Figs: useful properties, composition, contraindications. Figs useful properties and composition

Many people know the name fig, but not everyone knows that this is not the only name for 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 a culinary delicacy. It is worth noting that fresh figs are enough perishable product. Therefore, many prefer to enjoy fine taste dried figs that have absorbed all the energy of sunlight.

Compound

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 beneficial features. We answer - does not lose, but differs from fresh fruit sugar content - in fresh fruits, the sugar content is about 24%, and in dried - about 37%.

The benefit of figs is given by its amazing chemical composition- pectin, vitamins, organic acids. Fig fruits contain such important minerals for the body as 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 good health.

The healing properties of figs, of course, are determined by the presence of a rich vitamin and mineral complex. Daily use several fruits of figs will forever forget about the deficiency in the body of a whole list useful substances. That's why special benefit figs give 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 has 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.

Thanks to the large number dietary fiber contained in figs, this fruit can be consumed during the diet.

3. Influence on the work of the musculoskeletal system.

4. Prevention of age-related macular degeneration.

   Numerous studies prove 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

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

Figs should be used with caution. breastfeeding, because laxative effect fruit can cause diarrhea in the baby.

Dried figs should be used with caution bronchial asthma, since the fruit is very often treated with sulfites and sulfur dioxide, which increases the shelf life of the product, but can provoke diseases respiratory system.

Too much a large number of eating 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: 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, 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.

Most popular varieties 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- figs, Sary-lob (Smirnsky-2), Kalimirna, Muason, Honey (Crimean-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 a jelly-like pulp and a rich taste, containing 14 minerals and 11 vitamins. A ripe fig is very tender and juicy pulp, and 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, 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 are extremely important for health. fatty acids omega 3. 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. The nutritional value: carbohydrates - 12 g, proteins - 0.7 g, fats - 0.2 g.

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

Versatile Benefits: The Medicinal Benefits of Figs

High cholesterol, hangover, cough, stress, excess weight- figs can cope with these and many other problems. Official medicine today appreciates its medicinal 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 grind) can be given to young children: you need to drink such a cocktail in 2-3 doses a day.

For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

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

The beneficial properties of figs also apply to pregnant women. Rich in micronutrients and folate, 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, violation salt metabolism in the body and diabetes. Figs only brought benefits if consumed in reasonable quantities: no more than 100 g of dried and no more than 400 g of fresh fruits per day.

How to select and store figs

Fresh figs, even in the refrigerator, are stored for no more than two days, so on the shelves of domestic stores we often see dried fruits. 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!

Figs began to be cultivated five thousand years ago, and, according to legends, the leaves of the tree served as clothing for Adam and Eve. The ancient Romans believed that the fig branches held the heavy basket with the brothers Romulus and Remus and saved the lives of the founders of Rome.

very mysterious and unusual tree, next to which the Buddha experienced enlightenment. The inhabitants of ancient India worshiped the fig, arranged magnificent sacrifices next to it, poured yogurt on it and offered flower garlands. appreciated in ancient Egypt and China, the American Indians knew about it, the followers of Mohammed swore by it. Valuable qualities these amazing fruits were glorified in their medical treatises by ancient doctors and poets.

Why we love figs

Delicious and useful fruit known to us under other names. The fleshy fruit is green-yellow, blue and purple called wine or smyrna berry, fig, fig tree and fig. Fig berries are pear-shaped, round or flattened and thin smooth peel, behind which lies a tender, juicy, sweet jelly-like pulp with big amount crunchy seeds. It is impossible to resist this delicacy, which in itself is delicious dessert, popular since biblical times. IN Ancient Greece this berry was forbidden to be exported so that the beneficial properties of figs were available to all residents of the country. If you do not rush to harvest, the fig begins to ferment right on the tree, which is why it is called a fig. Some housewives grow figs at home to use delicious and healing fruits for cooking various dishes. fresh and dried figs sold in the store, so you can surprise loved ones unusual desserts, sauces and drinks from this exotic fruit.

Healing figs: composition and description of medicinal properties

It contains 71% sugar and 49 calories, so it replaces sweets in dietary and medical diets. This fruit is rich in organic acids, pectin, healthy fats, proteins, folic acid, vitamin C, iron and copper. Figs have a mild laxative effect, help sputum discharge during colds and bronchitis, normalize blood cholesterol levels, strengthen nerves, heart and blood vessels. Figs are good for young children because they activate the brain and have a beneficial effect on digestion. The diuretic properties of figs are used in the treatment of hypertension and kidney disease, fresh or dried berries useful for anemia and are prescribed by doctors during the period of recuperation after serious illnesses. Dried figs are used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antitumor agent. Figs are especially valuable because of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which fight early aging of the body, and phytosterone, which stimulates the production of testosterone. It turns out that figs are useful not only for children and the sick, but also for perfectly healthy men and women who want to improve the quality of life.

The most delicious varieties of figs

For five thousand years, breeders have managed to develop more than one thousand varieties of wine berries, which differ in shape, size, color, taste, ripening time, yield and pollination method. Depending on the gastronomic goals, figs can be dessert and dried fruit. For growing in room conditions it is best to take a self-fertile variety that does not require pollination. TO the best varieties figs include: "Crimean black" with sweet raspberry pulp, "Dalmatian" green-yellow with a pleasant sourness, purple-red large "Brunswick". Very tasty french early varieties berries, "Spanish" purple fig, American "randino", "French" green and white "Adriatic" with a pink core. Magnolia figs are suitable for canning, Nikitsky and Smirnsky varieties are used for making dried fruits, jam and marmalade, San Pedro, reminiscent of strawberries, is very tasty in fresh, as well as "asari", "chapla" and "kadota".

Gourmet Fig Recipes

Eat in any form - fresh, dried, canned or cooked. Fragrant jam, jam and fig jam - best desserts for tea and sweet syrup - great gas station for fruit, cottage cheese and porridge. Figs are prepared from original healthy candy with raisins, ground ginger and spices, it is added to salads, yogurt, compotes and fragrant wine are made. Figs can become the basis for sauces for meat, fish and vegetables; they are added to baked goods and confectionery. Roasted berries make delicious and fragrant fig “coffee”, baked figs are served with lamb, poultry, fish and cheese, they bake pies, terrines and casseroles from it.

Dishes with figs fill with energy, restore strength, strengthen and renew the body, fight blues, apathy and depression, cheer up and vitality. Figs on home desk is a source of health, joy and positive for the whole family!

Figs are also called fig trees, and sometimes - fig tree. This wonderful plant is known for its sweet fruits, which have a lot of useful properties. Once upon a time, the great healer of antiquity, the doctor Avicenna recommended that the elderly use the fruits to maintain health. In particular, figs are very good for the heart.

The benefits of the fruits of this plant are directly related to the rich composition. Figs are rich in many vitamins, minerals, organic acids. For example, fruits contain almost the entire group of B vitamins. If we talk about minerals, then figs are considered the champion in their diversity and quantity. We will not list all of them, but we note that fig fruits are rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. There is also sodium and a lot of fiber.

Thanks to great content useful substances, sweet fruits are very useful. They need to be included in the menu of adults. Give little by little to children. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of figs, in particular, find out how figs are useful for women.

What are the benefits of sweet fruits?

Fig fruits are used in folk medicine to heal many ailments. traditional, official medicine also recognizes the medicinal properties of figs. For example, doctors recommend using it in the complex therapy of varicose veins, thrombophlebitis. As we have already said, fruits are useful for maintaining good heart function.

It's all about ficin - a component contained in the composition of the fruit. Ficin effectively reduces blood clotting and eliminates clots in the vessels, promotes their resorption. Therefore, figs help people suffering from hypertension, as it alleviates painful symptoms.

ethnoscience recommends figs for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, namely: laryngitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, etc. For treatment, take a decoction of figs on a milk basis. Gargle with a decoction of water for sore throat and gum disease. In addition, the so-called fig coffee is prepared from dried fruits, crushed to a powder state. This drink has medicinal properties and is effective for whooping cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, angina pectoris.

The fruits can be used to alleviate the condition of patients suffering from inflammation. urinary tract, urolithiasis.

Figs for women's health

Indians, who respect this plant very much, attribute rejuvenating properties to the fruits. Indeed, masks based on it simply transform the skin, refresh, rejuvenate it. You can cut the fruit in half and massage the face and neck along the massage lines with one half. Wash off after 15 minutes without soap.

Figs are very useful for women during menstruation. Oriental doctors advise eating sweet berries on these days that are not the best for well-being. Figs will help maintain the balance of substances and elements in the body. It is also useful for calcium deficiency. In this case, you need to eat it daily, several pieces.

By the way, if you chew dried fruits for a few minutes, bad breath will disappear.

The use of sweet fruits is useful during the recovery period after a long illness. And figs quickly restore working capacity, effectively fight physical fatigue, mental overwork. A few berries eaten in time will relieve nervous tension. Taking them before bed can improve the quality of your sleep.

Ripe figs are very useful for pregnant women. Since the fruits contain proteins and amino acids necessary for the development of the child, future mom should include figs in your diet. It is useful to start using it even during pregnancy planning and in its early stages. Since the B vitamins contained in the fruits and folic acid contribute to the normal development and course of pregnancy

An interesting fact is that sweet fruits can be used both for weight gain and for weight loss. It depends on its application.

For example, if you eat it a lot and often, you will definitely gain weight. If you add a few pieces to the diet, it will help to get rid of extra pounds. Well, for example, figs are rich in potassium. This element will help the body get rid of excess fluid, which contributes to weight loss.

Just a few berries eaten will provide a feeling of satiety for a long time. Due to the lack of a feeling of hunger, you will not be able to eat for a long period, which means that you will begin to lose weight little by little. In addition, the grains found in the fruits actively stimulate digestion and have a mild laxative property. And, as you know, cleansing the body is the first step to losing weight.

Contraindications for use

But not always and not everyone can enjoy the sweet taste of berries. The use of figs should be abandoned in the presence of an exacerbation inflammatory diseases digestive system.

We must not forget that the fruits are very high in calories. Therefore, they should not be constantly on the table of people with diabetes and obesity. They need to be very careful when eating figs. Figs are contraindicated for gout, as well as pancreatitis, as they are rich in oxalic acid.

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