The benefits and harms of eating dried figs. Real fig jam. The reverse side of the fig

Figs are a sweet southern delicacy. Its fruits are a valuable gift of nature. They contain substances thanks to which we can maintain our health and beauty. Why dried figs are useful for women, we will consider in this article. How to eat its fruits in order to get the maximum benefit, every girl should know.

Dried figs - benefits and harms to the body

The fig, or as it is also called, the fig tree, has been known since biblical times. Even then, its fruits were highly valued. It's all about its unique composition - it's a real storehouse of vitamins. The fig tree grows in the southern regions. Its fruits during transportation deteriorate, crumple, and therefore you can meet them in stores in dried form.

Dried figs are a high-calorie product, it contains 257 kcal per 100 grams of fruit! Fresh fruits are low in calories. The fruits of the fig tree should be included in the diet, because they are a source of:

1. Folic acid.
2. Retinol.
3. Ascorbic acid.
4. Riboflavin.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Fiber.
7. Macro- and microelements.

Eating fruit has a beneficial effect on the entire body, from the intestines to the immune system. So, the abundance of coarse fibers in fruits helps to cleanse the intestines of toxins and toxic substances. Thanks to the fruits, digestion is improved, the stool becomes regular. Everyone knows that if the intestines work like clockwork, then the skin condition improves, metabolism accelerates, excess weight goes away.

Consider the many beneficial properties of the dried fruit of the fig tree:

1. Improves blood composition, increases hemoglobin.
2. Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
3. Promotes tissue regeneration.
4. Makes skin softer, firmer and more beautiful.
5. Improves the condition of the skin.
6. Strengthens hair follicles.
7. Strengthens the nail plates.
8. It has expectorant properties, clears the bronchi.
9. Inhibits the development of pathogenic microflora.
10. Has a diuretic effect.
11. Normalizes blood pressure.
12. Cleanses blood vessels.
13. Strengthens the heart muscle.
14. Strengthens immune protection.
15. Helps fight stress.

This dried fruit is high-calorie, so it is eaten in small quantities, otherwise there is a high risk of getting better. It is dangerous to eat a treat with urolithiasis, as it can provoke the movement of stones and blockage of the ducts. Another delicacy is harmful to eat when:

1. Gout.
2. Fruit allergies.
3. Pancreatitis.
4. Colitis.
5. Gastroenteritis.
6. Diabetes.
7. With diarrhea.

This fruit is contraindicated in any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as it contains coarse fiber fibers, which are difficult to digest. For the same reason, treats are not given to children under 2 years of age.

We examined the beneficial properties and harms of dried figs in general terms. It's amazing how valuable this fruit is. But women should pay special attention to it. Why, let's talk further.

Benefits of dried figs for women?

It has already been mentioned that figs contain folic acid. Women need this vitamin when planning pregnancy and in the first trimester. Thanks to vitamin B9, the risk of intrauterine pathologies of the fetal nervous system is reduced.

Lactating women should also include dried figs in their diet, because this delicacy enhances milk production and improves its quality. In addition, these fruits make a woman more beautiful. Thanks to them, the condition of the skin improves in girls, it acquires a delicate structure and elasticity.

Dried figs, although a high-calorie product, but when used correctly, will not harm the figure, but will only benefit, because it speeds up the course of metabolic processes. It is useful for women for other reasons:

1. Helps prevent varicose veins.
2. Removes swelling due to diuretic action.
3. Improves mood.
4. Due to the high content of calcium, it strengthens the teeth.
5. Strengthens the immune system.
6. Relieves pain during menstruation.
7. Helps prevent fetal pathologies at the initial stage of pregnancy.

How to eat figs?

Dried figs can be eaten just like any other dried fruit, but in small quantities. It is enough to eat 1 fruit every day to improve your health. Dried fruits are also used in baking, when cooking compotes, and are also added to milk porridge. In general, the fig tree goes well with dairy products - cottage cheese or yogurt. These fruits are even eaten with cream cheese. This is delicious. Since this fruit is hard to digest, it is not eaten at night. It is best to eat it in the morning to saturate the body with useful substances and energy.

Eating dried figs in large quantities can lead to obesity.
If you have the opportunity to buy figs in a store or market, do not neglect it. This fruit is useful for women and men, it helps to cleanse the body of toxic substances, improve the condition of organs. respiratory system, blood vessels, heart. However, you should not use it, having contraindications. If you have any chronic diseases, it is better to ask the doctor if it is possible to eat a southern delicacy in your case or not.

Many people are skeptical about exotic fruits and are in no hurry to introduce them into their diet. The same figs that grow in the subtropics, in dried form, do not look very attractive, so uninitiated people may doubt its taste.

But if you find out what are the benefits and harms of dried figs for the body, you can learn how to manage your health and forget about many ailments for a long time.

What is a fig

Figs - pear-shaped berries of dark blue or purple color with juicy and sweet bright red flesh, the fruits of a subtropical plant known as a fig tree or common fig tree. In Russia, where the exotic tree came only at the end of the 18th century, the fig was called a fig and a fig.

The homeland of the plant 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, the Krasnodar Territory and South Ossetia.

Figs belong to those types of fruits, the healing qualities of which 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, Phoenicia, Syria and Egypt. And by the end of the 16th century, the Americans were also able to appreciate the beneficial properties of figs.

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 qualities for health.

The chemical composition and the amount of valuable components in 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;
• tannin elements;
• glucose and fructose;
• fucin enzyme.

You can talk about the usefulness of figs for a long time. What is worth only one fact: 100 g of dried figs provide 4% of the daily value of B vitamins and 3% of the daily value of iron.

Indications for use

Due to the valuable trace elements in the composition of figs, its fruits are recommended for use as an additional remedy for 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 an increase in blood pressure;
• to strengthen bones when the body needs calcium;
• for prevention against cancer, diabetes;
• with pathologies of the respiratory system;
• patients diagnosed with anemia;
• as a laxative;
• with colds;
• with ailments of the genital area in women.

In addition, the fig tree cleanses the body of cholesterol, relieves excess weight, normalizes the digestive system, increases efficiency, perfectly saturates and helps to remove stones from the kidneys.

Contraindications and harm from use

The benefits that figs can bring to the body are enormous.

However, in some cases it is better to refuse the use of exotic fruits:

• with diabetes. The sugar level in figs is too high;
• with gout. Fruits are rich in oxalic acid, which exacerbates seizures;
• in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. A high fiber content leads to an increase in the contents of the intestine and, acting on its walls, can enhance inflammatory processes;
• with dietary intake. The calorie content of figs is 256 calories per 100 g, so this product is not suitable for people who want to lose weight;
• on trips. The laxative properties of figs are strong enough to ruin a trip with unexpectedly frequent urination.

In other cases, the regular presence of figs in the diet is welcomed as a food product necessary for the prevention of various ailments.

Traditional medicine recipes with dried figs

The history of the use of figs in folk medicine dates back many thousands of years, since the fig tree was the first plant cultivated by man. The use of folk recipes will be appropriate in the event of many health problems.

As a laxative

Balls made from crushed dried figs with raisins are very effective. To 100 g of fig tree and 100 g of raisins add half a teaspoon of nutmeg and ginger. The mixture is stirred and rolled into small balls. The tool can be stored in a glass jar in the refrigerator and taken as needed or just like that - it's very tasty.

Cough medicine

You will need a glass of milk and 4 dried fruits. The fruits are dipped in boiling milk and insisted under a closed lid for 20 minutes. The infusion is taken warm - half a cup four times a day.

Cough syrup is prepared in the form of a decoction of a glass of water and 8 dried figs. After 20 minutes of cooking, the fruits are taken out, and the amount of water that is necessary to restore the level is added to the broth.

Then add a glass of sugar, stir until dissolved, and season the decoction with a teaspoon of ginger and the juice of half a lemon. The finished syrup is mixed and poured into a dry and clean jar. Take daily: adults 2 tablespoons, and children one.

Diaphoretic and antipyretic for colds

Two tablespoons of chopped dry figs insist in a glass of milk or water. Take 4 times a day for 100 g.

In the treatment of sore throats, throat diseases and stomatitis

The dry fruit is crushed, poured with boiling water and boiled for 10 minutes over low heat. Take half a glass three times a day. Proportions: a liter of water is taken per tablespoon of crushed fruit.

To eliminate problems of the renal and urinary systems

Five fruits of dried figs are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water, boiled for 5 minutes and crushed. I take the resulting puree three times a day between meals.

For skin lesions

Puree from dried fig berries, soaked in water or boiled in milk, allows you to quickly heal wounds or burns, boils.

To strengthen the heart and blood vessels

You can make a salad. To do this, 300 g of chopped figs, 150 g of prunes and 2.5 tablespoons of almonds are mixed with a glass of acidophilus, orange zest is added and slightly sweetened.

With baldness

For two tablespoons of crushed figs, take 0.5 liters of boiling water, boil over low heat and grind well. Take 100 g of infusion before each meal.

Medicinal properties of figs

The degree of healing effect of fruits always depends on their quality. You can count on the therapeutic effect only if it is chosen correctly. High-quality dried figs are distinguished by a light beige tint, softness, and uniform size.

Often on dried fruits you can see a white coating that seems repulsive. But in fact, this is just glucose, which stood out from fresh fruits during the drying process and froze in the form of a concentrate.

If fig fruits are distinguished by an unpleasant salty-sour taste, with general dryness and roughness of the surface, this is a sign of a spoiled product that cannot be eaten.

Dried Figs - Benefits for Children

In addition to decoctions for coughs and colds, tonics are prepared from figs for children who have problems with appetite. Pediatricians believe that it is possible to introduce figs into the baby's diet starting from 9 months.

Based on the fruits of the fig tree, pies and casseroles, rolls and cakes are prepared. Children love sweets, so they are happy to eat healthy desserts.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

Nutrition during pregnancy is usually subjected to careful analysis, for the sake of the health of the expectant mother and her baby. Given that the fruits of the fig tree have exceptional medicinal properties, the inclusion of the product in the daily diet is not only permissible, but also desirable.

The main thing is that there are no contraindications from the side of health or individual characteristics of the body of a pregnant woman.

For men

Most of the beneficial properties of the fig tree are equally useful for use by all family members, from children to adults and the elderly. Nevertheless, from the point of view of medicine, this product has especially valuable properties for maintaining or restoring the health of men.

Figs are a remedy recognized in the East for improving male potency and treating prostatitis. To prepare a healing drink, it is enough to soak several figs in warm milk in the evening, and in the morning eat the swollen fruit and drink it with the resulting infusion.

Another way to prepare a daily portion of a medicinal infusion is to mix five fruits of dried figs and a cup of hot water and insist for at least 12 hours. Take twice a day for half a cup before meals.

The benefits of figs for women

Although figs are high in calories, they can help women who are concerned about weight loss. Due to the ability to remove toxins from the body, fig fruits can be used as an additional food product during fasting days.

The diet of such one-day diets should include 100 g of dried figs, a kilogram of other types of fruits, half a kilogram of vegetables and 2 liters of low-fat yogurt or kefir.

The syrup effectively eliminates varicose veins and women's pain.

Regular use of figs can effectively eliminate existing ailments and prevent the development of new ones. And this method of treatment is much more pleasant than traditionally bitter pills and medical procedures.

The fig tree, famous since biblical times, gave man the most valuable fruit - the fig, or fig. Most of all, we love dried figs, the benefits and harms of which have become the topic of our article. Why has dried fruit overtaken fresh fruit in popularity? It is stored for a long time and, with proper drying, accumulates almost all valuable properties.

A gift of sun and warmth from Asia Minor, figs lie on the counter next to traditional dried fruits - raisins, dried apricots and prunes. Its crunchy taste due to the abundance of small seeds repels picky gourmets. And very in vain!

After all, dried figs can become an assistant in heart disease and pregnancy, in sports nutrition, and even with moderate weight loss, if you eat it in small quantities at certain times of the day. Let's take a look at the benefits of dried figs, when it is harmful and what substances determine its properties.

Do you already know about the health benefits of figs but want more recipes?

Click p. No. 2.2 - a complete set of competent combinations for a healthy menu.

And do not forget to check the rules for choosing high-quality dried fruits - item No. 4.

Composition and calories

Calorie content and glycemic index are about 250 kcal per 100 grams and average GI = 47-55, comparable to fresh cranberries, persimmons and kiwis.

The chemical composition largely repeats fresh fruits, but in different concentrations. Dried figs have about 3 times more sugars and 4-5 times more dietary fiber than fresh figs. This makes it a beneficial nutritional participant for at least two purposes - stable bowel function and high-speed delivery of glucose to the brain and muscles.

A handy infographic will help you evaluate the nutritional value of dried figs:

Benefits for the body

Fiber, being the leader in the content of dietary fiber among popular dried fruits (up to 10% of dry weight!), Figs are excellent at toning the intestines and are useful for hypotonic constipation. Today, this is the most common variant of the problem with cleansing - due to the lack of a fractional diet and physical inactivity.

Vitamin neuroprotectors group B. Among them, B1 is the most interesting, which is extremely important for most functions of the nervous system and cannot be synthesized in the body.

Potassium is one of the basic minerals for maintaining water-salt balance, rhythmic heart function and healthy bone and muscle mass.

Magnesium is the most valuable element for the body, which is involved in many enzymatic reactions, including the formation of ATP. Harmony in the work of the nervous system, in the state of the heart and blood vessels, in stable intestinal motility and outflow of bile - everywhere there is a direct merit of magnesium.

Calcium is a mineral that is needed daily to maintain skeletal bone density. Some other mineral salts, including phosphorus (up to 5%). There is also a little iron in figs, although in non-heme form it is poorly absorbed, which is worth understanding for yourself once and for all with enthusiasm about the presence of iron in plant foods.

What antioxidants are in dried figs?

There is almost no vitamin C in dried figs, however, with the right technology, dry fruits contain a whole range of bioflavonoids and polyphenols with antioxidant activity. Catechins and epicatechins - to protect the body from the growth of cancer cells. Rutin - to strengthen blood vessels. Syringic and gallic acids - for the harmony of the intestinal microflora, including due to the bactericidal effect on opportunistic microorganisms.

Exploring this issue, you can not get around the topics of weight loss and pregnancy. High calorie content and an abundance of sugars are not suitable for protein diets. However, as part of a balanced diet, figs will be a good help.

If, when losing weight, you stick to fractional nutrition with calorie counting, then the best place for a sweet snack every other day (!) Is second breakfast (until 12:00):

• It is convenient to take figs with you to work and not look like a "black sheep", replacing them with sweets when having a snack in the office;
• Sugar, B vitamins, magnesium and fiber will ensure fast thinking, stability of emotions and stable intestinal motility;
• An adequate restriction is 3 dry fruits (about 80 grams), which can be entered even into a sharply reduced daily calorie content.

During pregnancy, against the background of general health and normal weight, you can use up to 4 fruits per day, 3-5 times a week.

How to eat and with what to combine

The best time for a meal with figs is the first half of the day.

Dried figs, like all dried fruits, are not a product that you should get carried away with, eating a dozen pieces daily.

However, it is quite easy to benefit from figs without harm to the body. Let's look at profitable combinations.

For good absorption of vitamin C and strengthening of the vascular walls

We add soaked figs to winter salads with slaw, carrots and apples, or we eat 1/2 grapefruit and 2-3 dried fruits at the beginning of breakfast.

For a beneficial complex of pectins, vitamin D and calcium

Add the chopped soaked figs to the curd or beat the curd mixture in a blender.

How to diversify a healthy diet with figs:

• We are mastering a simple walnut-fig paste - for spreading on biscuit cookies or plates of fresh apples: nuts + figs in equal proportions and a little lemon juice. This pasta is a great base for homemade sweets or a layer in no-bake cakes.
• In muesli and cereals after cooking on fire, add a large slice of dried fruit. It adds spice to delicate cereals - oatmeal and rice.
• In a blender smoothie, figs can easily replace a sweet banana and make friends with any ingredients.
• From meat dishes, it is best suited for poultry and lamb - in sauces and stuffing when stuffing. However, we take into account: during heat treatment, some of the valuable substances are lost, including the destruction of coarse fibers.

Recipe for a mixture of dried fruits for the heart

A high concentration of sugars, potassium and vitamin C - continuous health for the heart and blood vessels, normalization of immunity and stress resistance.

How to cook: mix the soaked dried fruits in equal proportions. Choice of dried apricots, figs, raisins, prunes. Add walnuts, honey, lemon juice and twist in a blender until smooth.

Additional Ingredients: citrus zest, other nuts. If you are allergic to honey, we use a third more than the sweetest dried fruits - figs and dates.

How to use

We eat 2 teaspoons up to 3 times a day on an empty stomach (half an hour before meals).

Possible harm and contraindications

Absolute contraindications:

• Diabetes mellitus type 1;
• Acute pancreatitis;
• Ulcerative pathologies of the stomach and intestines;
• Chronic renal failure.

Strictly limit (2-3 pieces at a time, every other day):

• With type 2 diabetes and obesity;
• With pathologies of pregnancy;
• In acute diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract.

The potential harm of dried fruits is also determined by the unsightly nuances of production. We have compiled tips on how to get around these pitfalls below.

How to choose

Unfortunately, dried figs are not without the "charms" of industrial processing. Sulfur dioxide, unsanitary conditions, smoking with liquid smoke, boiling water with caustic soda, gasoline burners and almost “harmless” treatment with glycerin and cheap oil against this background - for the “selling beauty of the product”. Alas, unhealthy technology awaits us at any counter with dried fruits.

How to choose high-quality figs from the mountain of "pig in a poke"?

Color and surface: light beige fig without gloss. Let's say matte sugar coating.

Shape, size and texture : slightly flattened fruits, approximately the same in size, yielding to finger pressure when testing for softness.

We smell and taste, for which we go to the market. Norma - sweet, rich, perceptibly crunchy taste and no smell of gasoline. Figs are chewed without titanic efforts. If the taste is salty, sour, damp, the product is spoiled. At the same time, we take into account that unwashed dried fruits are a risk of introducing an intestinal infection. Grab a bottle of water!

When shopping in a supermarket, we first study and rely on the brand.

With a special need for environmental friendliness, we buy in online stores: expensive brands from small manufacturers whose owners are enthusiasts of healthy lifestyles or alternative food systems.

How to remove sulfur dioxide from dried fruits?

• Soak thoroughly - in cold (!) Water. The first time - for 50-60 minutes. Then we drain the water and a second time - for another 20-30 minutes, after which I wash it in warm running water, sorting through the fruits with my hands one by one. This removes the remains of normal dirt (pieces of earth, sand, etc.) that may stick to the figs during drying and transport.

We dry ourselves instead of buying

There are two ways to get the health benefits of figs:

• We take risks with the purchase, carefully studying the fruits according to the characteristics described above;
• We dry ourselves - in an electric dryer. This is especially true for residents of the southern regions, where fresh fruits have time to be delivered without spoilage.

Qualitatively, tasty, quickly and cheaper - fair epithets for the results of the electric dryer.

Choosing figs for drying

Any fruit can be dried with benefit. But the ideal variety is still white, or honey. Light, golden-skinned, with yellowish flesh, 4-5 cm in diameter (smaller fruits are sweeter). An important nuance of a successful variety is a large number of seeds. The fewer seeds, the worse the variety.

Deciding to purchase a device, you should pay attention to models with a wide temperature range, ranging from 33-35 degrees and the most ergonomic square shape of trays. The relative disadvantages of home drying are the time spent on the process and a one-time investment in the purchase of an apparatus. But how much time and money are we being robbed of by established illnesses - through dangerous food choices? Rhetorical question for personal reflection.

How to store at home

Dried figs require a cool (0-10 degrees) and dry (!) place. Place it in a glass jar lined with a thin cotton cloth on the inside and close tightly.

A good storage option for good air circulation is linen bags, suspended. Choose it for a batch that you will eat in a couple of months. The downside of this method is that when the temperature rises, pests easily start. You can also use paper bags that keep insects out.

We will be glad if the detailed story about dried figs was informative for you. The benefits of figs are great when we know how to circumvent potential harm, choose the right culinary combinations and reasonably limit the amount of a sweet product.

Among the abundance of dried fruits on store shelves, figs are given less preference. But in vain! Many do not know that the fig tree is just a storehouse of useful substances and helps to establish the work of many processes occurring in the body. Let's see how dried figs benefit and harm, which have been known for a very long time, won leadership among dried fruits. What is contained in a dried fig tree growing in the subtropics on fig trees?

Useful properties of dried figs for the body

Consider the main valuable qualities, why dried figs are useful:

• Fig fruits are useful for colds. They are boiled in milk to get rid of cough. In addition, dried figs have a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect.
• Helps relieve constipation due to its high fiber content.
• The properties of dried figs are useful for gastritis.
• Stimulates the work of the brain, helps to cope with accumulated fatigue and stress.
• Favorably affects the functioning of the kidneys and liver, has a diuretic effect.
• Removes harmful toxins from the body. It is useful to eat a fig tree after poisoning, it will cope very well with restoring strength.
• Due to the high content of potassium, it has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart.
• Promote the resorption of blood clots, thinning the blood. Strengthens blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.

Composition and calorie content of dried figs

The calorie content of dried figs is 5 times higher than that of fresh figs, and is about 250 kcal per 100 grams.

The glycemic index of dried figs is 45-55 units.

BJU for dried figs per 100 grams is: proteins - 3.1 grams, fats - 0.8 grams and about 57 grams of carbohydrates.

Dried figs retain almost all the nutrients that are present in fresh fruit, only the concentration is different. For example, dried figs contain 3 times more sugar than fresh ones. Dietary fiber is also more, but 4-5 times. And in terms of fiber content, figs are the leader among dried fruits - about 10%.

Also, dried fig contains vitamins: A, PP, vitamins of group B, C.

Minerals: potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese.

In addition, the wine berry is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, tannins, antioxidants, beta-carotene, rutin, ficin enzyme.

dried figs benefits for children

Dried figs can be introduced into the diet of children from 1 year old in the absence of personal intolerance to the fruit. Usually the fig does not cause allergies. Due to the large amount of glucose, no more than one fruit per day should be given. And it is better to divide one dried fruit and give it piece by piece.

Dried figs are considered a worthy alternative to sweets and vitamin complexes. All children love sweets, and the fruit also has a large amount of vitamins.

Smokva will help the baby to overcome cold viruses faster. With a sore throat, a decoction of figs helps, with a cough - fig fruits boiled in milk. In addition, dried fig tree has an antipyretic effect and strengthens the immune system.

It is useful for children to eat dried fruit to strengthen bones. Since the kids are very active, mobile, and are not immune from injuries. Therefore, having a strong skeletal system is very important for a growing child's body.

If the child suffers from constipation, then dried figs will help to improve the functioning of the intestines, having a laxative effect and normalizing the digestive system.

Benefits of dried figs for women

In eastern countries, in women's homes, vases with dried figs traditionally stood on the tables. And not in vain. Even then, the ladies understood that dry figs are very useful for them.

During menstruation, the use of dried fig fruits can relieve pain, improve mood, and eliminate nervousness.

For those who are planning a child or are already pregnant, it would be very good to use a fig tree. It contains a large amount of folic acid, which is necessary for the intrauterine development of the fetus. If the expectant mother gets sick, then it will be easier to recover with the help of dried figs, and there is no need to take medicines that are undesirable for pregnant women.

Dried figs are full of antioxidants that improve and rejuvenate skin, strengthen nails and hair. It is believed that only 2-3 fetuses up to 5 times a week can protect the legs from varicose veins, which many women suffer from.

Although there are a lot of sugars in dried figs, but in a diet with proper nutrition, it is allowed to eat 1-2 fruits every other day before lunch. This will help those with a sweet tooth who find it difficult to limit the use of sweets and cakes, because figs themselves are very sweet, and there are many more benefits in it.

How to choose and store dried figs

Fig fruits, like many other dried fruits, are subjected to various processing methods, which can be unsafe for health. It is best to dry or dry fresh fruit yourself. But, as you know, fresh fruits have a very short shelf life, up to a day. Therefore, if you do not live in the southern regions, then it is important to know how to choose the right, good, dried figs.

• All fruits should be approximately the same size, slightly flattened.
• When pressed with fingers, the fetus is squeezed. If it is too hard, then this indicates overdried fruits or a violation of storage conditions.
• If possible, taste the fruit. He must be sweet. A sour taste indicates spoilage of the dried fruit, or it was dried already stale. The more seeds inside the fruit, the higher the variety of this fruit.
• The color should be light, matte, without any spots. Only white coating is allowed on the surface. This indicates a large amount of sugar in the fruit, which came out.
• To get rid of the sulfur dioxide commonly found in dried fruits, soak figs in cold water twice: for an hour and for 30 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with running water, removing dirt and sand that stuck to the fruit during the drying process.

Dried figs should be stored in a dry, cool, dark place. For short-term storage, you can pour the fruits into a jar lined with cotton cloth, close the lid and put in a cabinet in the kitchen. Periodically check for the presence of accumulated condensate and for pests.

For longer storage, you can choose a refrigerator in the fruit compartment. Transfer the dried fruits to any food container or jar and close the lid. It must be remembered that moisture should not be allowed inside, because the fig will simply become moldy, and also, in dried form, it is able to absorb all the extraneous odors of the refrigerator. In such a place, the wine berry is stored for about six months.

And the last way for long-term storage, you can freeze dried figs. So they lie for a year, but when thawed, they will lose up to half of their useful properties.

Dried figs contain more moisture than dried figs, so they should only be stored in the refrigerator, in small portions, in jars with tight lids. After all, it quickly begins to deteriorate, rot and various insects can start.

Dried fruits can be found on store shelves all year round, so it's best to buy them before use.

Use in cooking

In cooking, dried figs can be combined with both salty and sweet foods. It fits perfectly into salads, as a stuffing or sauce for poultry and lamb. It can be added to sweet cereals, muesli, cottage cheese, smoothies, desserts, cake creams. You can make fig-nut paste, which is eaten with biscuit cookies, or make healthy sweets out of it.

There is a wonderful recipe for the heart and blood vessels, as well as raising immunity and overall health. To do this, you need to mix dried fruits soaked in water in equal proportions: figs, dried apricots, prunes, raisins. Add nuts, honey and lemon juice to them. Optionally, citrus zest. Twist everything into a meat grinder or beat in a blender until smooth. Take 2 teaspoons 3 times a day on an empty stomach.

Contraindications to the use of dried figs

Of course, dried figs are a vitamin storehouse for the human body, but there are risk groups when you should refrain from eating these fruits:

• With diabetes and obesity;
• With gout, peptic ulcers;
• With acute pancreatitis;
• With pathologies of pregnancy;
• With renal failure, diseases of the urinary tract.

For the rest, eat 2-3 dried fig trees every other day and replenish the body with useful vitamins and microelements.

In pursuit of beauty, youth and longevity, we forget about what nature has generously rewarded us with. No wonder people say that everything ingenious is simple. This phrase clearly characterizes dried figs. The benefits and harms of these fruits cause a lot of controversy. This will be discussed in today's article.

Fig, fig tree or fig?

This is what the people call the fruits of figs. This amazing fruit grows on fig trees mainly in warm regions with a subtropical climate.

The benefits of dried figs for the body are undeservedly underestimated by people. Most often, a dried product is found on our tables and store shelves. This is due to the fact that during transportation, fresh figs quickly deteriorate, which cannot be said about dried or dried fig trees.

To improve your health, you need to eat dried figs. The calorie content of dried fig fruits is approximately 257 kilocalories per 100 g of product. Of course, if there are figs in unlimited quantities, then this will cause significant harm to the figure.

But everything is good in moderation, especially since figs can be safely called a vitamin treasury. A huge amount of potassium is contained in the fig tree. Only nuts can fight in this duel with dried figs. But bananas go by the wayside.

In the composition of fig fruits, you can find many vitamins:

• retinol;
• ascorbic and nicotinic acid;
• thiamine;
• riboflavin;
• folic acid.

The fig tree is rich in fiber, which makes this product very valuable for digestive tract. It is impossible not to notice the presence of useful fatty acids in figs, in particular, Omega-3 and 6. Also in fig fruits there is glucose, micro- and macroelements. The amount of the first depends on the form in which you use the fruits - fresh, dried or dried.

Dried figs: benefits and harms to the body

The fig tree has enormous benefits for human health. Its unique component composition allows not only to enrich the body with the necessary vitamins, micro- and macroelements, but also to cure a number of ailments. Of course, medical assistance and the use of pharmacological drugs cannot be ignored, but it is also stupid to exclude dried figs from the diet.

On a note! Dried figs, as already mentioned, are considered a high-calorie product, which cannot be said about fresh fruits. Their nutritional value is negligible and amounts to only 47-50 kilocalories per 100 g of product. Such a dish can be eaten without the slightest harm to the figure.

Among the useful properties of the fig tree include:

• elimination of inflammatory processes;
• normalization of the functioning of the respiratory system, in particular, the lungs;
• prevention of colds, acute respiratory and viral diseases;
• laxative effect;
• protection from stress;
• cleansing the body of accumulated harmful compounds, toxins and toxins;
• anemia treatment;
• expectorant effect;
• acceleration of skin regeneration;
• wound healing;
• improving the functioning of the urinary system;
• restoration of firmness and elasticity of the skin;
• elimination of unpleasant odor from the oral cavity;
• reducing the risk of developing diseases of the heart muscle and blood vessels;
• prevention of the development of hypertension of the arterial type.

The dried fig tree has the same properties. The fruits of the fig tree have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive tract. Due to the high concentration of dietary fiber, the processes in the stomach and intestines are normalized. Figs help to solve such a delicate problem as constipation. There is also an opinion that dried or dried fig fruits increase potency.

Note to women

What is useful dried figs for women? That's it, the representatives of the weaker sex should pay close attention to this amazing product. Most women complain of brittle nails and excessive hair loss. The fig tree will help solve this problem because it contains a high concentration of calcium.

During the period of menstrual bleeding and premenstrual syndrome, figs should be on your table. The aroma and incredible taste of berries will help improve mood, get rid of depression and irritability, and also alleviate pain symptoms.

Important! Dried figs are especially useful during pregnancy, as well as during the planning period for conception. A large proportion of folic acid has a beneficial effect on the organs of the reproductive system.

Dried figs are no less useful for breastfeeding. During the lactation period, mothers follow a diet. That is why they often encounter violations of the processes of defecation. The fruits of the fig tree have a mild laxative property. In addition, the body can be saturated with vitamins, which is useful for crumbs.

Before introducing figs into the diet during gestation and lactation, you should consult with a specialized doctor. Women suffering from diabetes are at risk, because the described dried fruits have a high concentration of sugar, which can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.

Among the useful properties of dried or dried fig trees for women are the following:

• elimination of inflammatory processes of the organs of the reproductive system;
• preservation of the placenta;
• prevention of the development of varicose veins;
• preventing the development of anemia;
• increased hemoglobin levels;
• elimination of puffiness;
• normalization of water-salt balance;
• promoting weight loss;
• improvement in blood composition.

The reverse side of the fig

Dried fig fruits are high in calories, so this product should be used with extreme caution for people who are overweight. Pay close attention to figs should be in the presence of allergic reactions. Intolerance to individual ingredients or hypersensitivity can provoke the development of unpleasant symptoms.

Such a product should be introduced into the diet with extreme caution in the presence of the following pathological conditions and ailments:

• gastritis;
• diabetes;
• pancreatitis;
• gout;
• colitis;
• inflammatory processes in the stomach.

Rules of culinary etiquette

We have already found out how useful dried figs are. How to eat these dried fruits? First, let's pay attention to the rules for their selection. Fig fruits should be approximately the same size, they have a flattened shape. Color - from beige to light brown.

Before consumption, figs are thoroughly washed under running water to eliminate the presence of small particles of dust, dirt or chemicals. It is recommended to soak dried figs in warm water for several minutes.

As a rule, the dried fig tree is eaten in its pure form or added to various desserts. But do not forget about the calorie content of the described product.

Mentioned in the Bible. The leaves of the fig tree covered the first people - Adam and Eve. Fig seedlings are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. The rich chemical composition of the wine berry, as dried figs are called, has a positive effect on many processes occurring in the human body. The berry is especially useful for women.

Very often, when dried, many fruits lose their beneficial properties. But this is not the case for figs. The nutritional value of the berry after its drying increases, it was not for nothing that the soldiers ate it during the campaigns of Alexander the Great. Yes, and fresh fig berries are difficult to preserve, so it is better to dry them. You can enjoy dried fruits for a whole year until the new harvest.

Composition and benefits for women

In the dried fruits of the fig tree, or figs, many vitamins are preserved. The fruits are especially rich in vitamin A, folic acid, they have a little less vitamin E. From the minerals in the fig, magnesium, iron, phosphorus are enough, and potassium is almost as much as in nuts. Wine berries are valued for their high content - about 70 percent - of glucose, sucrose. Pectin in the composition of figs increases the nutritional value of seedlings, is able to normalize metabolism.

Dried berries are especially useful for the female body:

1. Eaten a few fig berries help to maintain the balance of chemical elements during the period of critical days. Since they contain coumarin, the blood thins, making the condition of the woman easier.
2. Anemia is one of the common diseases of a woman during pregnancy. It is the use of dried figs that will improve the composition of the blood.
3. The properties of the wine berry include the stimulation of the lactation process, therefore, during the feeding period, they eat two or three pieces a day. Excessive passion can adversely affect the child's digestive system.
4. For those who suffer from increased body weight, wine berry will be the best assistant in losing weight. The inclusion of figs in the diet will allow you to quickly get enough, help to exclude sweets and sweets from the menu. Fig berries can easily replace them during a snack.
5. To cleanse the body of a woman from toxins and toxins, dried fruits of the fig tree are used. They have so much fiber that after eating even two berries a day, the need for it will disappear. And the dietary fiber of the berry will relieve constipation, improve metabolism.
6. The symptoms of varicose veins are particularly severe in women. Dried figs make up for the deficiency of potassium in the body, relieve swelling, cramps in the calf muscles.
7. Figs are useful for colds, sore throats. Dry fruits of figs, infused with milk, are used for gargling.
8. The pulp of dried figs contains many seeds. In crushed form, it is used as a scrub for exfoliating dead skin cells, facial rejuvenation.

The positive effect of the fruits of the fig tree on the female body was described by Avicenna.

But some women will have to give up fig treats if they suffer from an acute form of peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum. Oxalic acid in the composition of the fruit will irritate the walls of the digestive tract, increasing pain.

It is forbidden to use dried figs for pancreatitis.

A large amount of glucose will not allow people with diabetes to enjoy figs. Although there are no essential oils in fig fruits, allergy sufferers should include wine berries in their diet with caution.

Whatever benefit the fig tree berry brings to the woman's body, it is necessary to observe the measure in its use.

Since figs grow only in warm countries, the fresh fruits enter the trading network for a short time: either in July or September. The maturity of the berry is determined by the opening of the fruit from below into four parts. Drying of fruits is carried out under a canopy, where they are well ventilated. Washing before drying the figs is not recommended.

The very name of the berry suggests that it can ferment like young wine. You can avoid this by dipping the fruit in boiling syrup for a second or two. Now it remains to lay them out on the grids and place them in a well-ventilated room. After a week of drying, the berries are flattened, strung on a thread and hung in the sun. Some berry bunches are placed over the gas or placed in the oven. After drying, the fruits are placed in a paper bag, keeping in a cupboard.

There are also such ways of storing figs:

• The dark variety of figs is dried and put in sealed bags and placed in the freezer.
• Jam is prepared by passing the berries through a meat grinder along with a lemon. Adding sugar to the prepared mass, cook over low heat for twenty to forty minutes. Store jam in jars. Per kilogram of berries take 700 grams of sugar.
• Dried figs are used to make wine with the addition of a few blueberries. A kilogram of figs is poured into ten liters of warm water and placed in a dark place for ten days.

All types of wine storage will allow you to enjoy its beneficial properties for a long time.

More information can be found in the video:

Both ripe and dried figs are delicious. But a significant plus of the second is that it contains all the same useful properties as in fresh fruits, only it is stored much longer and transported without difficulty to many countries of the world.

In addition, figs are available for sale all year round, and you can enjoy its extraordinary taste regardless of the season.

Benefits of dried figs

It should be borne in mind that the properties of dried fruits differ from the properties of fresh ones. The fact is that in dried figs there is a minimum of water, but at the same time the sugar content increases to about 70%. The rest of the composition is very similar. The fruits contain beta-carotene and B vitamins (PP, B3, B6, B1). They also contain a lot of fiber, protein, pectin, iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

The effect of figs on the body is priceless due to the substances it contains.

• It has a positive effect on the functioning of the intestines, removes toxins and toxins from the body and cures constipation. Pectins contained in figs restore and heal connective tissues in the body. Antioxidant substances normalize the level of cholesterol in the blood, cleanse the vessels and strengthen them, increasing the elasticity of the walls.

• Potassium, magnesium and iron improve hematopoiesis and increase hemoglobin, therefore, dried figs are useful for anemia in order to get rid of this disease. As a result, it strengthens the cardiovascular system as a whole, which means it normalizes blood pressure and heart rate.

• Thanks to the presence of B vitamins Figs improve the state of the nervous system, activate the brain, increase efficiency and improve mood.

• A decoction of dried figs has antipyretic and diaphoretic effects. therefore facilitates and accelerates the treatment of colds. Figs are also boiled in milk and such a drink is used for bronchitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

dried figs calories

As for the energy value, 100 grams of dried dates contain about 250 kcal. In principle, this is a lot, so you should not abuse this product, despite the fact that it is very tasty.

Contraindications and harm of figs

No matter how useful dried figs are, in some cases it should be discarded. First of all, this applies to patients with diabetes due to the fact that there are a lot of sugars in figs. Due to the high content of oxalic acid, it is not recommended for those suffering from gout. The presence of fiber requires figs to be excluded from the diet during an exacerbation of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Since the fruits of figs are quite high-calorie, it is recommended that overweight people use them with extreme caution, as they can aggravate the problem. A temporary contraindication is the use of figs before long trips. This is due to its laxative effect. Although much depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.

When using figs for the first time, people who suffer from asthma should be especially vigilant. The fact is that before transportation, figs are treated with sulfites so that they are well stored, but asthmatics are especially sensitive to this chemical and its ingestion can cause irreparable harm.

How to choose and store dried figs

In most cases, dried fruits are treated with chemicals so that they are not damaged during long-term transportation and stored longer, so appearance is not the best indicator of quality. However, the fruits should have a light beige or brownish color. They should be about the same size and feel soft to the touch.

A flattened shape is one of the indicators that you see a quality product. If it has a light white coating, then this is glucose, due to which the fruits become especially sweet, so you should not pass them by. If possible, then you need to taste it. The presence of a sour-salty taste, as well as a rough peel, indicate that the expiration date of such fruits has already passed and you should not buy them.

As for storage, like most dried fruits, figs need to be stored in a dark and cool place. This is what a refrigerator is for. But in order to extend the shelf life of fruits, they must be protected from air access. Therefore, a glass jar with a tight lid is ideal for him - in it he will not dry out and will be protected from insects.

Figs for weight loss

It seems that such a high-calorie fruit is unlikely to benefit those who want to lose weight, but this is not so. Along with calories, it contains ballast substances that suppress appetite and fiber, which improves intestinal motility and thus helps to cleanse it.

To lose weight, it is recommended to replace one meal a day (preferably dinner) with dried figs. To do this, pour 3 fruits for half an hour with cold water and then eat the softened fruits and the resulting liquid. Thanks to this, the feeling of hunger will subside, and the body will receive nutrients.

It is also useful to use figs as a substitute for sweets. For example, if you have a sweet tooth, then train yourself to eat dried figs instead of one candy. Of course, if you eat a lot of fruits, then you are unlikely to succeed in losing weight, but in this way you will make sure that the body receives useful substances.

Dried figs are a dried fruit that contains a wide variety of substances, so you should pay attention to it and include it in your daily diet. So you strengthen your immunity and saturate the body with what it needs so much.

Figs are one of the most mysterious foods. Not many people know that this is an inflorescence, and not a fruit, as is commonly believed. Those who are familiar with the gifts of nature prefer to enjoy them in all possible variations. On the basis of figs, jam is prepared, it is dried, dried, eaten fresh. This raises many questions that affect the benefits and harms of goodies.

Composition of dried figs

The most valuable is potassium, which controls the work of the heart muscle and the entire vascular system. Dried figs contain a lot of carbohydrates, which will explain the calorie content.

Natural saccharides are presented in the form of glucose and fructose. Figs also concentrate retinol, vitamin PP, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, pantothenic acid, thiamine, riboflavin. Figs boast pyridoxine and folic acid.

Of the minerals, magnesium, calcium, iron, and sodium are considered the most valuable. Figs contain a lot of tannins, starch, coarse dietary fibers, organic acids, Omega acids 3 and 6.

The product is rich in phytosterol, antioxidants, proteins and fats. There is little water in the composition, only 70% of the total volume. Although this is characteristic of many dried fruits.

dried figs calories

In the process of heat treatment, the ratio of elements in the composition of the fig changes. The amount of protein increases by about 5%, while the amount of carbohydrates increases by up to 68%.

The nutritional properties and calorie content of fresh figs are relatively low. For 100 gr. fruits account for about 48 kcal. It all depends on the degree of maturity of the raw material.

As you can understand, figs are famous for their low calorie content, so they are allowed to be consumed without much concern regarding the set of extra pounds.

However, when it comes to dried figs, the situation becomes more complicated. In 100 gr. concentrated from 200 to 220 kcal. This is 4 times higher than fresh fruits.

If you want to keep yourself in shape, do not abuse figs. The dried fig has a sugary taste, so you can’t eat much of it.

The benefits of dried figs

1. Figs are rich in fiber. Dietary fiber cleanses the intestinal tract from congestion, removes toxic compounds and heals the body "on all fronts." These qualities are used in weight loss. The main thing is to eat figs in moderation.
2. Fig helps the esophagus to absorb beneficial enzymes, and weed out harmful ones. Against this background, a person receives more benefits, everything superfluous comes out naturally.
3. Figs cleanse the lymph, open the blood channels, prevent atherosclerosis and varicose veins. It is useful to eat figs for people suffering from swelling of the limbs. Diuretic properties allow you to relieve heaviness in the legs.
4. Just a couple of fruits per day will make up for the lack of iron, which is necessary to improve blood quality. Dried figs prevent anemia in adults and children, relieve abdominal pain during menstruation in women.
5. Figs are indispensable for strengthening bone tissue. That is why the product is recommended to eat for people who have recently suffered a fracture. Also, figs improve the condition of the teeth and prevent caries.
6. The composition improves physical endurance, so athletes need to eat it. Fig improves brain activity, strengthens vision due to incoming beta-carotene.
7. It is useful to eat figs for people of creative professions, as well as for those who work hard mentally. The product relieves the effects of fatigue, including chronic. Normalizes sleep and psycho-emotional environment in general.
8. Figs are often used in folk healing to combat many ailments. For the treatment of sore throat or diseases of the oral cavity, it is necessary to prepare a decoction of figs and consume it until the symptoms disappear.
9. Figs can easily cure fever and mild fever. Also, antibacterial properties will kill viruses, strengthen immunity, make up for vitamin deficiencies and help you recover faster after a protracted illness.
10. Fig favorably affects the work of the kidneys, stomach and Bladder. Figs are needed for hypertensive patients, who often suffer from surges in blood pressure. Potassium reduces the likelihood of vascular spasms, preventing many heart ailments.
11. Figs have the pleasant property of thinning the blood. Against this background, atherosclerosis and other similar diseases are treated. Dried figs are effective for intestinal obstruction because they have a laxative effect.

1. It has been proven that dried fruit is useful and necessary for the female body. Studies have shown that regular consumption of the product helps the fair sex to keep youth much longer.
2. Figs are a storehouse of calcium, so the systematic intake of the composition will help to cope with the problems of nails and hair in a short time. The active ingredients in the dried fruit have a positive effect on the internal organs of a woman during menstruation.
3. The product effectively copes with pain and emotional outbursts. Dried fruit is useful to eat when planning a pregnancy. The composition is enriched with folic acid. Figs actively resists the inflammatory processes of the reproductive system.
4. Regular intake of fig helps to resist the development of varicose veins. The product has a positive effect on the placenta. As a result, the fetus develops according to plan without damage. In addition, dried fruit helps with anemia.

Dried figs during lactation

1. During lactation, experts strongly recommend consuming dried fruit. Figs in this case will help to significantly improve the quality of mother's milk and at the same time keep the weight at the desired level. The product is a great weight loss supplement.
2. The systematic intake of fig helps to normalize the stool and stabilize the water-salt balance. Figs are effective for constipation, so you do not need to resort to laxatives.
3. Eating the product will improve blood circulation, increase the tone of the vascular system, cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, and strengthen the central nervous system. If you include figs in your daily diet, you will avoid the development of varicose veins, hemorrhoids and hypertension. The baby's immunity will be formed.

1. As mentioned earlier, dried fruit is rich in essential enzymes for humans. During pregnancy, the fetus will bring invaluable benefits to the girl. The main thing is to observe the daily norm of the product. Be careful with diabetes.
2. Eating figs during pregnancy will help get rid of a cough. Thus, you do not have to resort to the help of drugs. The fruit perfectly supplies the body with the necessary vitamins, beriberi does not threaten you.
3. Fig helps to keep the weight normal, it has a positive effect on blood formation. Dried fruit suppresses the first symptoms of a cold in the shortest possible time. You are not afraid of digestive disorders and constipation.

Dried figs for weight loss

1. During drying, the activity and usefulness of enzymes increases significantly. Therefore, the fig is valued in dietetics. The product is rich in dietary fiber. From here, a laxative effect can be distinguished. Thus, you are cleansed of slagging.
2. The body receives the necessary amount of microelements, the tone and energy supply increase. It is forbidden to use figs in a mono-diet, you risk getting better. Combine figs with berries, vegetables and fruits.
3. It is recommended to eat figs in the morning. Fig goes well with all kinds of cereals, fish, dietary meat, dairy products, nuts, eggs, honey and sweet spices. The daily norm is not more than 100 gr.

Harm of dried figs

1. Figs are contraindicated for patients with gout, urolithiasis, diabetes, obesity.
2. The product can significantly harm patients who have colitis, pancreatitis, enteritis, and other inflammations in the gastrointestinal tract.

Dried figs include a rich vitamin and mineral complex, this is due to its benefits. The composition contains almost all the elements necessary for the full functioning of the human body.

Video: the benefits and harms of figs