of the cardiovascular system, when potassium is also needed.

Fig seedlings and condensed fruit juice are used in cardiovascular diseases, with anemia and loss of strength. The thick extract is a dark brown slurry with a fragrant odor and pleasant taste. It has a moderate diuretic effect. So, for example, in patients with decompensation of the cardiovascular system, urination increased up to 50%. The recommended dose is -100 g once a day (in the morning). Since the drug is very nutritious and does not side effects, it can be taken for a long time.

Fig seedlings also have an expectorant and emollient effect. In Renaissance Europe, there was a whole collection of fruits used for "chest diseases." In our modern understanding, these are bronchitis, tracheitis, and even tuberculosis and pneumonia. This nutrient-expectorant composition included dry fruits of grapes, figs, jujube and dates in equal parts. The calorie content of this mixture, as you can see, is huge, but with debilitating and prolonged illnesses, this is exactly what is needed.

In Central Asia, they are boiled with milk and used for coughs, whooping cough, and also as an emollient for pain in the chest, throat and colds. French medicine uses cough syrup. It is prepared as follows: 500 g of figs are boiled in 1 liter of water. After they boil, add 250 g of honey and (optionally) 250 ml good cognac. All mix and store in the refrigerator in a well-closed container. Apply 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day for coughs and other colds.

And here is the recipe for “coffee” from figs, which is prepared as follows: dry fruits ground into powder are brewed as real coffee at the rate of 1-2 teaspoons per 1 glass of water. Drink warm in small sips for colds. This drink got its name from the coffee-like color. The invigorating effect here, of course, is not provided for by the chemical composition, but there are quite a lot of calories.

With gastritis recommended in Serbian folk medicine next recipe: Per 1 liter olive oil take 20 g of St. John's wort and 10 pcs. fig fruits (grind), leave for 40 days; in the morning, drink the protein of one egg, and after half an hour, take a tablespoon of the prepared mixture.

In medicine, preparations based on dried fruits, primarily prunes and figs, are used to improve intestinal motility in elderly and senile people suffering from constipation on this basis. The combined drug "Re-gulaks" was produced in the GDR in the form fruit cubes 8.4 g each, containing the pulp of fig fruits, senna leaves and fruits, vaseline oil. The domestic complex preparation "Kafiol" is produced in the form of dark brown briquettes with a peculiar fruity smell and taste. This preparation also contains the pulp of the fruits of figs and plums, leaves and fruits of senna (cassia holly) and vaseline oil. It has a laxative effect and is prescribed internally for constipation, especially persistent, 1-2 briquettes per night, and the briquettes are chewed and washed down with a small amount of water. In children's medical practice, fig fruit syrup is used as a mild laxative.

At home, with constipation, the following recipe is recommended. Take 0.5 kg of dry figs and plums, pour 3 liters of water, boil until it evaporates to 2.5 liters; drink 100 g before and after meals and eat a few plums and pieces of figs. The rest of the decoction and thick to take a little during the day and the next day. Option: boil 0.5 kg of figs for 30 minutes in 1.5 liters of water, drink this decoction every 2 hours for 100 g, and eat figs.

Contraindications. There is a lot of fiber in figs, so you should not use it for acute inflammatory diseases gastrointestinal tract, and because of sugar - in diabetes mellitus. It is also contraindicated for gout, since it contains a lot of oxalic acid (up to 100 mg%).

The diuretic properties of figs have been known for a long time. It has been used to improve digestion and as a means to increase urination, especially in gout, which is associated with impaired uric acid metabolism.

At present, decoctions and jams from figs are taken in folk medicine as a diaphoretic and antipyretic affinity. A decoction of inflorescences boiled in milk or water (2 tablespoons of dry inflorescences per 1 glass of milk or water) is considered a good remedy for gargling with sore throat, hoarseness and dry cough, and as an expectorant - for oral administration with tracheitis and bronchitis. The same decoction is drunk half a cup 2-4 times a day for diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract. Sometimes a decoction of figs is advised to drink with gastritis, constipation. Outwardly, a decoction is used for poultice with abscesses, flux, etc. Sometimes, to speed up ripening, fresh or soaked dried fruits are applied to abscesses.

The steamed fruit is an excellent compress for an abscess on the gums and gumboil. Similarly, half of the steamed fruit can be applied to any suppuration, boil or carbuncle.

Recently, figs have been widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. "Ficin" has a fibrinolytic effect and is used to treat thrombosis. From the milky juice of the leaves, the drug Furoden is obtained, recommended in the treatment of leukoderma.

Infusion of fig leaves helps with bronchial asthma and in kidney disease. An aqueous decoction of the leaves of young branches is used as an antihelminthic, and fresh fig leaves are applied to boils. In the folk medicine of Armenia, tincture of leaves on vodka is drunk for malaria.

In medical practice, the drug "Psoberan" from fig leaves is approved for use. It contains a mixture of furocoumarins and has a photosensitizing ability (increases skin sensitivity to ultraviolet rays), enhancing pigment formation in the skin. It is prescribed for the treatment of skin diseases - vitiligo and alopecia areata. You-let in tablets and in the form of an alcohol solution.

In Armenian folk medicine, when coughing, as well as diarrhea, they use a decoction of dried leaves of a fig tree. In Georgia, a decoction of a mixture of fig leaves and nettle is given for dysentery. The milky juice of figs is used to treat wounds and remove acne. Fig seeds are known as a laxative - for constipation, a single dose of 10-15 g of seeds is prescribed.

Photo: Rita Brilliantova, Maria Telnova

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

The common fig, also known as the fig tree, fig tree, fig tree, ficus karika, fig tree, is a subtropical deciduous tree reaching a height of 12 m. Figs usually 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 it was considered sacred. As a 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 hard enough, they 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, pectins 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, a ripe fig is an alkaline food, and there is a significant lack of it in the diet of a modern person. 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, 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 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), the fruits of the fig tree are used in folk medicine for 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 rub) can be given to young children: you need to drink such a cocktail per day in 2-3 doses.

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 they are rich in rutin and potassium, which strengthen 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 from fresh leaves Karim 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. In view of the foregoing, figs can be considered perfect dessert for those who watch their weight.

Figs during pregnancy

Beneficial features figs 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 the healing effect, it is also able to cheer up and strengthen memory, thanks to the potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6 contained in it. 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 mellitus. 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 what smaller fruits fig trees, 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 at different peoples peace. Cleopatra herself preferred it to other fruits, and the ancient Greeks rewarded the winners of the Olympic Games with the fruits of the wine berry. Pamper yourself and only healthy sweets and be always healthy!

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. It grows in subtropical regions around the globe.

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

There is a large number different varieties 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

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

• 63.9 g of carbohydrates (of which almost 23 grams is fructose);
• 9.8 fiber;
• 26% daily allowance 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 larger 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

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-based components of the diet, which are undoubtedly important for health.

The beneficial properties of 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, those who want to get rid of excess 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, which, when dried, do not lose their medicinal qualities at all. 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 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 color ripe fruit(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 a refrigerator. IN paper bag or in plastic container with tight 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 with hot water and held for several minutes.

Examples of medicinal use

1. To eliminate chronic constipation, soak 2-3 figs overnight in a glass of 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.

• Heat 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 amounts (300-400 grams fresh fruit, a few dried berries) 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, increased inflammation, the occurrence of heart and vascular diseases.

And all because harmful effect sugar overlaps 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 impact on health is mainly due to high content Sahara.

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 - diabetes and allergies.