Fig fruit useful properties and contraindications. Dried figs

Figs are one of the earliest fruits that man began to grow. It is him, among the many sweet fruits in the warm countries of the world, that they prefer to eat. Unfortunately, in fresh it is not available all year round. Most of the fig tree we buy in dried form. But in this article we will talk about fresh figs, its beneficial properties and benefits for the human body. Let's stop and possible harm how to choose and store. Yet in autumn the fruits of the fig or fig tree can be bought fresh.

How and where figs grow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the wild, figs can be observed in India, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Afghanistan, Iran, Asia Minor, on the Black Sea coast and in the Krasnodar Territory.

In mountainous areas, figs prefer height. Therefore, it can grow at an altitude of 500 to 2 thousand meters above sea level, slopes and along the coastal line of high mountain rivers.

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

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

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

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

Figs useful properties and composition

The fig is the fruit of the fig tree or fig tree, has been known since ancient times for its beneficial properties. Even Avicenna in his writings described its effect on the human body. And all this thanks to its composition. Such a food product, although it contains a large amount of sugars, is still characterized by an excellent balance of various beneficial vitamins and trace elements, among which are present:

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

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

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

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

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

Figs benefits for the body

The benefits of eating fresh figs have been known to ancient healers. Modern medicine, based on already existing records, has somewhat classified all the benefits of the application. Now wine berry is recommended for:

Increasing the vitamin deficiency of the body;
Strengthening the skeletal system;
Giving the body vitality and strength;
Removal of toxins;
Increase immunity;
Cure coughs and colds;
Additional therapeutic treatment for diseases of the kidneys and liver;
Strengthening the cardiovascular system (lowering cholesterol levels, giving elasticity to blood vessels, stabilizing the work of the heart muscle);
Increasing male potency and combating sexual impotence;
Weight loss and obesity control;
Improvement of brain activity;
Rapid satisfaction of hunger;
Need to replace chocolate.

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

Medicinal properties of figs

This delicious fruit has not only purely gastronomic use. For over 5,000 years, it has been used to treat various ailments. Fig fruits have good:

Anti-inflammatory

Diuretic

Antipyretic

expectorant

Disinfectants

properties. It is traditionally used to treat:

colds;

bronchitis;

Tracheitis;

Gastritis;

Eaten 5-6 pieces of fruit will help normalize blood pressure, the work of the heart muscle.

Unripe fruits contain a substance called ficin, similar to milk. After squeezing this milk out of the fetus, it is smeared with calluses, used to heal wounds, cuts, ulcers and other skin lesions, as it has antiseptic properties. By lubricating your teeth with it, you can also get rid of plaque.

To raise hemoglobin - eat 10 pieces of figs daily.

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

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

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

A decoction of a fig tree helps with gastritis, constipation. Use it for gargling with sore throats and colds.

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

In addition, the juice of fresh fig tree leaves is used in cosmetology, adding it to various cosmetics. It has excellent antiseptic properties, helps fight premature aging.

Figs during pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, fresh fig tree fruits play an important role not only in the life of the mother, but also of the baby.

And this importance lies in the following positive characteristics:

Figs how to eat

For many consumers, fresh figs are not available. But even when it becomes possible to use non-dried fruits, certain rules must be observed and one should not forget that unripe fruits are not eaten due to the presence of a poisonous and caustic milky "milk" called ficin.

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

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

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

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

How to select and store figs

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

Therefore, when buying, you should give preference to:

Soft light yellow fruits (although it all depends on the variety);
Large fruits of the same size;
Fruits with sweet pulp (sour indicates immaturity or expiration date);
Figs packed in separate cardboard cells (so they do not wrinkle);
Fruit with a smooth skin and no damage of any kind (so they rot faster).

Fresh figs are not usually stored for a long time. The maximum period is two days (this is permissible, because the harvest is often collected). When buying, it is best to leave it in a cool, dark place or put it in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf. But it is better to eat right away or make jam from it.

Contraindications

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

Figs are forbidden for those diagnosed with gout;
With caution, the fruit should be taken by those who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
Despite recommendations for consumption during pregnancy, figs are excluded from the diet of those women who are rapidly gaining weight;
Do not advise eating figs and diabetes.

Individual intolerance to the fruit is also a contraindication to use in order to avoid the occurrence of an allergic reaction.

Fig or fig tree, fig for most people is useful and can bring great benefits to the body. In season, and we sometimes sell fresh figs in the fall, buy this fruit. It will help cleanse the body, give tone, and just make it a pleasure to use it.

The benefits of figs for weight loss

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

Figs, on the one hand, even fresh, not to mention dried, nutritional product. But recently, nutritionists have been closely eyeing it and recommending it in weight loss diets. Why? There are several reasons:

It is rich in fiber - soluble dietary fiber;

Contains several vital vitamins and minerals;

Good source of calcium;

Helps to strengthen the immune system;

Removes harmful substances from the body;

It contains antioxidants.

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

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

About the benefits of figs, he is also a fig or fig, says Elena Malysheva

This tree is mentioned in the Bible: Adam and Eve, expelled from paradise, were covered with its leaf, Christ cursed it, finding no fruit on it. But now we are all happy to find these juicy, sweetish fruits on store shelves. Figs - the same Fig tree from the Garden of Eden, the same Fig tree from the biblical parable. Eating fresh or dried fruits of this extraordinary tree, few people think about how important figs are for our health: everyone, especially women, needs to know the beneficial properties and contraindications of this fruit.

Useful properties of figs

All the benefits of figs are in their amazing chemical composition. Each of the substances contained in it, getting into the human body, does a huge, exorbitant work there, debugging the vital activity of many systems and organs. Since the fetus comes to our table in different types, the question is quite natural, how fresh figs are useful and whether they lose their properties when dried. Indeed, there is a difference.

1. Chemical composition and useful properties of fresh figs:

glucose makes figs an excellent antitoxic agent;
fructose enhances the breakdown of alcohol in the blood, prevents the formation of plaque on the teeth, controls the level of sugar in the blood;
organic acids promote the regeneration of cells and tissues, so the benefits of figs for women are obvious: it has excellent anti-aging properties;
tannins are known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing effects;
proteins activate all metabolic processes in the body and are the building material for cells;
fats are the main source of energy for humans;
vitamins: carotene, B1, B3, PP, C - nourish cells, strengthen the immune system;
minerals: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus - active participants in metabolic processes;
the calorie content of fresh figs is only 49 kcal, so the product is used in various weight loss programs.

2. Chemical composition and useful properties of dried figs:

the content of glucose and fructose in dried fruits increases by 1.5 times, so they remove toxins from the body several times faster than fresh ones;
protein becomes almost 5 times more, so the benefit of dried figs is that a person receives much more energy;
the calorie content of dried figs increases to 214 kcal;
all other useful substances remain safe and sound even in dried fruits.

All these beneficial properties of figs make this fruit simply indispensable in some cases. Knowing him so unique composition, doctors and nutritionists have long recommended its use for certain diseases and cosmetic problems. Therefore, every woman who seeks to preserve her youth and beauty should know how useful figs are.

The use of figs in medicine and cosmetology

The unique medicinal properties of figs make it possible to use fresh fruits as an aid in the treatment and prevention of many fairly serious diseases. Moreover, they are used not only in traditional medicine: doctors very often prescribe figs to their patients in the following cases:

at food poisoning and intoxication of the body, with diarrhea and dysentery;
as a prophylactic in the fight against diabetes and caries;
against fatigue, as a natural energy drink;
with stress, nervousness, depression;
to strengthen immunity and against beriberi;
as a diaphoretic and antipyretic;
with anemia, since figs promote hematopoiesis;
in the treatment of thrombosis, thrombophlebitis and various cardiovascular diseases;
with pain in the chest;
for coughs, colds and bronchial asthma, rinsing with infusion of fig fruits is recommended;
the same infusion can be used for compresses in the treatment of abscesses of various origins, calluses, open wounds and tumors that do not heal for a long time (anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of tannins in the composition of fruits work);
doctors prescribe it as a diuretic for nephritis;
it also helps with whooping cough.

Dry fruits also have all of the above properties, and besides, they are also used as effective remedy for weight loss, as they have a laxative effect. As a raw material for medicines, the fig leaf is used, which is the basis of the Psoberan drug used to treat baldness and vitiligo. Fig fruits can be found in the composition of the Kafiol laxative. Seed fruit, brewed in milk or boiling water, is used as a cough and sore throat remedy. In pharmacies, you can buy fig syrup - it tastes good and has very useful properties:

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

The beneficial properties of figs for women and in cosmetology have been used:

improves skin condition: smoothes wrinkles, makes it supple and toned;
nails cease to exfoliate, become strong and durable;
strengthens hair, prevents their loss, brittleness and section;
has cleansing properties, exfoliating dead cells and providing cells with full respiration;
moisturizes the skin;
eliminates acne, pimples.

Therefore, in modern cosmetology, fig extract is so actively used to create a whole line of masks, creams, lotions, tonics, healing and very effective cosmetics for hair and skin care products. From the pulp of this fruit, excellent anti-aging homemade masks are obtained.

So no matter how you turn this fruit - one sheer pleasure. But this is only at first glance. Given its powerful effect on the body, it is worth remembering that figs are good and bad in one shell. You need to know the contraindications to its use, so as not to harm your health.

Contraindications and harm

There are not as many contraindications for the use of figs as indications, but they still exist:

pancreatitis;
diabetes;
inflammation of the stomach (gastritis, colitis, enteritis);
gout;
obesity.

With these diseases, figs can be eaten, but in very limited quantities.

Now you know if figs are good for you and if they are contraindicated for you. To make your skin shine with youth and beauty, your hair scattered in a thick cascade over your shoulders, and health cares have left you, do not neglect the fruits of a modest fig tree. It, like a life-giving source, will nourish your body with the necessary substances and will not let it go astray in its work.

Liked the article? Share with your friends by clicking on your social network icon.

Useful properties of fresh and dried figs

Its use in fresh or dried form helps:

recover quickly,
improve digestion, help the heart, liver and stomach,
cure cough and sore throat,
have a laxative effect
save from poisoning by helping the kidneys and liver remove toxins.

Fresh fig pulp:

can cure fungal diseases,
strengthens the bones
beneficial effect on the skin, reduce blood sugar.

Fresh juice helps with anemia, increasing the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Dried figs will make up for the lack of vitamins and other substances necessary for normal human life. It is impossible to overestimate its role in the treatment of the cardiovascular system.

The benefit of fresh figs is that it eliminates tachycardia. And due to the content of ficin, it thins the blood, reduces the amount of "bad" cholesterol and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

Therefore, its use is a good prevention of coronary heart disease, reduces the risk of heart attack and hypertension.

For treatment, both the fruits of the fig tree and infusions (decoctions) of them are used. Infusions have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect, regulate metabolic processes. Especially good infusions of figs in milk.

Preparing them is quite easy:

you need to pour 40 g of dried fruits with one glass of water or milk,
wait 5-6 hours until the fruits give milk all their strength,
and drink during the day in small portions.

This infusion is very useful for colds - it reduces the temperature and has a diaphoretic effect. It also has a therapeutic effect in case of a diseased liver or spleen.

The medicinal properties of figs are used for the treatment and prevention of urolithiasis and cystitis. In this case, the roots and leaves of the fig tree are used as an astringent. The milky juice of the fig tree removes sand from the kidneys and heals purulent wounds and tumors that do not heal for a long time.

For older people, fig helps to cope with fragility and fragility of bones, improve vision, increase tone and overall well-being.

Eating figs significantly reduces the likelihood of getting sick diabetes, atherosclerosis and thrombophlebitis.

All of the above is already quite enough to take its rightful place among the most useful fruits, but the benefits of figs are not limited to this.

What is useful figs for men?

The beneficial properties of figs for men are that the active substances contained in the sweet fruit effectively cope with impotence. Fig(another name for this fruit) is a natural and very effective way to combat sexual weakness in men.

In the East, it has long been eaten as a means of increasing potency at any age.

It is enough to soak 2 fruits in a glass of warm milk and leave overnight, and in the morning drink the infusion and eat the pulp.

Figs will help to defeat such an unpleasant male disease as prostatitis.

AT traditional medicine the following recipe is used:

You need to take 5 fruits and pour them with a glass of hot water.
Mix thoroughly, insist a little and drink this drink twice a day for? glass half an hour before meals.

Treatment is carried out for one month, the course can be repeated if necessary after 2-3 weeks.

What benefits can figs bring to women?

Women are usually very concerned about being overweight and often resort to various dubious means to lose weight. But there is an absolutely safe and effective way to get rid of extra pounds without exhausting diets, chemicals and painful exercises.

Only 2-3 fruits a day - and after a while the body will acquire the desired lightness and harmony.

Useful properties of figs used for weight loss are determined by calorie content fresh fruits. It was said above that natural fruits contain much fewer calories, so fresh figs will be more useful for weight loss.

For body shaping, a diet is suitable when a fasting "fig" day is arranged once a week. On this day, you need to eat 100 g of dried fruits, 1 kg of any raw fruit, 0.5 kg of vegetables and drink 2 liters of fat-free kefir.

Another problem that many lovers of high heels face is varicose veins. If you include several figs in your daily diet, you can avoid unaesthetic protruding veins and preserve the beauty and health of your legs for a long time.

Fig tree fruit syrup will help in the treatment of diseases of the female intimate sphere - it will eliminate such a female nuisance as leucorrhoea (discharge from fungal and other diseases).

Many women use the beneficial properties of figs during pregnancy.

Thanks to wealth useful substances, its fruits will support the health of mother and baby with vitamins, macro- and microelements and other substances needed during this period.

If future mother there is a rapid increase in weight, then the fig will help to adjust the diet in such a way as to stabilize the weight without harming the child.

Almost every woman in the position faces difficulties in emptying the intestines. The use of figs helps to quickly get rid of the problem, providing a delicate laxative effect.

Useful figs for pregnant women and the fact that it helps to cope with iron deficiency anemia. Just 1-2 fruits daily for breakfast will quickly raise the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

When feeding a child, it is very important that a sufficient amount of calcium enters the woman's body. Unfortunately, with intolerance to milk and dairy products, they have to be replaced with artificial preparations.

Figs in this case will be a useful and tasty alternative. But it should be carefully introduced into the diet of a nursing mother, since this fruit can cause diarrhea and bloating in a child.

The beneficial properties of figs for women also lie in the fact that fig fruits increase lactation, and when mastitis appears, they become a natural remedy. Fruits steamed in milk, if applied to the chest at the site of an abscess, will easily cope with inflammation.

The benefits of figs for a child

Many mothers wonder if it is possible to give these sweet fruits to children. Not only possible, but also necessary, of course, if the child has no contraindications.

What is useful figs for the baby? First of all, figs are an excellent natural vitamin preparation that can replace any purchased vitamin complexes.

Secondly, with colds, fig perfectly replaces medicines. Dried fig drink with milk butter and honey - an excellent natural remedy for any kind of cough.

Syrup made from figs is a very good tonic for babies - it will improve digestion and increase appetite.

In addition, a vase with dried figs instead of sweets can be an excellent substitute for purchased sweets, but one must keep in mind its laxative effect.

If the child has problems with stool, then puree from these fruits normalizes bowel function.

Including figs in the baby's diet should be done gradually, starting with very small amounts and carefully monitoring the reaction of the body.

Summing up, we can say that the spectrum of effects of fig fruits is very wide, so figs and preparations from it are used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases:

anemia;
infections;
fungi;
oncology;
musculoskeletal system;
nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine systems;
skin, oral cavity and respiratory organs;

In addition, the fig is used to improve brain function, boost immunity, as an aphrodisiac, and also in the treatment of female and male diseases.

The harm of figs

Fresh figs practically cannot harm the body of a healthy person. But its fruits should not be used for acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and gout.

Dried fruits due to their high sugar content are contraindicated in patients with diabetes and are not recommended for those who have excess weight. People with urolithiasis be careful to include it in your diet.

The harm of figs for pregnant women, as well as its benefits, is of great importance. During the period of gestation, it is forbidden to eat figs if the woman is gaining weight too quickly, she has gestational diabetes, or she suffers from any kidney disease.

Figs have a minimum of contraindications, but this does not mean that a healthy person can absorb it in any quantity. In everything, you need to observe the measure and common sense - for prevention, 2-4 pieces a day are quite enough.

How to eat and cook figs?

As a means to quickly satisfy hunger, figs are suitable fresh or dried. It is much healthier than sweets, chocolates and other sweets that are often consumed as a snack.

Dried fruits can be consumed like regular dried fruits. However, it is better to pour boiling water over it or hold it for a couple. The second option will help preserve all the benefits of the fruit.

Fresh figs will delicious dessert if the fruits are simply cut into slices and poured with whipped cream or sweet sour cream sauce. And in combination with soft cheese, figs turn into an excellent appetizer that sets off the taste of champagne or white wine.

It goes well with meat and poultry.

For example, stewed pork gives a completely unusual exotic taste and aroma.

If you want something more interesting, then for festive feast you can bake chicken in Greek. She is guaranteed to amaze guests and households.

And to prepare this dish is quite simple:

marinate chicken legs
put them in a baking dish
laying fig slices between pieces of meat,
and keep in the oven for about an hour.

It turns out that figs, despite the inherent sweetness of the fruit, are used to prepare many delicious and healthy meals with added sugar: jam, jam, marshmallow, compotes or even wine.

Fig jam retains almost all of its beneficial properties and is cooked without much difficulty.

Fig jam has the greatest number of useful properties. For cooking according to classic recipe you will need:

1 kg fresh or dried fruits (medium size),
1 kg of granulated sugar,
300 ml of water and a little citric acid.

Wash the figs, remove the "tails" and pierce each fruit with a toothpick in several places. Then pour water into a pot of water and boil it. Pour the figs into boiling water and cook for 10 minutes.

After that, pull out the fruits and wash them cold water. Dry the figs on a dry towel. While the figs are drying, you need to make a syrup: add sugar to water (300 ml) and put on fire. Cook while stirring until a homogeneous mass is obtained.

Put dried fruits in it and cook for about 40 minutes or a little more (depending on the ripeness of the fruits). At the end of cooking, add citric acid, and mix everything thoroughly. Put the jam in sterilized jars.

The benefit of fig jam is that it can be used as a remedy for colds and as a vitamin supplement to the daily diet.

The fruits of the fig tree have a healing effect on the body; it is not for nothing that they have been used in folk medicine since ancient times. But even today, figs have not lost their healing power at all and can serve well for those who prefer to be treated with natural remedies.

Against the background of entirely artificial drugs that cause mass side effects, figs become an almost perfect alternative, providing beneficial effect on health.

Figs are safe and extremely beneficial if you follow only two rules - do not eat them after 6 pm (otherwise insomnia is guaranteed) and do not consume more than 160 g per day.

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

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

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

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

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

The dried (dried) fruit loses the water entering the fig during the process of dehydrolysis. But this has no effect on chemical composition product, and even in this form it has useful properties. In a dehydrated fetus, the effect on the body is higher than in a fresh one.

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

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

calories

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

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

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

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

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

Figs. Benefits and harm to the body: video

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

Against cough

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

For constipation

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

Diuretic

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

For kids

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

During pregnancy

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

For men

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

For women

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

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

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

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

Storage conditions

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

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

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

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

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 a sweet fruit, very soft and juicy when ripe. 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. The size of a fig rarely exceeds a 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 maturity 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:

Due to the content of folic acid, it has a positive effect on the course of pregnancy and fetal development.
The complex of B vitamins affects the central nervous system, protects the body from stress and fatigue.
Content essential oils and vitamin C turn figs into 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 contain pectin, and therefore contribute to the rapid healing of open wounds.
Clears the blood of cholesterol plaques.
Removes toxins.
Favorably affects the work of the cardiovascular system.
Affects the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Good effect on work genitourinary system and kidneys.
Has a diuretic effect.
gets rid of bad smell from mouth.

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 satisfies hunger, so it helps to cope with 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 their positive properties, figs have some contraindications.

AT dried berry contains a large amount of sugar, so it is not recommended for people with diabetes, as well as for those who are overweight. 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!