Medicinal properties of figs and contraindications. Figs: medicinal and beneficial properties

Probably everyone once tried figs. The benefits for women, men and children are enormous. This is exactly what will be discussed in the article.

What is a fig?

Figs are sweet fruit, when ripe, very soft and juicy. The history of this culture goes back to antiquity. The first mention of the beneficial properties of this fruit are found in the Egyptian civilization. Figs rarely exceed large plum or apricot. From above, the fruit is covered with a thin skin, it is distinguished by a high content of seeds, the seeds are small and soft. The fig has many names: fig, and, in fact, fig. The fruits grow on a tree whose trunk can reach up to twenty meters in height. Such a tree lives up to five hundred years and is able to bring a crop every year. Only fruits are eaten. very large for the body. In medicine, both the leaves and the bark of the tree are widely used.

Species and places of growth

The traditional areas in which the fig tree grows are the countries of the East, some Asian states, countries near the Mediterranean Sea, the Caucasus. Figs require a favorable warm climate with moderate humidity and sunshine. Certain types of this tree, which are frost-resistant, grow in Russia, but only in the south of the country. There are over four hundred varieties of figs. They differ in the size of the fruit, shape and color, the taste of the pulp, the height of the tree, the speed of ripening. Some varieties produce several crops per year.

Figs: composition

Fig fruits are rich various types sugars: glucose, maltose, sucrose, levulose. As well as fruit acids: citric, glyceric, quinic, shikimic, oxalic. More sugars are found in dried and dried fruits. The fruit is rich in iron, copper, essential oils, macronutrients.

The vitamins contained in figs are almost all B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, A, C, E, PP. There is some content of beta-carotene. The presence of all these elements depends on the degree of ripeness of the fetus. The most useful is ripe figs The favorable period for the ripening of the fruit is August - October.But it is important to remember that the shelf life of a ripe fig tree is not long. healing properties.

Medicinal properties of figs

What are the benefits of figs for the body? It has the following properties:

• Thanks to the content of folic acid, it positive impact on the course of pregnancy and fetal development.
• The complex of vitamins of group B affects the central nervous system, protects the body from stress and fatigue.
• The content of essential oils and vitamin C make figs a prophylactic against colds and respiratory viral diseases.
• The content of sugars affects the functioning of the brain.
• Figs help reduce fever.
• Fights inflammation in the body.
• Favorably affects digestion.
• The pulp of the fruit will help with constipation.
• Figs are antitussive, expectorant.
• Normalizes the functionality of the lungs.
• Helps with anemia.
• dried figs contains pectin, and therefore contributes to the rapid healing of open wounds.
• Clears the blood of cholesterol plaques.
• Removes toxins.
• Favorably affects the work of the heart vascular system.
• Affects the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
• Favorably affects the functioning of the genitourinary system and kidneys.
• Has a diuretic effect.
• relieves bad breath.

In addition to the fruits, the leaves and bark of the tree also have healing properties. Due to the high content of tannins in the leaves, they are used as an astringent against diarrhea. A decoction of the leaves also reduces gas formation, fights colitis, eases the course of dysentery and various kinds of food poisoning.

The fresh leaves are used as a skin cleanser. Fight redness, inflammation and boils.

A decoction of the leaves is used for respiratory diseases.

Properties of figs useful for women's health

What else will surprise figs? The benefits for women from this fruit are enormous. Eating it regularly will help reduce the risk of developing varicose veins and resist such an unpleasant phenomenon as vascular networks on the legs. Thanks to beneficial acids veins and blood vessels become toned, and such a substance as ficin, which is contained in fig juice, adhesions in the vessels disappear, blood circulation improves, fatigue and swelling disappear.

The natural source of folic acid is figs. The benefits for women of this vitamin are known to everyone, because it is folic acid that is prescribed for pregnant women. It favors the development of the fetus and the preservation of the integrity of the placenta. In addition, it promotes oxygen metabolism in tissues. Also, figs help to overcome anemia, which is often found in pregnant women.

Women who are expecting a baby often experience problems with bowel movements. Figs have a laxative property and significantly reduce the occurrence of constipation during pregnancy. And for nursing mothers, figs will help increase lactation.

Ripe fruits of the fig tree facilitate the well-being of a woman during menstruation and reduce pain.

The use of figs for cosmetic purposes

What else is useful figs? The benefit for women from this fetus is that it can be used in cosmetic purposes. The fig pulp face mask nourishes and moisturizes the skin. The skin becomes elastic and elastic. In addition, figs perfectly compensate for calcium deficiency. And calcium is a building element that is part of bones, hair, nails.

Fresh figs perfectly satisfy hunger, so it helps to cope with a strict diet. In fresh fruits, the sugar content is not as high as in dried ones, therefore, to maintain a figure, you need to use fresh fruits.

Fig juice has another useful property that provides an even, safe tan. The action of trace elements enhances the production of melanin, while increasing the protective properties of the skin and protecting it from serious sunburn.

The juice from the leaves and young stems helps to cope with acne, abscesses, boils, abscesses and warts. Softens dry calluses and corns on the feet.

Figs are used to whiten teeth.

Figs: contraindications

Despite all its positive properties, figs have some contraindications.

• AT dried berry contained a large number of sugar, so it is not recommended for people with diabetes, as well as those who have excess weight. In these cases, you can use fresh figs.
• It is not recommended to use fruits for gout, as they contain oxalic acid.
• It is also worth giving up figs for people with exacerbated diseases of the intestines and stomach, accompanied by a severe inflammatory process.

Eat natural, wholesome food and be healthy!

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

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 rich folic acid in a special way.

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 are good for 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 contains great amount 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. Used in dietary nutrition for other diseases:

• any inflammation 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 beneficial features 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, but smell fresh product fruits. 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.

Delicious jam is prepared from sweetness, but vitamins in it, like coarse fibers becomes much smaller. Great option- eat fresh fruit 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 prepare not only delicious recipes for the everyday menu, but also real healing potions that will help you quickly get rid of fever, sore throat, and 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 placed on medium fire. 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. Optionally 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 long term. Add to proper diet the product is simply necessary for those who switched from harmful sweets to dried fruits and nuts, because fig tree inflorescences can completely replace harmful sugar!

The fruits and leaves of figs have long been used as medicine in traditional medicine. fresh fruits 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 an aromatic 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 soil. The combined drug "Re-gulax" was produced in the GDR in the form of fruit cubes of 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 due to sugar diabetes. 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 leaves figs 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

Many people know the name figs, but not everyone knows that this is not the only name this plant. A fig tree, a fig tree, a fig, a fig or just a fig - this is the variety of names for this crop.

It is no coincidence that figs are called wine berries. The fact is that figs, ripening on a branch, begin to ferment under the influence of the sun and turn into real wine.

Figs are considered such an ancient plant culture that the mention of it can be found in the Bible: it was the leaf of the fig tree that covered Adam and Eve, who were expelled from paradise, and Christ, not finding fruits on it, cursed. And now we are happy to use these juicy and sweet fruits, which, by the way, are culinary delicacy. It is worth noting that fresh figs are enough perishable product. Therefore, many prefer to enjoy the delicate taste of dried figs that have absorbed all the energy of sunlight.

Composition

Figs are useful in any of its forms: as a dried fruit, canned and fresh. At the same time, many are interested in the question of whether dried figs lose their beneficial properties. We answer - does not lose, but differs from fresh fruits sugar content - in fresh fruits, the sugar content is about 24%, and in dried - about 37%.

The benefits of figs are given by its amazing chemical composition - pectin, vitamins, organic acids. Fig fruits contain such important for the body minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium.

12 health benefits of figs

Fig fruits have not only bright palatability but also exhibit medicinal properties. And if you know what the benefits and harms of figs are, you can use this product with maximum benefit for health.

The healing properties of figs, of course, are determined by the presence of a rich vitamin and mineral complex. Daily consumption of several figs will forever forget about the deficiency in the body of a whole list useful substances. Therefore, figs are of particular benefit to children and people with reduced immunity.

Regular consumption of fig fruits will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the organs and systems of the human body.

A large amount of magnesium and potassium makes figs able to normalize the work of the heart by maintaining normal blood pressure, lowering blood clotting, reducing the risk of thrombosis and tachycardia. Thanks to the substances ficin and pectin, which are part of figs, the blood thins, the resorption of cholesterol plaques occurs faster, and, consequently, the risks of developing a heart attack and stroke are reduced.

1. Improving the functioning of the digestive system.

Dried figs have an expectorant property, which is used in the treatment of diseases such as bronchial asthma, cough, tonsillitis, pneumonia, whooping cough. Only use in this case figs are more effective in the form of gruel with warm milk.

The substance coumarin contained in figs is capable of developing prostate, breast and colon cancer. And benzaldehyde, which is also found in figs, completely blocks the development of tumor cells.

2. Anti stress properties.

   Tryptophan and other organic acids in figs improve mood, increase energy, and help normalize sleep.

Fresh figs have a low glycemic index, which makes it possible to use them for people suffering from diabetes. mild form. A decoction of fig leaves will help reduce the level of insulin in the blood.

Fig juice helps to cope with ulcers, acne, as well as all sorts of wounds that he literally sticks together.

Due to the presence of coumarin and furocoumarin in the composition of figs, painful symptoms during menstruation will come to naught. At the same time, three fruits of figs a day will restore strength and the amount of nutrients in the woman's body, which she needs so much during this period. Figs are also useful during pregnancy, firstly, with a unique set of vitamins and minerals that are so necessary for the development of an unborn baby. Secondly, the use of figs will save you from the occurrence of frequent phenomena during pregnancy - constipation and increased gas formation. Thirdly, figs are an excellent prevention in the fight against anemia due to the iron they contain.

Due to the large amount of dietary fiber contained in figs, this fruit can be consumed during a diet.

3. Influence on the work of the musculoskeletal system.

4. Prevention of age-related macular degeneration.

   Numerous studies show that eating three or more figs a day can help reduce the risk of developing vision problems in older people.

5. Prevention of problems with potency in men.

   In the East, for many centuries, fig fruits have been used to increase male sexual strength, figs will also help in the fight against prostatitis, one has only to pour boiling water over the fruits and consume the decoction daily.

Not only fruits, but also fig leaves have found application in medicine, they are the main raw material for the production of the drug "Psoberan", which is effective in the treatment of baldness and vitiligo.

Many will be surprised by the fact that in pharmacies you can buy fig syrup, which also has a whole list of healing properties:

• improves appetite and digestion;
• relieves spasms of muscular rheumatism;
• improves skin condition;
• helps with colds of the female genital organs.

Thus, the benefits of figs in the treatment of certain diseases are simply invaluable. Possessing a pronounced antipyretic, diuretic, diaphoretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory effect, fig fruits make every cell of our body work in a new and more efficient way.

Contraindications

Apart from undeniable benefit, figs can cause some harm to health. Therefore, before using them, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

• figs, especially dried ones, will be harmful when severe forms diabetes;
• having a tendency to gout, you should not eat figs, due to the presence of a large amount of oxalic acid.
• dried figs can provoke an exacerbation of pancreatitis, gastritis, ulcers, so you should not use it for various inflammations of the digestive system.
• Sweet figs eaten in large quantities can lead to weight gain and eventually obesity.
• with kidney stones or gallbladder you should not eat figs due to the high content of oxalates, which will only exacerbate the course of the disease.

Caution should be taken when breastfeeding figs, as laxative effect fruit can cause diarrhea in the baby.

It is worth using dried figs with caution in bronchial asthma, since the fruit is often treated with sulfites and sulfur dioxide, which increases the shelf life of the product, but can provoke diseases of the respiratory system.

Eating too many figs can cause:

• diarrhea
• caries;
• allergy.

It is also worth refusing to eat figs on the eve of the operation. This is due to the fact that the fruit promotes blood thinning, which can cause bleeding.

There are many legends around figs. For example, the botanist Theophrastus, well-known in antiquity, described hundreds of varieties of figs even before the advent of our era, and the most fragrant fruits were given their own names. And Cleopatra loved figs so much that even in the last minutes of her life she wanted to enjoy its taste, ordering to bring a snake in a basket with these fruits.

Figs belong to exotic products, which many people are distrustful of, when they see it, many people have a question, is figs a fruit or a berry? Meanwhile, the fig is awesome fruit, it is able not only to fill the body with useful components, but also to save a person from many diseases. What are the benefits and harms of figs for the body? What advantages does this product?

The popularity of figs "came" into modern times from Biblical times. It was from the Fig tree (as the fig tree is called) that Adam and Eve made their first clothes. In the present, fig trees sprout both in Turkey and on the coast of the southern Crimea. The fig is considered a long-lived tree, it can grow for more than 200 years, reaching a height of 12 meters. For a person, fig fruits are of particular interest, but since they are not able to be stored for a long time, dried figs can often be seen on sale.

Useful composition of figs

Useful properties and contraindications of figs depend on chemical composition fruit. Figs contain proteins, fats, fiber, sugar. What vitamins are in figs? The fruit is rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, nicotinic acid, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B12), vitamin E. In addition, figs contain organic acids, pectins, and enzymes.

In abundance in figs there are also mineral components - sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron.

How many calories are in figs? Dried fruits contain about 260 calories, while fresh figs have 75 calories.

The benefits of fresh figs

If you eat figs in fresh, then the body receives the greatest amount of useful and nutritious components. Figs contain an abundance of vitamin C, which is an active opponent of colds and viral infections. Subgroup B vitamins gently and effectively care for the normal condition of the skin, hair and nails, and minerals (magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and iron) improve the performance of the heart system.

The benefits and harms of fresh figs depend on the individual characteristics of the person. fresh fruit useful because:

• contributes to the treatment of fungal diseases;
• strengthens the skeletal system;
• reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood;
• increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood;
• fights anemia;
• has a positive effect on hair and skin.

The benefits of dried figs

AT winter period years, dried figs are more beneficial, because they contain about 70% fructose, which has a beneficial effect on the state of brain activity and increases a person’s physical abilities.

To prepare dried fruits, figs must go through a long process of processing: the fruits are first washed, then dried in the bright sun, treated against pest attacks. Since Greece and Turkey are becoming the main suppliers of dried figs, before transportation, the product is packaged in plastic bags or neatly folded into wooden boxes. That is why the benefits and harms of dried figs directly depend on the quality processing of the fruit.

What are the benefits of dried figs?

• Regular consumption of figs helps to restore the disturbed work of the digestive tract. The inflorescences contain substances that help rid the intestines of toxins, pesticides and harmful components. For medicinal purposes, it is useful to eat several inflorescences a couple of hours before meals.
• Course intake of figs improves thinking. The product is useful for people who are engaged in complex mental work.
• Figs have antipyretic properties, it is taken for colds, fever. A greater effect can be achieved if you take a decoction based on figs.
• The antibacterial properties of figs help the body cope with the activity of pathogenic viruses and microbes.
• With angina and other diseases of the oral cavity, a decoction of figs is rinsed with a throat, such a recipe helps to quickly rid the mucosa of bacteria and viruses.
• Figs are useful for hypotensive patients, the fruits actively reduce arterial pressure and have a diuretic effect.
• High content potassium renders beneficial effect to the cardiovascular system.

Fig jam

Prepared from figs variety of dishes, but fig jam is in great demand, the benefits and harms of which are associated with its properties.

What are the benefits of fig jam?

• The product contains a large amount of iron, so it is useful to use it for anemia, low hemoglobin.
• Fig jam must be eaten by people who are engaged in physical activity and complex mental work.
• The product has a beneficial effect on the work of the cardiovascular system.
• Figs help fight infections, and their fruit jam helps get the job done. immune system. The dish is useful to eat in inflammatory processes, infectious diseases, genitourinary diseases, diseases respiratory tract.
• Fig jam helps treat constipation, it normalizes the entire digestive system.

When should you not eat fig jam?

• With diabetes.
• In case of allergic reactions to the product.
• With obesity.

Contraindications

Before introducing a new product into the diet, it is necessary to study the list of contraindications. Figs should not be consumed the following cases:

• with diabetes;
• with gout.

Despite the diverse opinion, figs for pancreatitis are strictly prohibited. Eating the fruit can cause serious complications. Similarly, figs are prohibited for gastritis, as well as for diseases of the digestive tract in the acute stage.

With particular caution should be taken to the use of figs if a person has been diagnosed with a stomach or duodenal ulcer.

Figs strengthen or weaken? The fruit has cleansing qualities, so it weakens. It is not recommended to eat figs with diarrhea or indigestion.

Many people are interested in whether there can be an allergy to figs? Like any other product, figs can cause an allergic reaction. If the fruit is introduced into the human diet for the first time, then possible changes must be carefully monitored. Especially, this precaution applies to the use of figs by young children.

How to eat figs correctly?

Seeing the fruits of figs for the first time, many people have a question, what does the taste of figs look like? The taste of figs is reminiscent of marmalade or marshmallow, it has sweet qualities and is very pleasant to eat. However, you can only enjoy fresh figs if you pick them from a tree branch and eat them right away. Only residents have this benefit. southern regions where the fig tree and sprouts.

How to eat fresh figs? Before you eat the fruit, it must be thoroughly washed with boiled water. It is not recommended to eat the fruits of trees that sprout next to roads and roadways. Figs can be eaten with other foods. For instance, unusual taste dishes will turn out if you pour sour cream on the figs. Figs sprinkled with nuts also have a pleasant taste.

How to eat figs - with or without peel? The peel of the fruit has a fairly dense structure, so eating it is not always comfortable. Some varieties of figs are eaten with the skin on. Depending on the preferences of the person, you can eat either the pulp of the fig or the whole fruit.

Unfortunately, fresh figs are not subject to long-term storage, so the problem of how to store fresh figs disappears by itself. Those fruits that are sold in supermarkets in plastic bags are harvested from unripe trees, and the ripening process is already taking place “on the road”, that is, during transportation.

Useful qualities have dried fruits. How to eat dried figs? Such a product does not differ from ordinary dried fruits, therefore, before use, it is recommended to steam it in water or pour boiling water over it. Dried figs can be held in a steam bath, after this procedure it will become soft and tender. Dried fruits can be added to any dishes, compotes, desserts, salads are prepared from them.

Can you eat figs at night? Many nutritionists advise against eating fruit right before bed. The carbohydrate composition of figs has an exciting effect on the nervous system, so a person may develop insomnia.

At what age can you give a child figs?

Ideally, if the child eats fruit in a fresh and ripe state. But such a prerogative is real only to residents of the Krasnodar Territory, where figs sprout. Residents of other regions prefer to eat figs in the form of dried fruits, since a fresh product is not subject to long-term storage and, accordingly, transportation.

If babies are not allergic to fruit, then figs are allowed to be introduced in the form of puree or drink from 9-12 months. As for dried fruits, they can be introduced into the diet from 1.5-2 years of age. How many figs can you eat per day? Children under 3 years of age are not recommended to eat more than 3 dried fruits. in a day. But already from 4 years old, you can increase the consumption of figs up to 5 pcs. per day. Adults are allowed to eat no more than 10 fruits a day. However, you can’t eat fruit every day, it’s important to take breaks.

The benefits of figs for women

In women, figs are actively used in the diet. It is enough to eat 2-3 fruits per day, so that after a while the body becomes light and slender. Of course, the use of figs must be combined with light diet, in which there are no " harmful products» and there is a moderate physical activity.

The benefit of figs for women lies in the fact that the fruit is the prevention of varicose veins. Daily use of the fruit helps the legs become beautiful and “removes” the likelihood of swelling of the veins.

Figs are also used in the treatment of gynecological problems. For example, fig juice or decoction can effectively cure leucorrhea (discharge from fungal diseases).

Uniquening during pregnancy. Thanks to its useful composition, the fruit supplies the body of the expectant mother with all vital necessary components. If a pregnant woman has a sharp increase in body weight, then figs will help correct weight gain. Figs help future mothers cope with constipation, which often develops in an “interesting position”, and the high iron content in the fruit is the prevention of anemia.

Figs during breastfeeding is an indispensable fruit. The high content of calcium helps to strengthen the skeletal system of the baby. Figs are among the foods that increase lactation. It is important to remember that fruit should be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother carefully, it is necessary to monitor the reaction of the child's body, if the newborn has diarrhea or intestinal colic, then the nursing mother should stop eating figs.

The benefits of figs for men

The main benefit of figs for men lies in the normalization of the reproductive system, in particular, the fruit is the prevention of impotence and fights sexual impotence.

With the help of figs, you can effectively treat such a dangerous disease for men as prostatitis. But before you self-medicate with natural products you need to consult a doctor.

Figs as a remedy for diseases

Figs for colds

During the off-season, figs will help to cope with the first signs of a cold and relieve a person from coughing. Medicinal properties fruits are due to the fortified composition of the product. The main component in the fight against colds and viral phenomena is vitamin C, which is contained in abundance in a healthy fruit. Besides, healing effect figs due to the content of trace elements that support the body in a normal physiological state.

Figs are actively used for immunity, regular use fruit helps to increase the protective forces and helps the body cope with the attack of harmful bacteria, viruses and microbes. Figs for colds are used as a diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory agent. The fruit has cleansing and disinfecting qualities that help remove harmful toxins and pesticides from the body, formed as a result of the activity of pathogenic microbes.

Unique figs for cough. But the basis of the fruit is preparing drinks and mixtures that help relieve coughing, better sputum discharge and eliminate sore throats. Before preparing a folk remedy for colds, it is important to make sure that the patient does not have allergic reaction. It is important to note that figs for diabetes cannot be consumed, so if the patient suffers from this disease, then he must find another remedy for the common cold.

Treating a cold with figs is also suitable for children, since the product is natural, it does not bring any side effects.

• Treatment of cough with milk with figs. 1 l. heat fat milk to a moderately hot temperature, dip 5 figs into it, boil for half an hour, then remove from heat and let it brew for 3 hours. In the treatment of coughs, boiled figs are also used, they are eaten as a means to relieve coughs and eliminate sore throats. And the milk in which the fruit was boiled is taken 1 glass at night - the drink has a diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory effect.
• Immunity booster. Prepare 10 dry figs, twist them in a meat grinder, add 10 tbsp to the resulting mass. spoons of liquid honey. Take 1 teaspoon a day. During the period of activity of epidemics and colds, the remedy is taken twice a day.

Figs for diseases of the spine

Alternative medicine recognizes the treatment of diseases of the spine with figs. The healthy fruit contains a huge amount of fortified and mineral components that take care of the normal functioning of the whole organism. The advantage of figs is that it is able to normalize the level of cholesterol in the blood. As is known, increased content cholesterol negatively affects all body systems, “killing” the spine. If you normalize cholesterol levels, you can effectively get rid of spinal dysfunction. In addition, figs are an excellent preventive product against the development of atherosclerosis and rheumatism.

It is recommended to take figs for the spine in the form of a drink prepared in milk. For the preparation of a healing agent in 0.5 liters. milk boiled for 30 minutes 5-7 figs. The resulting drink is taken throughout the day in small portions - 100-150 ml each.

Ginger has similar properties for joints.

The use of figs for cosmetic purposes

It is interesting to know how figs are useful for facial skin and hair? The fruit has long been used for cosmetic purposes, it contains such useful components, as vitamins C, A, E, as well as minerals - copper and phosphorus. These substances have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair, renewing cells and restoring damaged structures.

What is useful fig for the face?

• Hydration. Main component for effective moisturizing of the skin of the face - this is Omega-3, thanks to which the skin becomes moisturized and fresh. Beauticians recommend using fresh fig juice in the form of a lip balm that moisturizes and restores delicate skin.
• Treatment of injuries and infections. Fig juice can be used to treat small cracks in the skin, the consequences of injuries, inflammatory acne, boils, abscesses, etc. Figs are also used as a cosmetic product to eliminate increased fat from the skin of the face.
• Skin restoration. The high water content in figs helps to cleanse the body of toxins, respectively, the fruit helps to cleanse the skin of acne and excess oily secretions. Fruit-based masks help the skin of the face become radiant, healthy, shiny, tender.
• Pore ​​cleansing. Mixture based on fig pulp, orange juice and powdered sugar is a cleansing scrub, it acts on the skin gently and has an amazing effect.
• Whitening. With the help of figs, you can quickly even out the complexion, get rid of age spots and restore damaged cells. It is useful to make a mask based on the pulp of figs, oatmeal and a couple of drops. essential oil bergamot. Useful composition after just a few applications, it will make the skin of the face radiant and bright.
• Cosmetic cleansing. If you mix the pulp of figs in a small amount boiled water, you get a natural lotion that helps wash away dirt from the surface of the skin. This remedy is useful to use every night before bed.

What are the benefits of figs for hair?

Manufacturers of hair cosmetics actively use fig extract for the preparation of shampoos, gels, masks, and conditioners. The fruit helps to restore damaged hair structure, effectively fights brittle strands, and is also an excellent moisturizer.

For the treatment and restoration of dry, sensitive and brittle hair, it is recommended to use fig oil. It is enough to use a mask based on fig oil once a week so that the curls become silky, shiny and obedient.

Women who dream of accelerating hair growth should include in their diet useful fruit, because vitamin composition stimulates blood circulation, thereby increasing the activity of hair follicles. Collagen, which is part of the fig, helps the curls become voluminous. Moreover, this component relieves hair from brittleness and increased loss.

Unique property figs and that it prevents the appearance of early gray hair. The composition of the fruit contains substances that help to preserve for a long time natural color strands.

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