Figs are also called fig trees and sometimes fig trees. This wonderful plant is known for its sweet fruits, which have many beneficial properties. Once upon a time, the great healer of antiquity, the physician Avicenna, recommended consuming fruits for elderly people to maintain health. In particular, figs are very good for the heart.
The benefits of the fruits of this plant are directly related to its rich composition. Figs are rich in many vitamins, minerals, and organic acids. For example, the fruits contain almost the entire group of B vitamins. If we talk about minerals, figs are considered a champion in their diversity and quantity. We won’t list everything, but we note that fig fruits are rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. There's also sodium and plenty of fiber.
Due to the high content of nutrients, sweet fruits are very healthy. They should be included in the menu of adults. Little by little should be given to children. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of figs, in particular, let's find out why figs are good for women.
What are the benefits of sweet fruits?
Fig fruits are used in traditional medicine to cure many ailments. Traditional, official medicine also recognizes the medicinal properties of figs. For example, doctors recommend using it in complex therapy of varicose veins and thrombophlebitis. As we have already said, fruits are useful for maintaining good heart function.
It's all about ficin - a component contained in the fruit. Ficin effectively reduces blood clotting and eliminates clots in blood vessels, promoting their resorption. Therefore, figs help people suffering from hypertension, as they relieve painful symptoms.
Traditional medicine recommends figs for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, namely: laryngitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, etc. For treatment, a milk-based decoction of figs is taken. A decoction of water is used to gargle for sore throat and gum disease. In addition, so-called fig coffee is prepared from dried fruits, crushed to a powder state. This drink has medicinal properties and is effective for whooping cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, and angina.
The fruits can be used to alleviate the condition of patients suffering from inflammation of the urinary tract and urolithiasis.
Figs for women's health
The Indians, who have great respect for this plant, attribute rejuvenating properties to the fruits. Indeed, masks based on it simply transform the skin, refresh and rejuvenate it. You can cut the fruit in half and use one half to massage your face and neck along the massage lines. After 15 minutes, wash your face without soap.
Figs are very useful for women during menstruation. Eastern doctors advise eating sweet berries on these days that are not the best for your health. Figs will help maintain the balance of substances and elements in the body. It is also useful for calcium deficiency. In this case, you need to eat several pieces of it every day.
By the way, if you chew dried fruits for a few minutes, the bad breath will disappear.
Eating sweet fruits is beneficial during the period of recovery after a long illness. Figs also quickly restore performance and effectively fight physical fatigue and mental fatigue. A few berries eaten at the right time will relieve nervous tension. By consuming them before bed, you can improve your sleep quality.
Ripe figs are very useful for pregnant women. Since the fruits contain proteins and amino acids necessary for the development of the child, the expectant mother should include figs in her diet. It is useful to start using it while planning pregnancy and in its early stages. Since the B vitamins and folic acid contained in the fruits contribute to the normal development and course of pregnancy
An interesting fact is that sweet fruits can be used for both weight gain and weight loss. It depends on its application.
For example, if you eat it a lot and often, you will certainly gain weight. If you add a few pieces to your diet, this will help you get rid of extra pounds more comfortably. Well, for example, figs are rich in potassium. This element will help the body get rid of excess fluid, which promotes weight loss.
Just a few eaten berries will ensure a feeling of fullness for a long time. Thanks to the absence of the feeling of hunger, you will be able to go without eating for a long period, which means you will begin to lose weight little by little. In addition, the grains found in the fruits actively stimulate digestion and have a mild laxative property. And, as you know, cleansing the body is the first step to losing weight.
Contraindications for use
But not always and not everyone can enjoy the sweet taste of berries. You should avoid eating figs if there is an exacerbation of inflammatory diseases of the digestive system.
We must not forget that fruits are very high in calories. Therefore, they should not be constantly on the table of people with diabetes and obesity. They need to be very careful when consuming figs. Figs are contraindicated for gout and pancreatitis, as they are rich in oxalic acid.
Many people know the name fig, but not everyone knows that this is not the only name for this plant. Fig tree, fig tree, wineberry, fig or just fig - this is the variety of names this crop has.
It is no coincidence that figs are called wine berries. The fact is that figs, ripening on a branch, begin to ferment under the influence of the sun and turn into real wine.
Figs are considered such an ancient plant crop that mention of them can be found in the Bible: it was the leaf of the fig tree that Adam and Eve covered with, who were expelled from paradise, and Christ, not finding fruit on it, cursed them. And now we enjoy eating these juicy and sweet fruits, which, by the way, are a culinary delicacy. It is worth noting that fresh figs are a fairly perishable product. Therefore, many people prefer to enjoy the delicate taste of dried figs, which have absorbed all the energy of sunlight.
Compound
Figs are useful in any of their forms: as dried fruit, canned and fresh. At the same time, many are interested in the question of whether dried figs lose their beneficial properties. We answer - it does not lose, but it differs from fresh fruits in the sugar content - in fresh fruits the sugar content is about 24%, and in dried fruits it is about 37%.
The benefits of figs come from their amazing chemical composition - pectin, vitamins, organic acids. Fig fruits contain minerals important for the body such as calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium.
12 Health Benefits of Figs
Fig fruits not only have a bright taste, but also exhibit medicinal properties. And if you know what the benefits and harms of figs are, you can use this product with maximum health benefits.
The healthfulness of figs, of course, is determined by the presence of a rich vitamin and mineral complex. Eating a few figs every day will help you forget forever about the deficiency of a whole list of useful substances in your body. Therefore, figs are especially beneficial for children and people with reduced immunity.
Regular consumption of fig fruits will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the organs and systems of the human body.
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Improving the functioning of the digestive system.
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Anti stress properties.
Tryptophan and other organic acids of figs help improve mood, increase energy, and help normalize sleep.
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Impact on the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
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Prevention of age-related macular degeneration.
Numerous studies have proven that eating three or more figs per day will help reduce the risk of developing vision problems in older people.
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Prevention of potency problems in men.
In the east, fig fruits have been used for many centuries to increase male sexual strength; figs will also help in the fight against prostatitis; you just need to pour boiling water over the fruits and use the decoction daily.
A large amount of magnesium and potassium makes figs able to normalize heart function by maintaining normal blood pressure, reducing blood clotting, and reducing the risk of thrombosis and tachycardia. Thanks to the substances ficin and pectin, which are part of figs, the blood thins, the resorption of cholesterol plaques occurs faster, and, consequently, the risks of developing a heart attack and stroke are reduced.
Dried figs have expectorant properties, which are used in the treatment of diseases such as bronchial asthma, cough, sore throat, pneumonia, whooping cough. Only in this case it is more effective to consume figs in the form of a gruel with warm milk.
The substance coumarin contained in figs is capable of developing prostate, breast and colon cancer. And benzaldehyde, which is also found in figs, completely blocks the development of tumor cells.
Fresh figs have a low glycemic index, which makes them possible for people suffering from mild diabetes. A decoction of fig leaves will help reduce insulin levels in the blood.
Fig juice helps to cope with ulcers, acne, as well as all kinds of wounds, which it literally glues together.
Thanks to the presence of coumarin and furocoumarin in figs, painful symptoms during menstruation will disappear. At the same time, three figs a day will restore strength and the amount of nutrients in a woman’s body that she so needs during this period. Figs are also useful during pregnancy, firstly, because of their unique set of vitamins and minerals that are so necessary for the development of the unborn baby. Secondly, eating figs will save you from frequent phenomena during pregnancy - constipation and increased gas formation. Thirdly, figs are an excellent preventive measure in the fight against anemia due to the iron they contain.
Due to the large amount of dietary fiber contained in figs, this fruit can be consumed during a diet.
Not only the fruits, but also the leaves of figs are used in medicine; they are the main raw material for the production of the drug “Psoberan”, which is effective in the treatment of baldness and vitiligo.
Many will be surprised by the fact that you can buy fig syrup in pharmacies, which also has a whole list of healing properties:
- improves appetite and digestion;
- relieves spasms of muscle rheumatism;
- improves skin condition;
- helps with colds of the female genital organs.
Thus, the benefits of figs in the treatment of certain diseases are simply invaluable. Having a pronounced antipyretic, diuretic, diaphoretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory effect, fig fruits force every cell of our body to work in a new and more efficient way.
Contraindications
In addition to the undoubted benefits, fig fruits can also cause some harm to health. Therefore, before using them, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications.
- figs, especially dried ones, will be harmful in severe forms of diabetes;
- If you are prone to gout, you should not eat figs due to the presence of large amounts of oxalic acid.
- dried figs can provoke an exacerbation of pancreatitis, gastritis, ulcers, so you should not use them for various inflammations of the digestive system.
- Sweet figs eaten in large quantities can lead to weight gain and ultimately obesity.
- If you have kidney or gallstones, you should not eat figs due to the high content of oxalates, which will only worsen the course of the disease.
You should be careful when consuming figs while breastfeeding, as the laxative effect of the fruit can cause diarrhea in the baby.
You should use dried figs with caution if you have bronchial asthma, since the fruit is often treated with sulfites and sulfur dioxide, which increases the shelf life of the product, but can cause diseases of the respiratory system.
Eating too many figs can cause:
- diarrhea;
- caries;
- allergies.
You should also avoid eating figs on the eve of surgery. This is due to the fact that the fruit thins the blood, which can cause bleeding.
There are many legends around figs. For example, the famous ancient botanist Theophrastus, even before our era, described hundreds of varieties of figs, and the most fragrant fruits were given their own names. And Cleopatra loved figs so much that even in the last minutes of her life she wanted to enjoy its taste, ordering a snake to be brought in a basket with these fruits.
Figs: history, types, distribution, composition and calorie content, health benefits, medicinal properties and contraindications. Photo.
Common fig, also known as fig, fig tree, wineberry, ficus carica, fig tree, is a subtropical deciduous tree reaching a height of 12 m. Figs usually produce two to three harvests per season, in summer and autumn. The color of the fruit varies from creamy yellow to dark red and black and blue, the taste ranges from sweet with sourness to sickly sweet, the shape is round and pear-shaped. The tree begins to bear fruit 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 humans. In Ancient Greece it has been known since the 9th century BC, and in Ancient Egypt it was considered sacred. Figs began to be grown as a cultivated plant in Arabia, and from there the tree was brought to Syria, Phenicia and Egypt. In America, the Carian 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 that 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 method of pollination, yield, ripening period, frost resistance, shape and size of the fruit.
The most popular varieties of figs: Blanche, Kadota, Chapla, Oglobsha, Azari, Hazari, Communa, Italian white, White Adriatic, Italian black, Dalmatian (Dalmatica), Yellow giant, Purple Sukhumi, Nikitsky aromatic, Sunny, Sochi-7, Fraga white , Sary-fig, Sary-lob (Smirnsky-2), Kalimirna, Muason, Honey (Krymsky-41), Apsheronsky. Of the dried fruits, the light yellow Samarkand fig is considered the best.
Vitamin cocktail: composition and calorie content of figs
Figs are a fruit with jelly-like flesh and rich flavor, containing 14 minerals and 11 vitamins. Ripe figs have very tender and juicy pulp, and 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, and 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 protein, natural sugars, organic acids, dietary fiber, tannins, fiber, pectin and extremely healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The benefits of figs are also associated with the presence of antioxidants in it - polyphenols and flavonoids. In addition, ripe figs are an alkaline food, and there is a significant lack of it in the modern human diet. Based on the above, it can be argued that figs are an ideal option for a snack, of course, if a person seeks to satisfy hunger quickly and beneficially for 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.
Calorie content of dried figs: 257 kcal per 100 g. Nutritional value: carbohydrates - 57.9 g, proteins - 3.1 g, fats - 0.8 g.
Universal benefits: medicinal properties of figs
High cholesterol, hangover, cough, stress, excess weight - figs can cope with these and many other problems. Official medicine today values its medicinal properties as highly as ancient Greek healers did several thousand years ago.
For a cold
The benefits of figs for colds are explained by their antipyretic, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effects. In the form of a decoction (in milk or water), fig tree fruits are used in folk medicine for inflammation of the gums, respiratory diseases, as a rinse for sore throat. Cough figs (4-5 fresh fruits, pour a glass of hot milk, soak and grind) can be given to small children: you need to drink this cocktail in 2-3 doses a day.
For gastrointestinal diseases
Figs are useful for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver diseases, and for the prevention of colon cancer. Its fruits have a mild laxative effect; they help improve bowel function without the use of medications. You need to take a couple of berries and soak them in water (if they are dry figs) or in milk (fresh fruits) and eat them on an empty stomach. Doctors also prescribe wineberry fruits 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 wineberries maintain normal blood composition, preventing it from thickening, and promote the resorption of blood clots in the veins. The amino acids that are part of figs help break down excess cholesterol in the blood.
For skin lesions
Figs accelerate the opening and healing of boils, abscesses, and ulcers: fruits steamed in milk are applied to the sore spots. Juice and infusion from fresh leaves of the 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 from food from turning into fat. Mexican scientists have found that figs, rich in carbohydrates, are, paradoxically, beneficial for type II diabetes. In addition, wineberry fruits perfectly satisfy hunger and help the body get rid of excess fluid. Due to the above, figs can be considered an ideal dessert for those who are watching their weight.
Figs during pregnancy
The beneficial properties of figs also apply to pregnant women. Rich in microelements and folates, fiber and ascorbic acid, wineberry fruits are simply irreplaceable for maintaining the health of the mother and her unborn baby. Figs are especially useful for women in a position with excessive weight gain: healthy fruits can replace harmful sweets and synthetic vitamins.
For the mood
Figs will be useful for people whose work involves creativity and mental stress. This sweet fruit, in addition to its healing effect, can also lift your mood and strengthen your memory, thanks to the potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin B6 it contains. A breakfast of figs will help out those who had too much the day before: the fruits of the fig tree cope perfectly with thirst, nausea and dry mouth.
Contraindications
Figs, especially in dried form, are contraindicated in cases of 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. Figs only bring 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 can be stored for no more than two days even in the refrigerator, which is why we more often see dried fruits on the shelves of domestic stores. High-quality berries are quite soft to the touch. Staleness of dried fruits can be indicated by stains, plaque on the skin, unpleasant odor, or excessive hardness. And one more secret: experts say that the smaller the fig tree fruits, the tastier they are.
The fig tree is considered a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism and is mentioned in both the Bible and the revelations of the Koran. According to biblical legend, it was the leaves of the Carian ficus that became the first “clothing” 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 awarded the fruits of the wineberry to the winners of the Olympic Games. Pamper yourself with only healthy sweets and always be healthy!
Figs are a healthy southern berry with a unique sweet taste. Most often used in dried form. But at the end of summer, fresh fruits appear on sale for a short time. What are the benefits of figs? What are the properties and uses of fig tree fruits?
Botanical description
It grows in southern countries and regions - in Egypt, Abkhazia, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and on the Crimean peninsula. It is a tall tree up to 13 meters. The foliage is tough, large, palmate-lobed. The fig tree is considered one of the most ancient crops. People call it wineberry, fig, fig tree, fig.
Ripe fruits are valuable. In alternative medicine, the leaves and roots are used to prepare medicinal decoctions. The fruit is pear-shaped, with many seeds. There are varieties of different colors. The most common figs are green figs with a yellow tint. It is eaten raw, made into jams and preserves. Black figs make delicious dried fruits. After drying, the berries acquire a lighter shade. White figs taste similar to black ones.
You should not eat unripe fruits. Their milky juice causes poisoning when ingested. It is used as an external remedy to treat acne and remove warts.
Chemical composition and nutritional value
The fig tree spoils quickly, but is sold dried all year round. During the drying process, the fruits do not lose their beneficial properties - the concentration of valuable substances even increases. The table shows data on the nutritional value of fresh and dried berries.
Table - Nutritional value of dried and fresh figs
Calorie content also changes - fresh fruits contain only 74 kcal, dried fruits - 257 kcal. The concentration of nutrients also varies. Data on vitamin content are given in the table.
Table - Vitamin content in fresh and dry figs
| Vitamin content per 100 g | Fresh, mg | Dried, mg |
|---|---|---|
| WITH | 2 | – |
| A | 7 | 7 |
| E | 0,11 | 0,3 |
| IN 1 | 0,06 | 0,07 |
| AT 2 | 0,05 | 0,09 |
| AT 5 | 0,3 | – |
| AT 6 | 0,11 | 0,08 |
| AT 9 | 0,006 | 0,021 |
| RR | 0,4 | 0,7 |
The chemical composition includes valuable elements - calcium, potassium, magnesium. Phosphorus, iron, sodium are present. Figs contain natural enzymes, organic acids, and pectins. The beneficial properties of figs are enhanced by the content of phytosterol, Omega-3, Omega-6 acids, and glyceric acid.
Moderate amounts of figs are beneficial during pregnancy. It contains the necessary substances for the proper intrauterine formation of the fetus. A balanced combination of vitamin B9 and iron prevents anemia. During breastfeeding, fig berries are used to enhance lactation.
Effect of fruits on the body
Dried or dried figs are often used for treatment. It does not lose its beneficial properties for a long time during storage. Fresh fruits are available only a few months a year.
Dried
The medicinal properties of dried figs have been known for a long time. This is an effective restorative, tonic, immunomodulatory, and anti-cold remedy. Its most common use is in ten cases.
Treatment with fresh figs is no less effective. It is used in the treatment of all the diseases listed above. But fresh fig tree fruits also have additional medicinal properties.
- Kidney and bladder diseases. It has a mild diuretic effect, improves kidney function, and relieves inflammation.
- Dermatological diseases. The juice of a fresh fig tree is used to wipe the skin for acne and inflammation of surface tissues.
- Fungus. Fig contains substances that have an antifungal effect.
- Rheumatism. Berry compresses relieve pain from rheumatism, arthritis, and other joint diseases.
Fig tree leaves contain furocoumarins, organic acids, essential oil, steroids, tannins, and flavonoids. For diarrhea, flatulence, poisoning, colitis, bronchitis, you can brew tea from fig leaves to alleviate the patient's condition.
Benefits of figs
The fig tree benefits the male and female body, having different effects on it. At the same time, the effect of strengthening the immune system and improving general condition is achieved.
For women
For women, the benefits of figs include getting rid of common diseases and having a beneficial effect on appearance. When used correctly and regularly, the fig tree has the following effects on the female body.
- Varicose veins. Figs reduce swelling, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, thin the blood, and eliminate heaviness and pain in the legs.
- Cramps. During pregnancy, after wearing high heels for a long time, women sometimes experience cramps in their calf muscles. The fig tree compensates for the lack of calcium, potassium and magnesium and eliminates the unpleasant symptom.
- Skin cell regeneration. Internal and external use of fig improves skin condition.
- Weight loss . Wine berry helps in weight loss by removing excess fluid from the body and has a mild laxative effect. Figs normalize metabolism, enhance intestinal motility, and remove waste and toxins. To achieve weight loss, fig trees should be consumed in moderation, replacing one of your meals with two to three fruits.
For men
Even in the Ancient East they knew how beneficial figs were for men. The sweet berry was used to strengthen male power. Now the range of uses of the fig tree has expanded.
- Prevention of heart attack. Figs strengthen the walls of blood vessels, stabilize the emotional state, improve blood circulation, and normalize blood pressure. All this is a powerful prevention of early heart attack.
- Increased potency. Due to its rich chemical composition, the fig tree reduces the manifestations of erectile dysfunction.
A whitish coating forms on dry fruits. This is not mold, but glucose crystals that make dried fruits especially sweet and tasty.
Possible harm and contraindications
For a number of diseases, the fig tree will not alleviate, but will aggravate the patient’s condition. Carefully study the list of these diseases before starting treatment with dry or fresh fruits. Let's consider the contraindications of figs.
- Pancreatic diseases. If the pancreas is inflamed, it cannot cope with large amounts of sugar.
- Diabetes . Figs cause an increase in blood sugar levels due to the high concentration of glucose.
- Bleeding disorder. Figs thin the blood and are contraindicated for people with low blood clotting ability.
- Gout. The fig tree contains oxalic acid - it aggravates the condition of gout.
- Gastrointestinal diseases. Consumption of figs is contraindicated for gastritis, ulcers, colitis due to the large amount of fiber.
In these cases, the harm of figs will outweigh its benefits. Even healthy people should not overuse the fig tree. A large amount of sweet fruits eaten will lead to diarrhea and bloating.
Medicine prescriptions
Depending on the disease, medicines from figs and their leaves are prepared according to different recipes. The table shows the necessary ingredients, method of preparation, indications for use.
Table - Medicines from figs
| Medicine | Ingredients | Preparation | Indications for use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf decoction | – Dried leaves; – water | – A tablespoon of raw material is poured into a glass of water; – boil for 5 minutes | – Kidney diseases; – dermatological diseases (externally) |
| Fruit decoction | – Figs; – water | – 3–5 fruits are poured with a glass of boiling water; – Boil for 5 minutes over low heat; – grind into a homogeneous mass | - Stones in the kidneys; – thyroid disease |
| Leaf infusion | – Dried leaves; – water | – 3 tablespoons of raw materials are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water; - insist for 5 hours | - Bronchial asthma; – diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys |
| Figs with milk | – Dry fruits; - milk | – 2-3 crushed fruits are added to a glass of milk; – boil for 2 minutes; - insist for an hour | - Cough; - a sore throat; – elevated temperature |
| Laxative | – Figs; - raisin; – ground ginger; - nutmeg | – 100 g of dried fruits are passed through a meat grinder; – add half a teaspoon of spices; – knead the mass, form balls | Constipation (eat two balls on an empty stomach) |
| Fig syrup | – Fruits of the fig tree; – water; - sugar; - ginger; – lemon | – 8 fruits cut; – pour a glass of water, boil for 20 minutes; – take out the berries, add a glass of sugar, a teaspoon of spicy root, and lemon juice to the broth; – boil for 5 minutes, pour into a bottle | - Cough; - flu; – digestive problems |
| Decoction of leaves in milk | - Dry leaves; - milk | – 2 tablespoons of raw materials are poured into 200 ml of hot boiled milk; - leave until cool; – filter | – Sore throat (gargle); – boils |
Figs are good for the spine. For osteochondrosis, it is recommended to eat a mixture of dried fruits before going to bed for a month and a half. Portion for each meal: one fig, one prune, five dried apricots. Additionally, you can make a decoction of fig fruits.
You can eat figs with or without the peel - the skin does not contain harmful substances. The fruits are dried unpeeled - it is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to remove the peel from a dry fruit.
Drying and storage rules
It’s easier to buy ready-made dried fruits, but some people prefer to dry figs at home. The fruits are pre-sorted, washed and dried. There are several drying methods.
In the sun
Description . Traditional way of making dried fruits. When dried in the sun, the fruits do not lose their beneficial properties. The only problem is that the sweet smell attracts insects.
Instructions
- The prepared fruits are cut in half and placed on a wire rack with the cut side up.
- Wrap in gauze to protect against insects.
- Leave in the sun for four to six days.
- The fruits are strung on a thread and hung in a shaded place until completely dry.
In the oven
Description . Figs are dried in the oven at a minimum temperature to preserve as many valuable substances as possible. The fruits are constantly monitored - they will burn if they are not turned over for a long time.
Instructions
- The washed and dried fig fruits are placed on a wire rack.
- The oven is turned on to the minimum temperature, the door is left ajar.
- Dry for two to three days with breaks at night, periodically turning the fruits over.
In an electric dryer
Description . The most delicious dried fruits are obtained in the dryer with little time. They acquire a beautiful color and retain all vitamins and nutrients.
Instructions
- Cut the figs in half and place them on a cloth napkin.
- Half the fruits are evenly placed on electric dryer trays.
- Medium-sized fruits are dried for about ten hours, large ones - longer.
The correct way to store a fig tree is in paper or fabric bags. In jars they cake, become damp and moldy. It is better to keep the package of dried fruits in a shaded, dry, well-ventilated place.
To add more sweetness to dried fruits, figs are pre-boiled in sugar syrup. Pour a glass of sugar into three glasses of water, dissolve it, add figs, and cook for seven to ten minutes. The berries are placed in a colander, the liquid is allowed to drain, and dried in any convenient way.
Cooking recipes
Sweet desserts and salads are prepared from figs. It goes well with poultry and meat – giving them a unique exotic aroma. Pork is stewed with fig tree fruits and turkey and duck are stuffed with them. It is no coincidence that figs received the nickname wine berry. In southern countries it is often used to make sweet, aromatic wine.
Compote
Description. Fresh or dried fruits are used to prepare compote. They are pre-washed and dried. Figs can be combined with other fruits, adding spices.
List of ingredients:
- figs – 300 g;
- sugar – 150 g;
- water – 2.5 l.
- Water is poured into a saucepan and brought to a boil.
- Add figs, sugar, and boil for ten minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the figs into jars.
- Fill with syrup and roll up.
- The jars are turned upside down and wrapped in a towel.
Jam
Description . Fig jam can be used as a dessert or a remedy for colds and weakened immunity. Below is the basic recipe. If desired, it can be supplemented with spices and other dried fruits.
List of ingredients:
- dried fig fruits – 1 kg;
- granulated sugar – 1 kg;
- water – one and a half glasses;
- citric acid - a pinch.
Cooking sequence
- The figs are washed, dried, and punctured with a toothpick.
- Boil water and cook figs for ten minutes.
- The fruits are taken out and washed cold water, dry.
- Boil thick syrup. Place the berries in it and simmer over low heat for about 40 minutes.
- Five minutes before readiness, add citric acid.
- Place the jam in sterile jars.
Using figs for coughs, colds, constipation and other illnesses is a pleasant and safe way of treatment. If there are no contraindications, fig tree fruits will be beneficial if included in your daily diet.
Many people are distrustful of exotic fruits and are in no hurry to introduce them into their diet. The same figs, which grow in the subtropics, do not look very attractive when dried, so uninitiated people may have doubts about their taste.
But if you find out the benefits and harms of dried figs for the body, you can learn to manage your health and forget about many ailments for a long time.
What are figs
Figs are pear-shaped dark blue or purple berries with juicy and sweet bright red flesh, the fruits of a subtropical plant known as the fig tree or common fig tree. In Rus', where the exotic tree arrived only at the end of the 18th century, the fig was called fig and wineberry.
The plant's homeland is regions with a subtropical climate: the Mediterranean and Africa. On the territory of the Commonwealth countries, fig tree fruits are harvested in Georgia and Abkhazia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, Krasnodar Territory and South Ossetia.
Figs are one of those types of fruits whose healing qualities people have been using for a long time and successfully. The fruits of the fig tree are often mentioned in the Bible, the Old and New Testaments, and many ancient manuscripts.
It is known that the cultivation of the fig tree played a significant role in the development of agriculture in ancient Greece, Phenicia, Syria and Egypt. And by the end of the 16th century, Americans were able to appreciate the beneficial properties of figs.
Beneficial properties of dried figs for the body
Freshly picked figs cannot be stored for more than three days. To preserve the beneficial properties of figs for as long as possible, the fruits are dried. And it's worth it. Because it is difficult to find another type of fruit that has the same level of medicinal health benefits.
The chemical composition and amount of valuable components in the fruits is amazing:
- fatty polyunsaturated acids Omega-3 and Omega-6;
- potassium, sodium, manganese, phosphorus and iron, magnesium and calcium;
- vitamins of group B, PP and pectins;
- antioxidants and fiber;
- rutin and beta-carotene;
- tanning elements;
- glucose and fructose;
- fucin enzyme.
We can talk about the usefulness of figs for a long time. Just one fact: 100 grams of dried figs provide 4% of the daily value of B vitamins and 3% of the daily value of iron.
Indications for use
Thanks to the valuable microelements contained in figs, its fruits are recommended for use as an additional therapeutic agent in the drug therapy of common diseases. The doctor’s task is to convey to patients information about the benefits of figs as a means of complex effects on human health:
- with increased blood pressure;
- to strengthen bones when the body needs calcium;
- for prevention against cancer, diabetes;
- for pathologies of the respiratory system;
- patients diagnosed with anemia;
- as a laxative;
- for colds;
- for genital ailments in women.
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