Dried and fresh figs: useful properties and contraindications. The benefits and harms of eating dried figs

Botanical characteristics of figs

Figs (fig tree, fig, wine berry) belong to the Crassulaceae family. It is a dioecious deciduous fruit tree. The height of the trunk is on average 10–20 m. The roots of the plant are powerful, woody, rooted deep enough in the soil. Common figs have dioecious flowers, collected in inflorescences, which can be spherical, pear-shaped or flattened.

The fruit has a thin skin, is a small achene, located inside a fleshy pear-shaped receptacle, weighs 20–75 g. The fig tree grows in Asia Minor (the birthplace of the plant), occurs naturally in Iran, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Turkey and Central Asia . Figs are grown as a cultivated plant in the Caucasus and Crimea.

Useful properties of figs

Fig fruits contain sugars, pectin, proteins, fats, malic and citric acids. Anthocyanin glycosides, pantothenic and folic acids are present. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, PP have a beneficial effect on the body and the functioning of various systems. Carotene, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper are very effective in many diseases - these substances are involved in all processes of the vital organs of the human body.

The leaves of the plant are rich in furocoumarin, psoralen and bergapten. Tannins and resinous substances were also found in them. In addition to ascorbic acid and rutin, there is an essential oil.

Figs have a laxative, diuretic and expectorant effect, lower blood cholesterol levels, and its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for the cardiovascular and nervous system. The plant also has anti-inflammatory properties.

The use of figs

Official medicine has long recognized figs as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for many diseases. The fruits of a tasty and healthy fruit are used in the treatment of blockage of the pulmonary artery, vein thrombosis, to restore the functioning of the cardiovascular system. The diuretic properties of figs make it possible to use it in diseases of the kidneys, hypertension.

The plant exhibits an expectorant effect in case of colds, alleviates severe conditions with, bronchitis and laryngitis. Broths, jams, boiled figs in milk have a diaphoretic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Decoction of figs: 2 tablespoons of dried figs are boiled in 1 glass of milk until softened. Take the drug 100 g 2-3 times a day. Such a medicine is recommended for, for gargling, externally in the form of poultices for acute inflammatory formation in the periosteum or connective tissue, abscesses,.

Fig fruits are useful for both adults and children. If you need to get rid of boils and, urticaria and ulcers, fresh leaves must be applied to the diseased area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin. The use of fresh fruits is recommended for weakened people who have suffered any illness. Figs can be dried, and in this or fresh form they are useful in epilepsy. Fruit juice helps to remove sand from the kidneys, heal wounds. You can get rid of warts and birthmarks by applying crushed unripe fruits to the skin.

The ashes of fig wood are insisted on water and lotions are made with this liquid for inflammation of the nerve. Fig leaves help with hardening of the eyelids and thickening of the membranes of the eyes. The resulting milky juice from figs is used to treat the initial stage of cataracts, remove the wet veil. and trace elements that make up figs contribute to the production of serotonin, a substance that improves mood and improves well-being. Folic acid is useful for pregnant women, as it participates in hematopoietic processes and supports the immune system. Figs are considered the richest fruit in phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, sodium and fiber. Figs are the leader in the content of minerals, which are so necessary in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Calcium has a beneficial effect on bones and. Thanks to fiber, the body easily fights cholesterol and gets rid of toxins. Delicious jams, marshmallows, sweets, compotes, wine, vinegar are prepared from fig fruits.

dried figs

In dried and dried form, the fruit has a high concentration of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and sugar. 100 grams of this valuable product contains three hundred and forty kilocalories, so this is a very nutritious fruit. It is especially recommended to use it for problems with blood vessels and the heart, the ficin enzyme has a beneficial effect on the treatment of thrombosis.

Dried figs are effective as an antipyretic and have a diaphoretic effect. The medicinal fruit acts as a laxative, and a miraculous decoction of dried figs in milk is used for whooping cough, dry cough, and swelling of the vocal cords. Dried fruits today can be bought at any supermarket, you need to choose light yellow fruits. They fill the body with energy, give strength, cheer up. Figs are used as an antitumor agent, they are taken during irradiation and anemia.

Figs with cough milk

In folk medicine, with coughing fits during a cold and with a decoction of fig fruits in milk, they are used. The course of treatment should be continued for 10-15 days, the drug will relieve cough and increase the body's resistance to respiratory diseases.

Recipe for figs in milk: to prepare a healing drink, you need to take 1.5 liters of pasteurized milk with a fat content of 3.2%, pour it into an enamel pan, heat it up, place one medium-sized well-washed fresh or dried fruit there, and bring to a boil. With the lid tightly closed, the composition should be kept for 0.5 hours on low heat until the volume decreases by about 1/3, then wrap the pan to steam the figs and leave it to cool completely: 3-4 hours is enough for the figs to give up all their beneficial properties .

It is necessary to store the product in a jar, tightly closed with a nylon lid, in the refrigerator. More than 0.5 liters of the drug cannot be cooked, on the second day it will thicken, it will be a little viscous.

Calorie content of figs

Fresh figs contain up to 24% sugars, dried ones - from 50 to 77%. The calorie content of dried fruits is 214 kcal per 100 grams, this is due to the high sugar content, it is impossible to eat a lot of them, a feeling of fullness quickly arises. If there is a body's need for sweet foods and at the same time you want to maintain harmony, then it is better to use figs. Since one fruit contains on average 40 to 50 calories and approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates, it is healthier than any candy. The fruits have very little fat.

Fig cultivation

Figs are quite an exotic plant, not very suitable for living in Russia or Ukraine. But gardeners have learned to grow this crop in the southern regions, even on open ground. The tree loves good lighting. It does not grow well in direct sunlight, prefers moist soil. Figs are characterized by parthenocarpy - the formation of fruits without fertilization. Deciduous plant in general is not very demanding to care for, but needs good drainage.

During its development, it is necessary to limit the growth of the root system in order to prevent the growth of branches and trunk in height, otherwise such a tree will produce a small crop. Before planting, it is necessary to clean the soil from weeds, apply mineral fertilizer. Every spring around the fig tree should be mulched with rotted manure. After the formation of skeletal branches, pruning is performed to obtain a sufficient number of fruit branches, removing about half of the old fruit branches and shortening them to two leaves. This is done after the removal of the first and second harvest.

Fig Recipes

A decoction of dry fig seedlings in milk: 20 g of dry seedlings are poured into 1 cup of boiling milk and boiled over low heat for 10 minutes. They drink a decoction with hot fruits for coughing, bronchial, tumors.

Decoction of fig fruits:

Recipe number 1: two tablespoons of dry seedlings should be poured with one glass of hot water, insisted in a water bath for half an hour in a sealed container, then strain, bring the liquid to its original volume and drink 0.5 cup three times a day before meals.

Recipe number 2: 50 g of dry fruits must be poured with a liter of boiling water and boiled over low heat for half an hour. It is recommended to drink the remedy at 3 times a day for 1/2 cup along with mashed fruits.

Fig leaf infusion: 3 tablespoons of dry leaves (collected before flowering) should be crushed, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave for 4-5 hours in a thermos. Take an infusion four times a day, 1/2 cup for bronchial asthma, kidney and urinary tract diseases.

Recipe for laxative balls: 100 g of figs, 100 g of raisins, 0.5 teaspoon of ground ginger and 0.5 teaspoon of nutmeg chop and mix. We form a sausage from the resulting mixture and then cut it with a knife into circles 1 cm thick. Roll balls out of them and eat 1-2 balls in the morning on an empty stomach with constipation.

Fig syrup: to prepare it, you need to pour 8 pieces of crushed fruits into 250 ml of water, boil for 20 minutes, then remove the figs, add 1 cup of sugar and add water to the original volume. Next, boil the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved, add the juice of half a lemon, 1 teaspoon of ginger and pour the liquid into a vessel. Adults need to drink 3-4 dessert spoons, children - 1-2 dessert spoons per day for problems with the digestive tract and.

Fig salad: mix 300 g of figs, 150 g of prunes, 2.5 tablespoons of almonds, 1 cup of acidophilus, orange zest, sugar to taste. Morning salad will help the cardiovascular system.

Figs for weight loss

Vitamins, beta-carotene, minerals, amino acids, pectin, fig enzymes have a beneficial effect on the digestion process. The concentration of nutrients in figs is in the right ratio, which allows them to be well absorbed by the body. Figs have more potassium than bananas, it contributes to the normal functioning of the stomach, muscle elasticity, and removes excess fluid from the body. Figs are rich in substances that help reduce hunger.

Fruit grains are fiber that relieves constipation. All these wonderful properties make figs an indispensable product for weight loss. There are many ways to replace sugar, which is so harmful for overweight people. Using figs with natural sugars, the presence of which is evidenced by a white coating on dried fruits (glucose crystals), it is recommended to replace one of the meals with two or three fruits several times a week.

In this case, no more food should be consumed. Many fruits cannot be eaten, otherwise the result will be the opposite. The fruit helps to restore strength, fills with energy. With the help of figs, the effect that is bad on the body during weight loss is noticeably reduced.

fig fruit

Depending on the variety, figs can have both yellow and black-and-blue color. But most often you can see yellow-green pear-shaped fruits the size of a walnut. The immature fruits contain milky juice, the taste is very sharp. Ripe fruits are full of small seeds, have a taste from sugary sweet to moderately sweet, as they contain fructose and glucose, malic and citric acids. The usefulness of fruits is determined by the presence of salts of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, vitamins A, B and C.

Carotenoids, pectins, enzymes, minerals, proteins and fats are stored in dried fruits, and their concentration in this type of fruit increases. Before use, the peel of the dried fruit is best removed or soaked in water, because it is highly rigid. The water in which the figs were soaked has medicinal properties, since minerals and fruit sugar pass into it, so it can be drunk.

Fig varieties

There are many varieties of figs. Dried fruits include:

gray early Brunswick (chapla) Dalmatian Crimean black Violet Sochi - 4 Brunswick Magnolia July

The variety allows you to choose the best of the best varieties, all of them have excellent characteristics, bear fruit well and do not require special care.

Nikitsky fragrant variety, used for making dried fruits, jams, and for fresh consumption.

Brunswick fig variety has very large fruits, differs in skin color, it can be bluish-purple or dark brown. The pulp is juicy, white or pink in color.

Magnolia also has large fruits, their skin is amber, the variety is used for canning.

In Corderia, the fruits are pear-shaped, large with a yellowish-greenish tinge. The flesh is amber in color, juicy and very sweet. This variety of figs is common in dry areas.

San Pedro white - capable of producing two crops: one gives fruits with a shiny, yellow skin like a lemon, from the second harvest you can collect fruits that are greenish with a hint of sea water, with red pulp, similar to strawberries, juicy, incredibly tasty and fragrant.

San Pedro black also gives two harvests: one, with large fruits, is used for fresh consumption, the second, with small fruits, is used for drying.

Smirnensky variety has medium-sized pear-shaped fruits. The skin is brownish-purple, sometimes greenish, the flesh is brownish-pink.

Figs during pregnancy For every woman, it is important to eat right during pregnancy, replenish the body with vitamins and other useful elements that positively affect the development of the fetus. Figs are one of the most essential ingredients in the diet of expectant mothers. Vitamin C, folic acid, proteins, potassium, calcium, iron, women will receive in sufficient volume by consuming at least 2-3 fig fruits daily. In order not to gain weight, lovers of sweets can use figs as a sweet substitute. Figs satisfy hunger, natural sugar is not harmful to mother and child. A doctor's consultation, of course, in this matter will not be superfluous, since pregnant women with a diagnosis of "gestational" figs can be harmful.

fig leaves

Many today eat the fruits of this tree, but knowing the power of the leaves, they can be used to treat many ailments. Fig leaves are also edible, they help with diabetes, and are effective in lowering levels. Fig leaves are a popular natural remedy for stomach ulcers. A decoction of dry fig leaves is drunk for dysentery, colitis.

Fig leaf infusion: 1 tablespoon of dry crushed leaves should be poured with a glass of boiling water, insisted for 1 hour and taken 1/3 or 1/2 cup 2-3 times a day. You can make an infusion of fruit in milk.

Fresh fig leaves are used to quickly ripen boils. Decoctions of leaves treat cough, bronchial asthma, kidneys.

Black fig

Black figs are incredibly useful, their healing properties are recognized by official medicine. Eating one fruit daily for a month can reduce the likelihood of sclerotic plaques and blood clots. Useful substances of figs affect the functioning of the brain, capillaries. Essential oils enrich the blood with oxygen, the fruit is recommended for mental workers, creative individuals. Black figs are good to use in inflammatory processes in the larynx, kidneys, and urolithiasis.

This fruit also helps with bronchitis. Due to the presence of salts of potassium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, it is excellent for complex therapy for cardiovascular disorders, anemia. This is one of the most excellent folk remedies that must be included in the diet of the elderly, a real elixir of youth that will fill you with energy and give you strength. Black figs contain ficin, which can cleanse blood vessels, giving them strength and elasticity.

Recipe number 1: thoroughly mash 4-5 pieces of figs in a glass of warm milk. Take the remedy for 0.5 cup 2-4 times a day for bronchitis, tracheitis.

Recipe number 2: you need to boil on low heat in 1 glass of water 3-5 pieces of figs for 5 minutes, then knead and grind. Take a decoction during the day before meals, divided into equal portions. The tool promotes the crushing of stones and removes them from the kidneys and bladder.

Black figs combined with almonds are an excellent remedy for weight gain with severe weight loss and loss of appetite.

Contraindications to the use of figs

Figs are contraindicated in pancreatitis, diabetes, inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract. The ban on the use of figs applies to diseases such as enteritis, obesity. Since oxalic acid is present in figs, this fruit is also contraindicated for people prone to the formation of gallstones.

Expert editor: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna| Dietitian, endocrinologist

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University N. I. Pirogov, specialty "Medicine" (2004). Residency at the Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).

One of Mother Nature's magnificent gifts to humanity is the fig. Useful properties and contraindications have been studied in sufficient detail and are widely used by folk and official medicine. There are about three hundred types of figs. All of them have a healing effect, useful properties. Fresh figs are a seasonal fruit, we have it in the markets or shops in the fall. Dried is almost always available. It is useful in every way. Its fruits are varied in color: black, brown, red, yellow, green; in shape: from round to pear-shaped.

Most of the fig crop is harvested in autumn from August to October, when longitudinal cracks appear on the skin of the fruit. Droplets of pure juice begin to stand out from the "eyes" at the top of the fruit and on the surface. The pulp of figs during this period is unusually sweet, as if filled with pure sugar juice, the beneficial properties are maximum.

It is best to harvest figs early in the morning, as fruits overheated in the sun quickly deteriorate.

Figs bear fruit stably abundantly - up to 100 kg of seedlings per year. Moreover, the crop is harvested twice - in June, and then in August-November. Most often, the color of the fruit is yellow-green. Unripe figs contain milky juice, it is not edible. But as soon as cracks appear on them, through which the cherry-red juicy pulp shines through, the fruits are ready. One drawback is that they are not stored for a long time when they are ripe.

Fresh figs - good

The beneficial properties of figs are a huge content of organic acids, pectins, enzymes, vitamins: A, B 1, B 2, B 3, C, beta-carotene, PP, minerals. Each fruit contains useful for the body iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium.

40 g of figs contain 7% of our daily requirement for potassium, 6% for calcium and iron. All thought processes occur with the participation of iron. In terms of potassium content, this fruit is second only to nuts.

The drug furolen from the leaves is used in the treatment of baldness, vitiligo, and the juice, essential oils inhibit the growth of certain fungi, pathogenic bacteria. It promotes the formation of melanin. Fig leaves contain coumarin, a substance that increases the body's sensitivity to solar radiation. Therefore, one must beware of sunburn during treatment with decoctions of the leaves.

Sugar fresh figs contain 25%. Mostly fructose. This is the highest percentage of fructose when compared to other fruits. Protein fresh fruit contains 1%, and dried - 6%.

A few figs a day will quickly relieve mental or physical stress. Regular consumption of this fruit helps to improve memory, reduce sleep disturbances.

Figs are of great benefit to people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, people with problem veins, with a tendency to tormbosis, anemia, asthma, bronchitis, colds, tonsillitis. It lowers blood sugar, but it is not recommended for diabetics or obese people to use it a lot, since all the sugars present in the fruit are absorbed by the body with ease. But a few figs eaten per day, on the contrary, are able to reduce blood sugar levels, are useful for obese people. Most importantly, the amount of figs eaten should be optimal.

In general, its main value is that it prompts, helps the body to choose the healing property it needs at the moment.

Figs are a great way to improve digestion. He himself will help the body to choose the desired property of this useful fruit. In one case, figs will work as a mild laxative. In another - as a remedy for constipation - eat 4-5 fresh fruits, and if you have only dried fruits - soak them - eat in the morning along with the water in which it soaked.

But you can not use figs in acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The fruits, despite the sweet taste, contain a lot of oxalic acid, so it should not be eaten with gout.

Known diuretic and diaphoretic properties of figs. Teas, fruit decoctions are used as an antipyretic, diaphoretic.

Each fruit contains polyphenols, flavonoids, which improve the antioxidant activity of the blood. Medicinal fig juice contains the enzyme phytin, which almost completely destroys fibrinogen in the blood and fibrin (an insoluble protein used by the body to clot blood). Fibrin strands form the backbone of a thrombus that interferes with normal blood flow. For treatment, only 3 drops of juice are extracted from an unripe fetus. It is useful for blood formation or in diseases of the heart. On the basis of extracts from the fruits and leaves of figs, some medicines have been created that are successfully used to treat cardiovascular diseases, thrombosis, and thrombophlebitis. It can also improve blood: increase hemoglobin levels, lower cholesterol levels.

Useful properties of dried figs

The dried fruit has a lot of fiber, the beneficial properties of which are necessary for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Its calorie content is 214 kcal / 100 g. One dried fig provides 2 g of fiber, which is 20% of the daily requirement. In terms of its composition, the amount of dietary fiber, it occupies an honorable first place, helping the gastrointestinal tract to work.

Sugar dried figs contain up to 70%. Interestingly, people who want to lose weight are advised to consume figs daily. However, the high number of calories it contains can lead to weight gain, especially when consumed along with milk. A few are enough to get the recommended amount of nutrients, so don't overdo it!

Dried figs contain phenol, omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, the beneficial substances that fig leaves contain have a significant impact on the level of triglycerides in the human body, which are one of the main causes of various heart diseases. These fatty acids are not produced by our body - we must get them from food. They are needed for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Figs - recipes for treatment

A few traditional medicine recipes:

• Boil three fig leaves in half a liter of water for 15 minutes. Strain, drink this solution on a regular basis to lower blood pressure.
• Finely chop four fig leaves, mix with sugar to make a thick mixture. Take this mixture regularly with a glass of water twice a day. This home remedy is a useful addition to the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver.
• With laryngitis, hoarseness, you need to prepare a syrup, from one teaspoon of chopped dried figs and half a glass of water - boil for 15 minutes, strain, add a teaspoon of honey.
• Add two or three crushed figs to a cup of kefir (200 ml). Consume this mixture twice a day for several weeks to reduce inflammation of the spleen.
• Apply milky juice from stems or leaves three to four times a day on warts - this will help you get rid of them.
• Anemia sufferers can eat 2-3 figs soaked overnight in a glass of milk. Consume these fruits with milk in the morning for a month.
• Take one and a half liters of water, add 50 g of dried figs, barley, raisins. Cook over low heat covered for about 15 minutes. Then add 15 g of chopped licorice root to the decoction. Cover with a lid, leave to infuse overnight. Take a teaspoon. This is an effective home remedy for constipation in children.
• If you have bad breath, then just chew a couple of fig leaves, and then rinse your mouth with warm water.

For the treatment of urolithiasis or kidney stones, it is recommended to boil figs in milk. It is useful to drink this milk very hot until the stones disappear.

Traditional medicine recommends figs for the treatment of breast cancer. Its fruits have disinfectant, emollient properties, so traditional medicine often uses them to prepare an infusion, which is used as a rinse, poultices for colds, abscesses, and inflammation of the mucous membranes. They are especially useful for external use in cancer, as they prevent the development of the disease.

Traditional medicine uses the fruits and leaves of the plant. Fresh figs or their juice is applied to erysipelas every 2 hours. The disease is cured in 1 day.

Sulfur is a vital element that is part of proteins as sulfur-containing amino acids (cystine, cysteine, methionine), as well as some vitamins, hormones. The formation of inulin occurs only at a normal concentration of sulfur in the body. And figs contain a lot of sulfur.

It is useful to take figs for elderly or debilitated people, because the regular use of these dried fruits helps to rejuvenate, strengthen the body, and helps to restore the body after an illness.

For centuries, figs have been recommended as a way to correct the body's sexual dysfunctions such as infertility or erectile dysfunction. Its real success as an aphrodisiac is questionable, but the sheer amount of valuable vitamins and minerals it contains can lead to a sudden increase in sexual energy. Soak 2-3 figs in milk overnight and eat them in the morning to boost your sexual performance.

The harm of figs to the body, precautions

• eating too many figs can cause diarrhea;
• dried fruits due to the high sugar content can cause tooth decay;
• Figs can cause mild to severe allergic reactions in some people.
• it is better not to consume too much of it a week or two before the operation, because it thins the blood, and this can sometimes cause bleeding in people sensitive to it;
• As always, before making major lifestyle changes, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional.

Figs are a doctor plant. Alexander the Great knew about the beneficial properties of figs - it is enough for tired soldiers to eat a few dried fruits to restore strength. He also knew that fig gruel quickly heals wounds, helps with poisoning, diseases of the heart, lungs, stomach, and liver.

The beneficial properties of figs are beyond doubt. The fruits contain more iron than apples, and when brewed with hot milk, they are an excellent cough remedy, a good antipyretic, diaphoretic. Of course, there are contraindications, but if you follow the measure, then harm can be avoided.

Contrary to the stereotype, mature figs are not only dark blue (blue-violet), but also green - this is a separate variety of figs.

General information

Figs are an extremely controversial product. Despite the fact that it really has a lot of useful trace elements, including carotene, pectin, iron and copper, these fruits contain a large amount of sugar, in some varieties its content reaches 71%. For this reason, this fruit is not recommended for people with diabetes.

The calorie content of raw figs is 74 kcal per 100 g, and dried - 257 kcal.

The maximum amount of sugar can be found in overripe fruits, which most often end up on store shelves in the off season. Now, in autumn, fig lovers have the opportunity to enjoy not only the taste, but also the benefits of this berry. You need to choose dense and elastic fruits, without dents and cuts. Remember that figs are a perishable product, so it is recommended to store them fresh for no longer than three days, then it begins to lose both taste and benefit. If the figs are still stale in your refrigerator, then we advise you to use it in cooking, how exactly - we will tell at the end of the material.

The benefits of figs

• Figs have antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects, therefore it is recommended for colds, tonsillitis and other similar diseases.
• In folk medicine, figs are known as a faithful assistant in the fight against diseases of the cardiovascular system. Of course, we do not recommend basing your treatment only on these fruits, but we advise you to support the main course. Figs contain an impressive amount of potassium, which will have a positive effect on overall health, and in particular on blood vessels.

• Having already mentioned the cardiovascular system, we add that figs, thanks to the enzyme ficin contained in it, promote the resorption of vascular blood clots, and also help to normalize the heart rate.
• Figs are also rich in fiber, which quickly saturates and satisfies the feeling of hunger for a long time. These fruits can be a great snack for a mid-work day snack.
• It is believed that figs help fight hangovers by reducing all the symptoms associated with this condition - nausea, thirst, headache and general weakness. This is due to the high content in it of three important elements for our body - potassium, magnesium and calcium.

The harm of figs

There are few contraindications to the use of figs, and they are associated primarily with the high sugar content in this berry. Fresh figs are not recommended for people with diabetes and those suffering from acute gastrointestinal diseases. The same applies to dried figs, because the percentage of sugar in it only increases.

What to cook with figs

Figs make very tasty preserves, jams and syrups, it also looks very good in compotes and lemonades. In some eastern countries, all kinds of tinctures are even made from it, but most often figs are used in the preparation of desserts, which is logical in principle, given the amount of sugar it contains. However, this does not mean that you should not experiment with this fruit and do not try to add it to the main dishes. It is also great friends with meat and goes well (especially with red), the main thing is to find the right proportions.

Curd casserole with figs

Ingredients:

Curd - 500 g
Sour cream - 4 tbsp. l.
Sugar - 7-9 tbsp. l.
Eggs - 2 pcs.
Dried figs - 150 g
Melted butter - 40 g
Wheat flour - 150-200 g
Vanillin to taste

Cooking method:

1. Mix cottage cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla and melted butter.
2. Add flour to curd mixture. Stir in finely chopped figs.
3. Take a not too deep baking dish and grease it with sunflower oil.
4. Put the mixture into a mold and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes at 180 degrees.
5. It can be eaten both warm and chilled. Serve with syrups and sour cream.

Toast with figs

Ingredients:

Whole wheat bread
Goat cheese
figs
Honey
Walnuts

Cooking method:

1. Spread the cheese on the slices of bread (some people prefer to warm up the sandwiches a little in the microwave to melt the cheese a little, but this is optional).
2. Pour some honey over the cheese. Place fig slices on top and sprinkle with crushed nuts.

Baked figs with mascarpone

Ingredients:

Red dry wine - 4 tbsp. l.
Sugar - 2 tbsp. l.
Dried figs - 170 g
Walnuts - 2.5 tablespoons
Mascarpone cheese - 2 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar to taste

Cooking method:

1. Mix wine, vinegar and sugar in a saucepan and cook over moderate heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Don't forget to stir.
2. Cut the stalks off the figs and add them to the pot. Cook for 5 more minutes.
3. Pour the fig wine syrup into a baking dish, sprinkle with toasted walnuts and place in the oven, preheated to 190 degrees.
4. Bake for about 30 minutes until the figs have absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Remove the figs from the oven and let them cool slightly (no more than 15 minutes).
6. Put a couple of tablespoons of mascarpone on a plate, place warm figs on them, pour over the remaining syrup.

Not many people know that figs belong to the category of flowers, and not fruits or berries, as everyone used to believe. An ancient cultivated plant is called a fig or fig. Figs are consumed in a variety of forms, including fresh, dried, and dried. On its basis, no less healthy jam is prepared, as well as decoctions and infusions. For these and other reasons, people are interested in information that affects the beneficial and harmful qualities of fruits. Let's talk about them in order.

Composition, application and properties of figs

The value of figs is great, but the benefits must be considered in terms of the elements that are in the composition.

1. There is a lot of protein, beta-carotene, retinol, vitamin PP, ascorbic acid, B vitamins, and minerals in the inflorescences. Of the latter, copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium and others take pride of place.
2. Figs are not deprived of coumarin, organic acids, carbohydrates (presented in the form of easily digestible glucose and fructose). The fig is in second place after the nuts in terms of the accumulation of potassium in the composition. This mineral compound is necessary for the heart muscle and the entire circulatory system.
3. Figs are used by folk healers for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes in vitiligo, asthma, anemia (iron deficiency anemia), cough, fever, tachycardia. They are also treated with neoplasms in the cavity of the kidneys, an increased volume of the liver.
4. Diuretic properties encourage people to eat figs from swelling and accumulation of fluid in the tissues. Laxative effect helps with constipation and stool disorder. Fig leaves are used in the form of lotions for the treatment of large abrasions, wounds, skin lesions.
5. Incoming mineral compounds support blood pressure and reduce its jumps, tone the heartbeat, and eliminate signs of arrhythmia. All this is made possible by the inclusion of potassium and magnesium.
6. Interestingly, figs have 2.5 times more iron than apples. Therefore, figs are used for suspected anemia and for the treatment of an existing disease.
7. The product contains nicotinic acid, it is considered an excellent tool for thinning the blood and improving its circulation. Due to this, the risk of blood clots is reduced, blood channels are cleared of cholesterol, stroke, heart attack, thrombophlebitis and other pathologies are prevented.
8. Figs are extremely high in fiber and other dietary fiber. They are necessary for the activity of the digestive system, kidneys, liver. The systematic intake of figs leads to the fact that the body is comprehensively cleansed of slagging, toxic substances, poisons of a different nature. Fig is necessary for the treatment and prevention of constipation.
9. Vitamin E, also called tocopherol, has antioxidant properties. This substance prevents the negative effects of free radicals on healthy cells, resulting in the prevention and treatment of oncology.
10. During colds, figs are also necessary. A decoction based on it and a fresh plant helps to get rid of mucus in the respiratory tract, helps to reduce temperature, and accelerates sweating. Glucose and fructose, which are found in figs, help to recover faster after surgery or a protracted illness.
11. Fruits accumulate ascorbic acid in a decent amount. Vitamin C is necessary for the general strengthening of the immune system, it reinforces the action of tocopherol and retinol. Teas, decoctions, infusions are prepared from figs, which help to effectively cope with sore throats and flu.
12. It contains a lot of calcium and phosphorus, in combination these mineral compounds are necessary for compaction of bone tissue, teeth, nail plates, hair follicles. The accumulation of laxatives leads to a complex cleansing of the kidneys from small neoplasms.

1. Dried figs contain many substances that are also found in fresh figs. But the volume of some incoming elements after heat treatment increases significantly. This list includes natural saccharides that the brain needs to function properly.
2. In addition, dried fig has a laxative effect, due to which even the most complex stagnation, toxic substances, salts of heavy metals leave the body. This type of fig improves digestion much better than fresh.
3. Compotes, infusions, teas are prepared on the basis of fruits. Such drinks are consumed during a seasonal epidemic of influenza, SARS, tonsillitis to increase immunity. Also, a decoction on dried figs relieves heat, removes sputum from the cavity of the respiratory system.
4. After heat treatment, the accumulation of iron increases significantly, which makes the figs even healthier. It prevents iron deficiency anemia, improves blood composition and circulation.
5. It is used as an additional remedy for tachycardia, bronchial asthma, female gynecological diseases, urolithiasis (with formations up to 5 mm in size.).
6. There are many more B vitamins in the dried fig, they are necessary for the human nervous system, as they control the psycho-emotional environment. Decoctions of dried or dried figs help with insomnia, cheer up, stimulate brain neurons.
7. Figs in any form, whether fresh or dried, are considered a panacea for many male diseases. So, the fetus prevents inflammation of the prostate gland, prostatitis, impotence.

The benefits of figs for women

1. For many years, the female half of the population has been happy to use figs to maintain health and beauty in particular. The composition contains antioxidants that prolong the youth of tissues. This is made possible by the removal of toxins and toxins.
2. The composition contains calcium, which strengthens the nail plate, hair, skin. Fig extract is added to all kinds of caring cosmetics (bath foams, salts, creams and body lotions, tonics, etc.) and perfume.
3. For skin diseases, the pulp of a fresh fruit can be used to wipe rashes, acne, lichen, eczema, psoriasis. Lotions from puree-like fig mass are also effective.
4. Girls during menstruation often suffer from a decline in hemoglobin, because most of the iron is washed out with the blood. Fig restores the deficiency of this element, eliminates apathy and emotional outbursts.

1. Almost everyone knows that taking medication during pregnancy is not the best practice. Therefore, it is recommended to start eating figs before the off-season. The unique composition saturates the body with beneficial enzymes and strengthens it.
2. Smokva easily fights beriberi, anemia and colds. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to resort to the help of harmful drugs. The fruit does not reflect negatively on the child. Experts advise including raw materials in the daily diet.
3. Many representatives of the weaker sex during gestation suffer from common problems. The most common symptoms are indigestion and constipation. To cope with troubles, it is recommended to eat only 3 fruits a day. Digestion processes will be fully restored.

Figs and milk for cough

1. In folk medicine, figs are often used to eliminate various types of coughs. Figs perfectly remove mucus from the bronchi, relieve inflammation in the throat, and fight high body temperature. For greater effectiveness, raw materials are best taken with milk.
2. For 250 ml. liquid, 3 dried fruits are taken. Boil the components after boiling for 3 minutes. Remove the container from the fire and wait for it to cool to an acceptable temperature. You can add a small amount of honey to taste. Take this remedy 3 times a day until recovery.

1. Earlier, we considered the colossal benefits of fruit for people. Unfortunately, few people know that the fig helps well in dietetics. Due to the valuable composition of the fruits, you can fully snack. The body will not feel hungry for a long time.
2. It is allowed to replace one or two meals a day with fresh figs. As a result of such a diet, you can lose a significant amount of unwanted kilograms. In addition, the body will not experience a feeling of discomfort.
3. Among other things, a person receives tangible benefits in the form of saturation with valuable enzymes. Figs perfectly cleanse tissues from slagging, toxic substances and high cholesterol. The result is a mild and noticeable weight loss.

Fig contraindications

1. Smokva has a number of positive qualities. If you decide to improve your health, you should consider some contraindications. Otherwise, the general condition of a person may worsen. Fruits are contraindicated in pancreatitis, gastritis, diabetes and gout.
2. You should not eat figs with a tendency to obesity. You can also consult with a nutritionist and set an individual daily allowance. You should not lean on raw materials before an important event. Fig has a good laxative effect.

1. Once you decide to purchase fresh fruits, you should carefully approach the process. In no case do not choose damaged specimens, in addition to the lack of benefit, you may encounter a number of additional health problems.
2. Fig belongs to perishable products, so in the hot season it is not stored for a long time. With dried figs, things are different. If you yourself did not prepare the fruits before drying, then there is a risk that the fig was spoiled.
3. As for fresh figs, you should choose fruits that have a pleasant aroma. To the touch, the shell should be elastic and not have any damage. The fermented sour smell, increased softness of the fruit and sticky peel testify to the staleness of the fruit.
4. Often, suppliers collect the fruits while still unripe, such a simple move allows you to extend the shelf life of figs. As a rule, a fig in this form does not have a characteristic smell. The fruits look green with a hard shell. Keep in mind that unripe figs do not yet have all the useful qualities.
5. You should not always pay attention to the color, depending on the variety, the shell may have a different shade. Therefore, one should not think that the fruits are not ripe, relying solely on appearance. Figs of various varieties can have a yellow, dark blue and purple hue. It is the latter that is most often found on the market.

Rules for storing figs

1. You should not buy a large number of figs at a time to eat fresh. Otherwise, figs will spoil in just a few days, even in the refrigerator. Eat treats right after you get home.
2. If you can’t wait at all, then you can afford to eat a few fruits right on the market. Keep in mind, in extreme cases, you need to eat figs after purchase within 3 days. Also, it will not be superfluous to wrap each fruit in a dry napkin. A little trick will keep the fruit fresh longer. The paper will absorb excess moisture.
3. It is allowed to store fresh figs in a dry jar. It is also necessary to remove all moisture from the fruits in advance. Do not try to cover the container with a lid. The fruits must be ventilated. After that, send the figs to the refrigerator for storage. Make sure that there are no foreign odors in the chamber. The fig absorbs aromas well.

Fig has unique healing properties. The rich composition helps to avoid the formation of a number of ailments. With the help of raw materials, you can well strengthen the immune system and bypass vitamin deficiency. In addition, figs effectively cope with colds. If you suspect that there are contraindications in the form of chronic diseases, be examined before eating the product.

Video: the benefits and harms of figs for the body

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