Figs: useful properties and contraindications, harm, what diseases it treats. Fresh figs useful properties, calorie content

In ancient times, the fig tree was a symbol of wealth and prosperity, fertility and love. This is not surprising - the berries of the plant, which was also called fig, wine berry and fig, are very tasty and nutritious, their healing properties were known to the ancient Greeks.

So, the soldiers of Alexander the Great always had a bag of dried or dried berries with them on a campaign, because the gruel from these fruits healed wounds, and after a hard campaign or battle, the berries helped to quickly restore strength. Is the fig really that valuable?

Useful and medicinal properties for health

Figs are a southern plant, and their fruits have long been used in the cuisines of different nations. But fresh berries spoil in just a day or two, so most often we are dealing with dried figs, which fully retain all the qualities of fresh fruit.

Dried fruits are more nutritious, have a rich taste, give strength, fill us with energy and improve mood. Gourmets give preference to them, adding to desserts, pastries, muesli, etc.

Figs boast the richest composition, it has vitamins A, D, E, C, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, B11, PP, as well as pectins, proteins, various enzymes, fiber, sugars, amino acids, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, etc. In dried figs, as it turned out, there are even more minerals than in fresh ones: sodium - 10 times, calcium - 5.

Potassium in it is only slightly less than in nuts and 3 times more than in fresh berries, and the fruits are richer in iron than apples, which doctors recommend for anemia.

What diseases does fig help with?

• Berry juice removes sand and stones from the kidneys and gallbladder, has a beneficial effect on the liver and spleen

• Eliminates infectious and viral skin diseases, removes toxins and is effective in the prevention of cancer.

• A record amount of potassium strengthens the heart muscle, normalizes blood pressure, improves hemoglobin, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, prevents the formation of blood clots and venous insufficiency. Regular consumption of berries can prevent heart attack, stroke, hypertensive crisis.

• Figs are used for colds, pharyngitis, sore throats, severe coughs, laryngitis and loss of voice. It is easy to prepare a remedy for these diseases: evaporate 6 fruits in 400 ml of milk and take a warm decoction of 50-60 ml 4-6 times a day.

• Calcium is a very valuable mineral in the menu of children and the elderly, it strengthens bones and teeth, improves overall tone, and prevents visual impairment.

• The fig quickly removes poisonous and toxic substances, therefore it is used in the treatment of poisoning and liver diseases.

• Dried or dried figs are recommended to always be on hand for athletes, tourists, people engaged in heavy physical labor. It is quickly absorbed and well restores strength.

• Fiber, trace elements and acids of fresh fruit gently cleanse the intestines, relieve constipation and bloating.

Figs are extremely beneficial for men. It is an effective medicine for prostatitis, gives a surge of energy and restores male strength at any age.

You can create a healing drink at home on your own: soak 2 medium-sized berries in 250 ml of warm milk, leave for 10-12 hours, and then drink the milk and eat the berries. The course of treatment is about a month.

For women, regular inclusion of fresh and dried figs in the menu is a way to solve many health problems.

Smokva will help:

• get rid of excess weight. Just replace one meal with 2-3 berries, and soon you will feel how those extra pounds go away. Fruits help to activate the metabolism and remove excess fat. Also, fresh figs can become the main meal on a fasting day. The diet on this day should be as follows: 1 kilogram of berries, 500 g of vegetables or fruits, 2 liters of low-fat yogurt.

• fix the legs. On heels, the legs often get tired, veins begin to protrude, varicose veins appear. Dealing with these painful and unaesthetic problems is not easy, especially if you have a sedentary job. Now among office workers, more than half suffer from such troubles, and expensive ointments do not always help. the solution to the problem is much simpler: one or two fruits (dried or fresh) per day will be enough to prevent such problems.

• get rid of such an unpleasant phenomenon as leucorrhoea caused by an infectious or fungal disease of the female organs.

For children, figs are, first of all, a tasty treat, very sweet and interesting, with pinkish or yellowish fibers inside. Kids eat it with pleasure, replenishing the body with essential vitamins and minerals.

A mixture of fig gruel, liquid honey, warm milk and butter is a tasty and very effective cough remedy. Fresh fig puree is a tasty and reliable remedy for childhood constipation, a way to improve appetite and improve digestion. However, before preparing for a child dishes or medicinal mixtures with figs, make sure he's not allergic for this product.

berry calories

The energy value of figs is noticeably higher than that of many fruits we are used to, so people who monitor their weight should eat it with caution, in small quantities.

Calorie content per 100 grams of fresh berries is 50-70 kcal. For comparison, in watermelon and grapefruit - about 35 kcal, in apricot - 47 kcal, pear - 54 kcal, strawberries - 28-35 kcal.

Dried and dried fig berries are much more nutritious than fresh ones. 100 grams more than 250 kcal!

Use during pregnancy

Even for unborn babies and expectant mothers, the benefits of figs are enormous! Very often, women who are waiting for the replenishment of the family suffer from weakness, nausea, digestive disorders, anemia, and depression.

• supplies the body of the child and mother with the necessary micro and macro elements
• allows you to solve problems with difficult stools without medications and unpleasant procedures
• improves blood quality, raises hemoglobin and contributes to the proper development of the fetus
• promotes the production of the happy hormone serotonin in the body. with its help, it will be easier for future mothers to cope with worries, mood swings, depressive states.

It should be remembered that for pregnant women who are rapidly gaining weight, figs can be harmful due to their rather high calorie content.

During lactation, figs will become a valuable source of potassium and calcium for the baby, and it also stimulates the release of mother's milk. A decoction of berries will be especially valuable in cases where there is intolerance to milk and dairy products.

Harm and contraindications

Figs are a fruit that grows in a warm climate, where not only people, but also birds, insects, and other animals want to eat them. Accordingly, trees are often treated with drugs that repel pests or to improve the preservation of fruits.

Berries treated with chemicals can be harmful to health, so if you are not sure that the fruit is absolutely “clean”, it is better not to eat the peel and be sure to wash them before eating.

When buying dried figs, make sure they are free of mites or other small insects. A whitish coating on dried fruits is mistaken by some for mold, but it is not dangerous at all - these are glucose crystals that have appeared on the skin, completely harmless and very sweet.

Doctors and nutritionists do not give direct contraindications to the use of figs, but they strongly recommend not to include it in the menu for exacerbation of stomach diseases, diabetes, gout, allergies. However, it is not safe for perfectly healthy people to eat figs in unlimited quantities, overeating can only do harm. For good health, it is enough to eat 2-4 fruits.

Enjoy sweet and healthy figs and stay healthy and alert!

The oldest cultivated plant with multiple virtues and benefits for the human body. The fruits of the fig tree are called figs, figs, and even figs.

It is recommended that women pay special attention to such a delicacy. For the female body, there is a huge complex of vitamins and amino acids, which not only help to stop the age-related processes of skin aging, but also get rid of many diseases of a purely female nature.

Figs useful properties and contraindications

Useful properties for women are a large amount of benzaldehyde, which in laboratory conditions shows resistance to the formation and spread of cancer cells.

Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer early are advised to take fresh fig berries, as the components slow down the growth of cancer cells.

However, along with many advantages The berry also has several disadvantages: high calorie content and in rare cases, with abundant use of fresh fruits, provoke exacerbations of urolithiasis.

Therefore, people who have a tendency to form kidney stones. It is recommended to consume figs only in dried form in small portions.

The use of figs for health - recipes

The first important quality of figs is a sufficiently high content of potassium electrolyte. That is why it has been successfully used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the nervous and peripheral systems, cardiovascular and genitourinary systems.

By consuming fresh or dried berries daily, you can stabilize and streamline blood pressure, normalize metabolism and speed up regeneration processes. Dietary fiber, which is also found in large quantities in figs, helps to normalize digestion, and the sweet taste is not a drawback of this fruit: fructose is absorbed very slowly, which allows it to be used for weight loss and weight normalization.

The only feature for people who want to adjust their weight is the use of dried berries.

Figs with cough milk - cooking method

Due to its multifaceted quality content, fig is used in the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory diseases.

The most popular fruit for sore throat and cough:

1. To prepare a decoction of milk and figs, you will need 3 cups of milk (preferably homemade fat) and 4 large figs (purple).
2. Pour milk over berries and bring to a boil.
3. After boiling, cook enough so that the amount of liquid is halved. Boil the medicine on low heat under the lid, stirring constantly.
4. After the milk is boiled down, strain and take fig milk 50 grams 3-4 times a day.

If the cough is severe, the dosage can be safely increased. The benefits for colds have been proven and tested.

Fig leaves for skin itching - recipe

The leaves of the fig tree will help get rid of itching of any nature. The juice contained in the leaves has antihistamine properties that help eliminate itching both after a mosquito bite and against the background of nervous tension.

To apply the sheet for the purpose eliminate itching you can use fresh juice from the leaf, and you can prepare the ointment:

1. grind juicy fig leaves in a coffee grinder;
2. squeeze juice (4 tbsp. l);
3. melt the paraffin (4 tbsp. l);
4. add 5 drops of mint oil to the juice;
5. mix all other ingredients.

Store the finished ointment in the refrigerator and, if necessary, apply a thin layer to the skin. Can be used for both adults and children.

Dried Figs for Thyroid - Recipe

Dried berries are also used to treat goiter on the thyroid gland. To do this, you need to eat dry fig fruits daily in the amount of 4-6 pieces.

In parallel, you need to drink a decoction of dried fruits on an empty stomach:

1. pour boiling water (200 grams) 4 pcs. figs;
2. let it brew for 5 hours;
3. take a decoction every morning for a month.

Fig infusion for kidney disease

If the patient does not have kidney stones, it can be used to treat and prevent the kidneys and ureter.

• Harvest the leaves of the tree before it blooms. Grind and pour 3 tbsp. l. boiling water in an amount of 0.5 liters. Take half a glass on an empty stomach for the treatment of kidneys and biliary tract. Treatment - a month after two weeks for six months.

Figs for weight loss - salad recipe

Sweet figs, beneficial properties for women (for weight loss) are due to the high content of dietary fiber and beneficial amino acids. Despite the fact that the fruits are quite high in calories, they are often used for weight loss.

It is best to replace fresh berries with dried or dried ones. A popular recipe for those who want to lose weight on figs:

• 5 dried figs;
• 100 grams of raisins;
• 100 grams of dried apricots;
• 150 grams of prunes;
• 200 grams of fat-free cottage cheese;
• homemade yogurt or kefir - 150 grams.

Finely chop everything, season with yogurt and replace two meals of a full meal.

Why figs are good for skin and hair - recipes

The benefits of figs for hair have been proven by many studies and observations. The contained antioxidants slow down age-related processes, reduce the risk of destruction of the hair follicle, provoke and stimulate hair growth.

Hair Mask:

• fig tree berries - 3 pcs.;
• homemade kefir - 50 grams;
• lemon juice - 4 tbsp. l;
• low-fat sour cream - 1 tbsp. l.

Grind the fig into a paste-like consistency. Mix all the ingredients and apply to the entire length of the hair. Keep the mask for at least 40 minutes. Then rinse and wash well (until creaking) with shampoo.

How to take figs for diabetes - recipes

Diabetes mellitus of a simple form allows you to use fig berries in small quantities. If the form of diabetes is insulin-dependent, then the use of figs in any form is contraindicated.

This is because fruits contain a huge amount of calories and glucose. If there is a lack of glucose, you can eat no more than 1 pc. this delicacy. It is preferable for diabetics to consume dried and dried delicacies in very limited quantities.

Fig seed oil benefits

Fig seed oil is used as a wound healing and skin regenerating agent.

This oil is also widely used to treat ulcers and gastritis..

• On an empty stomach you need to drink 1 tsp. oils.

To prepare a compress for joint pain, you must:

• 2 tbsp. l. fig seed oils;
• 1 st. l. linseed oil;
• 1 st. l. sea ​​buckthorn oils.

Mix everything and soak, preheated, gauze bandage. Apply to a sore spot and wrap with a warm scarf. After 15 minutes, the pain will begin to subside.

Fig tea - useful properties

Tea helps restore the protective immune functions of the body. During the SARS epidemic, drink fig tea very helpful.

• It is necessary to brew 1 fruit with boiling water and let it cool slightly. It is better to replace sugar with honey. You can add a slice of lemon and ginger. Such tea will become a real antiviral agent in the period of acute respiratory diseases.

What are the benefits of figs during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, it helps to normalize the digestive tract. The juice of figs and carrots is often used as a remedy for heartburn, and its use in dried form will help normalize bowel function (prevention of constipation).

However, do not forget about the calorie content of the product:

• in the last months of pregnancy, eating berries is extremely careful, in small quantities. For nursing mothers, fig helps restore hormonal levels, stabilize the body's immune forces. The fetus does not affect the qualitative composition of breast milk.

Infusion of figs for the intestines

For the digestive tract, it is used both in the form of a decoction and fresh. If available diseases of the digestive tract(increased or decreased acidity, ulcer, gastritis), you can use a decoction:

1. pour dried 4 berries with 0.5 liter of water;
2. bring to a boil, remove from the stove;
3. cover with a warm towel and let it brew for 5-6 hours;
4. take on an empty stomach 30-40 minutes before meals every morning.

Such decoctions help to improve the functioning of the digestive system without the use of medicines and drugs. In addition, you also need to eat steamed dried fruits, they contain a large amount of fiber, which helps to establish intestinal motility.

The benefits of figs for potency in men

Figs benefit and harm to the body of a man are due to the presence of a large amount of amino acids and glucose.

• If consumed daily, 3 pcs. fruits of the fig tree, then the metabolism in the whole body is normalized, the oxygen supply of each cell improves, as a result - an increase in libido and an increase in the quality of sexual life.

How to use figs for menopause?

Menopause for a woman is a difficult period associated with hormonal changes and negative external manifestations (sweat, fever, chills and irritability). Fresh fig contains a large amount of minerals, the action of which is aimed at normalizing metabolism.

Eliminate the cause of discomfort at the level of hormones, of course, will not be able to, but it will help to improve the general condition:

1. dried fruits in the amount of 4 pcs. pour boiling water (200 grams);
2. after cooling, add 1 tsp. honey and 5 drops of lemon balm oil.

Mix and take 1 tbsp. l. 4 times a day.

What is useful dried figs?

Dried fruits contain the same amount of beta-carotene and B vitamins as fresh fruits. But the concentration of glucose increases. But even an increased amount of sweetness does not make the fruit less useful.

Dried figs harm and health benefits

The benefits of dried figs are due to a number of advantageous features, including:

• increase in hemoglobin;
• lowering cholesterol levels;
• normalization of blood pressure;
• normalization of hematopoietic processes;
• improve heart function;
• increases mental activity;
• the processes of regeneration of skin cells are accelerated.

Fig jam benefits and recipe

Treatment can be not only exhausting, but also sweet! It is this definition that applies to fig jam. Everyone knows the beneficial antipyretic properties of raspberry jam. However, the fig delicacy is three times superior to raspberries! Jam can be either with whole fruits or have the consistency of jam.

• For cooking jam, you need to grind the figs in a meat grinder, add sugar 1: 1 and let it brew for at least 5 hours. Then cook until the pasta boils, with the formation of thick, viscous bubbles. The color of the jam will also change, it will acquire an amber translucent shade.

For making whole jam you will need:

• wash all the fruits and clean them from the upper ponytails. Prepare syrup from water and sugar: for 1 liter of water 1.2 liters. Sahara. Boil and pour hot syrup over the berries. Allow to cool and the next day add lemon juice (optional). Bring back to a boil and immediately set aside. On the third day also bring to a boil and roll into jars.

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

The common fig, also known as the fig tree, fig tree, fig tree, ficus karika, fig tree, is a subtropical deciduous tree reaching a height of 12 m. Figs usually produce two to three crops per season, in summer and autumn. The color of the fruit varies from creamy yellow to dark red and black-blue, the taste is from sweet and sour to sugary-sweet, the shape is round and pear-shaped. The tree begins to bear fruit already at the age of three, and can live 50-300 years.

History, types and distribution

The fig tree is one of the first crops domesticated by man. In ancient Hellas, it has been known since the 9th century BC, and in ancient Egypt it was considered sacred. As a cultivated plant, figs began to be grown in Arabia, and from there the tree was brought to Syria, Phoenicia and Egypt. In America, the brown ficus appeared only at the end of the 16th century. By the way, this name comes from ancient Caria - a mountainous region in Asia Minor, which is considered the birthplace of the plant. Today, figs are grown in Turkey, Egypt, Spain, Greece, the Krasnodar Territory, as well as in the Caucasus and Crimea, where the tree was brought by the Genoese. At the moment, about 1000 varieties of figs have been bred. They differ from each other in the way of pollination, yield, ripening period, frost resistance, shape and size of fruits.

The most popular varieties of figs: Blanche, Kadota, Chapla, Oglobsha, Azari, Khazar, Commune, Italian white, White Adriatic, Italian black, Dalmatian (Dalmatic), Yellow giant, Purple Sukhumi, Nikitsky fragrant, Sunny, Sochi-7, Fraga white , Sary-fig, Sary-forehead (Smirnsky-2), Kalimirna, Muason, Honey (Crimean-41), Apsheron. Of the dried fruits, the light yellow Samarkand fig is considered the best.

Vitamin cocktail: composition and calorie content of figs

Figs are a fruit with a jelly-like pulp and a rich taste, containing 14 minerals and 11 vitamins. Ripe figs have very tender and juicy flesh, while dried and dried fruits are quite hard, 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 extremely important omega-3 fatty acids for health. The benefits of figs are also associated with the presence of antioxidants in it - polyphenols and flavonoids. In addition, a ripe fig is an alkaline food, and there is a significant lack of it in the diet of a modern person. Based on the foregoing, it can be argued that figs are an ideal option for a snack, of course, if a person seeks to satisfy his hunger quickly and for the benefit of his body.

Calorie content of fresh figs: 74 kcal per 100 g. Nutritional value: carbohydrates - 12 g, proteins - 0.7 g, fats - 0.2 g.

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

Versatile Benefits: The Medicinal Benefits of Figs

High cholesterol, hangover, cough, stress, overweight - figs can cope with these and many other problems. Official medicine today appreciates its 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 the fruits of the wine berry for nephritis, urolithiasis and painful urination.

For cardiovascular diseases

Figs are useful for hypertension, iron deficiency anemia and venous insufficiency, as they are rich in rutin and potassium, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels and the heart muscle. The enzymes contained in the fruits of the wine berry maintain the normal composition of the blood, preventing it from thickening, and contribute to the resorption of blood clots in the veins. The amino acids that make up figs help break down excess cholesterol in the blood.

For skin lesions

Figs accelerate the opening and healing of boils, abscesses, abscesses: fruits steamed in milk are applied to sore spots. Juice and infusion of fresh leaves of carian 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. By virtue of the foregoing, figs can be considered an ideal dessert for those who monitor their weight.

Figs during pregnancy

The beneficial properties of figs also apply to pregnant women. Rich in trace elements and folates, fiber and ascorbic acid, the fruits of the wine berry are simply indispensable for maintaining the health of the mother and her unborn baby. Figs are especially useful for a woman in a position with excessive weight gain: healthy fruits can replace 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 a healing effect, is also able to cheer up and strengthen memory, thanks to the potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6 it contains. A breakfast of figs will help out those who “went through” the day before: the fruits of the fig tree do an excellent job with thirst, nausea and dry mouth.

Contraindications

Figs, especially in dried form, are contraindicated in severe obesity, gout (due to the high concentration of oxalic acid), pancreatitis, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, impaired salt metabolism in the body and diabetes mellitus. Figs only brought benefits if consumed in reasonable quantities: no more than 100 g of dried and no more than 400 g of fresh fruits per day.

How to select and store figs

Fresh figs, even in the refrigerator, are stored for no more than two days, so we often see dried fruits on the shelves of domestic stores. Quality berries are quite soft to the touch. Spots, plaque on the skin, an unpleasant odor, and excessive hardness can indicate the staleness of dried fruits. And one more secret: experts say that the smaller the fruits of the fig tree, 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 of different peoples of the world. 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 with only useful sweets and be always healthy!

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

The vitamins contained in figs are almost all B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, A, C, E, PP. There is some content of beta-carotene. The presence of all these elements depends on the degree of ripeness of the fetus. The most useful is ripe figs A 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.Figs have truly 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.
• The content of essential oils and vitamin C make figs a prophylactic against colds and respiratory viral diseases.
• The content of sugars affects the functioning of the brain.
• Figs help reduce fever.
• Fights inflammation in the body.
• Favorably affects digestion.
• The pulp of the fruit will help with constipation.
• Figs are antitussive, expectorant.
• Normalizes the functionality of the lungs.
• Helps with anemia.
• Dried figs 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.
• Favorably affects the functioning of the genitourinary system and kidneys.
• Has a diuretic effect.
• relieves bad breath.

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

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

A decoction of the leaves is used for respiratory diseases.

Properties of figs useful for women's health

What else will surprise figs? The benefits for women from this fruit are enormous. Eating it regularly will help reduce the risk of developing varicose veins and resist such an unpleasant phenomenon as vascular networks on the legs. Thanks to beneficial acids, veins and blood vessels tone up, and a substance such 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 fruit is that it can be used for cosmetic purposes. The fig pulp face mask nourishes and moisturizes the skin. The skin becomes elastic and elastic. In addition, figs perfectly compensate for calcium deficiency. And calcium is a building element that is part of bones, hair, nails.

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

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

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

Figs are used to whiten teeth.

Figs: contraindications

Despite all its positive properties, figs have some contraindications.

• The 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!

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, they even make all kinds of tinctures 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.