What is the use of dried figs for humans. Dried figs, its benefits and harms

26.09.2019 Fish dishes

Figs grow in warm and dry climates around the world. It is eaten fresh or dried.

Sweet fruits contain a lot of sugar. In Mediterranean countries, figs are so popular that they call it “the food of the poor.”

Figs have been used to treat diseases for thousands of years. It contains many vitamins and minerals.

The composition and calorie content of figs

Figs are rich in fiber, which is good for digestion and preventing thrombosis.

Composition 100 gr. figs as a percentage of the daily value:

The calorie content of figs is 74 kcal per 100 g.

For many centuries, figs and extracts from it have been used to combat constipation, bronchitis, disorders, wounds and warts.

For muscle

The fig contains magnesium, which is important during exercise. He is involved in energy production during muscle contractions. During intense exercise, magnesium requirements increase by 10-20%.

For the heart and blood vessels

Figs relieve stress on the walls of veins.

Thanks to magnesium and potassium, figs help keep the pressure normal. The element removes sodium from the body through urine.

For nerves

The beneficial properties of figs protect nerve cells from destruction and age-related death.

Magnesium in figs prevents migraines, helps fight depression, insomnia and improves mood.

For the digestive tract

Doctors recommend adding figs to people with chronic constipation.

For the pancreas

Fig tree leaves are valuable for health due to antioxidant properties. Taking fig leaf extract lowers blood sugar.

Figs increase insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar in patients with diabetes.

For the reproductive system

Figs are good for women because they contain magnesium and vitamin B6. They reduce the manifestation of premenstrual syndrome, which occurs 1-2 weeks before menstruation. This is manifested in the form of mood swings, weight gain, cravings for food, fatigue, irritability, chest pains and digestive problems.

For skin

Fig leaves prevent skin cancer. Creams with fig extract reduce facial wrinkles thanks to antioxidants. They can be used for hyperpigmentation, acne and freckles.

For immunity

Figs contain antioxidants that prevent aging and cancer. The fetus relieves inflammation in all organs.

Useful properties of dried figs

Dried figs contain 19% of the daily value of potassium, which regulates blood pressure. With regular use of dried fruit, you will protect yourself from the development of hypertension.

The fruit contains a lot of fiber, which protects against overeating. If you want to lose weight, replace sweets in your diet with dried figs.

Dried figs are rich in iron. Women 19 to 50 years old should receive 18 mg. iron per day, and older than 51 years - 8 mg. A glass of dried figs contains 3 mg. gland. If the body lacks an element, you become vulnerable to infections and constantly feel weak.

Harm and contraindications of figs

Contraindications to the use of figs:

How to choose a fig

Figs are sold in grocery stores and markets, it is supplied year-round. It is advisable to eat the fruit from mid-June to mid-October - so the benefit from it will be maximum. Choose saturated color figs.

How to store figs

Fresh figs are best eaten immediately after harvesting from a tree. In the refrigerator, its shelf life will increase by a couple of days. After buying the figs, immediately remove it from the package.

Jams and jams are cooked from figs or dried. You can freeze figs within 12 hours after harvest to extend its freshness.

Drying fruits is the easiest way to preserve fig fruits. The traditional method of drying in the sun gives products with different quality. Drying the fruits in special “dryers” ensures the production of healthy dried figs. In most areas of commercial cultivation, figs are picked when it falls and placed on drying trays.

There are many useful compounds in figs, so it can be used as a healthy alternative to sweets.

Figs are the first plant to be mentioned in the Bible and probably the oldest cultivated plant in the world.

Figs have several common names.

Figs have been known since ancient times

This is a fig, this is a fig tree, you can also hear the name "wine berry" and fig tree.

Where grows

Fig tree has been known since ancient times. The mention of the fig tree began with the Bible and the Old and New Testaments. Italy has legends around this unique tree and its delicious fruits.

In the Middle East and in Arabian tales, it is inconceivable not to encounter any interesting fact or legend associated with this ancient plant.

Figs grow in subtropical conditions. Often found in Mediterranean countries, the Caucasus, Crimea, Central Asia.
Figs grow in the subtropics

There are two varieties of figs: early (white) and blue (purple), which ripens two months after the harvest of white fruits.

Processing types

With such wide popularity and gastronomic attractiveness of this plant, it is still better to know how figs are useful and how to use them in different forms.

It is used fresh, like berries, as a treat, dessert.

Also, the fruits are dried, dried, and already in dried fruits they also use the beneficial properties of figs. Dried fruits (per 100 g of product) contain about 250 - 258 kcal, while fresh ones only 50 kcal.

Often made from figs jam and jams.

Composition of figs

Fig fruits contain almost everything necessary for the health of the human body, substances and trace elements.
These are the main ones in mg (per 100 g of product):

Calcium - 162;
Sodium - 10;
Phosphorus - 67;
Potassium - 680;
Iron - 2.03;
Magnesium - 68;
Zinc - 0.55;
Copper - 0.287;
Manganese, Selenium, etc.

Sun-dried figs retain all the beneficial properties.

Vitamins:

Retinol (Vitamin A);
Betaine;
Thiamine;
Riboflavin;
Niacin;
Pantothenic acid;
Pyridoxine;
Folic acid, etc.

The composition of these fruits also includes fats, carbohydrates, plant fibers (fiber), starch, proteins and sugars.
That is why the beneficial properties of fresh figs are valuable for both women and men.

Sun-dried figs retain all their beneficial properties in full.

Because this method is nothing more than getting rid of moisture in the fruits, while preserving all the vitamins and nutrients.

Benefit

What are the fruits of figs useful for and does it harm:

Contraindications and harm

The useful properties of figs are obvious, but what are the contraindications and are there any?
The fruit of a fig tree is not desirable for consumption by people with digestive tract and intestinal disorders.

Fig fruits are one of the few fruits containing oxalates - special substances found in some plants.

When these compounds become too much in body fluids, the process can lead to problems in the formation of stones in the kidneys or in the gall bladder.

A high concentration of dietary fiber in figs can lead to excessive intestinal motility, causing stomach cramps and loose stools. Fig fruits can also bring harm to the body of those who are obese, instead of benefits.

You will learn all the details about the benefits and dangers of figs from the video:

Storage

Since the freshly picked fruits of the fig tree can be stored for a very short time, about three days, and in a hermetically sealed container for about a week, often figs are dried or dried for the future.
What is the difference between the properties of dried figs, what is its benefit and harm, in contrast to the useful qualities of fresh fruits?

In dried fruits, the sugar content is many times greater than in fresh ones. Shelf life is significantly increased due to the lack of moisture in the pulp.

After drying or curing, the figs become quite rough food. Dried figs are eaten as raisins or ordinary dried fruits, but preliminary soaking in boiling water or in cool water is also possible.

The benefits and harms of dried figs

The most important property of dried figs for the body is the benefit that can be obtained throughout the year, regardless of the harvest season.
What makes dried figs useful for women is, among other things, effective prevention of varicose veins. A few fruits in the daily diet are enough to keep the leg veins toned.

Fig tones leg veins
Figs are known as Cleopatra's favorite fruit. Figs have beneficial properties for women in general for health and, in particular, for weight loss.

Dried fruits are divided into dried fruits of carbohydrate and lipid properties.
Carbohydrate dried fruits, it is figs, prunes, dates, apricots, etc. They consist of dried or candied fruits and contain a lot of sugar and vitamins (especially A and E), but low in protein and lipids.

Dried fruits of the lipid (or oil) spectrum include fruits, seeds, or toasted legumes, including walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, and almonds. They have a low sugar content, but a high protein and lipid content, although these are mostly “good” fats: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (Omega 9), which help fight cholesterol. Also rich in vitamin A, E, calcium and potassium. The calorie content of oily dried fruits is about 600 kcal per 100 grams.

The top 10 aphrodisiac products include dried figs, which is why it is useful for men with special properties. No wonder the ancient Greeks regularly consumed figs during sexual rites, when they celebrated the harvest of the year.

During pregnancy, figs undoubtedly bring more benefits than they can do harm if they are too enthusiastic.
You will learn all the details from the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003dIcw1jmn49fk

So, the harm of dried figs is minimal. It can be applied only if used by a person with an unhealthy digestive tract, or when overeating.

How to choose

It is good when a fig tree grows in its own garden or in the region where the consumer lives.

But when you come to a store in the Urals, in Siberia or, for example, in Central Russia, you need to know how to choose dried figs so as not to be wasted.

Dried figs are best chosen for the following visible properties:

color from beige to light gray;
the surface should be matte;
a light whitish layer (protruding glucose);
no brown dents or damage.

Attention! If the surface is glossy, then the fruits are processed with sulfur fumes.
Observing these few conditions, the purchased dried figs will bring only benefit, and not harm to the buyer’s body.

Structure

Dried figs are rich in various vitamins and minerals that the human body needs to function properly. The most valuable in the chemical composition of figs is potassium. The fruit takes the second position in the content of this microelement, in the first place are nuts. Dried figs contain a small amount of water and 70% sucrose. In the process of drying figs, almost all of the beneficial substances remain in the same amount as in fresh fruit.

The composition of the dried fruit is represented by the following substances:

vitamin PP;
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamins B2, B1, B9;
potassium;
iron;
magnesium
sodium;
calcium
dietary fiber;
organic acids;
starch;
omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids;
phytosterol;
antioxidants;
fats;
proteins;
tannins.

Indications for use

Due to the fact that dried figs have valuable useful substances, it is recommended to use it as an additional therapeutic agent in the medical treatment of various diseases. Therefore, the task of the doctor is to inform the patient about the benefits of the fruit to the human body. It is shown to use dried fig in the following cases:

if the patient has high blood pressure;
if a person experiences severe headaches, suffers from insomnia;
if there is brittle bones, nails (lack of calcium);
in the prevention of cancer and diabetes;
with problems with the respiratory system;
with anemia;
with constipation, acts as a laxative;
with colds;
with problems of the genitals in women.

Contraindications and harm

As mentioned above, dried figs are of great benefit to the human body. However, like all exotic fruits, if used improperly and excessively, it can harm a person, so contraindications should be taken into account. It is strictly forbidden to take fruit in the following cases:

if the patient has diabetes, because a lot of sugar is in figs;
if a person suffers from gout, since the fig is rich in oxalic acid, which contributes to the exacerbation of attacks;
if there are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as the fruit contains a lot of fiber, which in large quantities can harm the intestines, increasing inflammation;
during the diet, as figs are high in calories;
before traveling, as the fruit has laxative properties and can spoil the trip by frequent urination.

Beneficial features

Dried fig tree is a record holder for the amount of fiber in its chemical composition. Regular use of this product improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and gives a feeling of fullness. Also, figs are valued for the fact that it contains a large number of vitamins, trace elements that human joints need.

The benefits of figs are as follows:

1. Eliminates inflammatory processes.
2. Helps with constipation.
3. It is used for the prevention of colds.
4. Normalizes lung function.
5. Relieves fatigue and protects the human body from stress.
6. Has expectorant properties.
7. Promotes the formation of blood cells.
8. Quickly heals wounds due to the content of pectin.
9. Promotes the removal of toxins and toxins.
10. Eliminates bad breath.
11. Normalizes the work of the kidneys and the genitourinary system.
12. Makes the skin supple and supple.
13. Reduces the risk of developing chronic forms of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
14. Does not allow the development of arterial hypertension.

Calorie content

In the process of drying figs, the ratio of substances in the composition changes: the amount of carbohydrates reaches 70%, and the amount of protein increases by 5%.

Dried fig is a rather high-calorie exotic fruit, 25 grams of calories are contained in 100 g of the product, therefore, people who follow a diet are contraindicated in consuming this product.

It is better for such people to eat fresh figs, since 100 g contains only 49 kcal. When dried in large quantities, fig is not recommended because it is too sugary and contains a lot of sucrose.

Benefits for women

Figs are very important for a woman’s body. Scientists have proven that substances found in dried figs help rejuvenate women. Due to the fact that the chemical composition of the fruit contains a lot of calcium, the condition of the nails improves, they become less brittle, and the hair prevents them from falling out. Favorably affect the fruits of the fig tree on the condition of women during menstruation, facilitate its course. Fig affects the emotional state, helps to relieve pain, is used for weight loss.

Dried fruit must be used when planning pregnancy, as it contains a lot of folic acid, which is useful for the normal development of the fetus. It relieves severe pain in inflammatory processes of the genital organs.

If you regularly eat fruit, then you can get rid of varicose veins. It also affects the preservation of the placenta, without causing harm to the baby, and fights against anemia.

During pregnancy

The fruit of the fig tree contains a large number of various vitamins, which bring great benefits to the body of the future mother. In order not to harm the child, it is necessary to eat the fruits correctly. With special care, you should eat figs to pregnant women who have diabetes, since dried fruit in its composition contains a lot of sugar.

Dried figs have such beneficial properties for expectant mothers:

the fruit helps in getting rid of a strong cough without the use of medications;
figs help maintain the required amount of vitamins;
Does not allow to gain excess weight;
improves blood composition;
quickly eliminates colds;
eliminates constipation, intestinal upsets.

When breastfeeding

Studies on the beneficial properties of figs have shown that fruit is very beneficial for the formation of breast milk. Many doctors recommend using dried figs during breastfeeding, as with this fruit you can get rid of excess weight that appears after the birth of a baby. Also, the use of the fetus normalizes stool, regulates the balance of salt in the body of a woman. In addition, young mothers who have problems with bowel movements can use dried figs.

The health benefits of figs for nursing mothers are:

in improving blood flow, increasing vascular tone;
in cleansing the body of toxins and toxins;
in strengthening the nervous system;
in the formation of the baby’s immune system;
in improving the quality of milk;
in the elimination of edema.

With regular intake of figs, you can avoid the appearance of hemorrhoids, hypertension and varicose veins.

Benefits for men

Sun-dried figs have useful properties not only for the female body, but also for the male. The fruit helps to improve male potency, prevents the appearance of prostatitis and prevents the development of other diseases associated with the reproductive system of men.

In addition, the benefits of the fetus for the stronger sex are manifested in the following:

figs contribute to better blood circulation;
reduces the amount of fat in the abdomen;
lowers blood cholesterol;
normalizes blood pressure in men;
does not allow the development of colorectal cancer.

Recipes

From the berries of the fig tree, you can prepare a decoction that supports strength during the depletion of the body. Also, such a decoction effectively fights hoarseness, stomatitis and tonsillitis. The product has an antipyretic and diaphoretic effect.

Recipe:

1. In order to prepare a medicinal drink, you must first grind 1 tablespoon of dried figs and then pour raw materials into 400 ml of hot water.
2. After this, the container with the ingredients must be put on low heat and left to boil for 10 minutes.
3. Next, the tool must be cooled and squeezed.
4. Drink should be 4 times a day for 100 g.

In order to get rid of gastritis, kidney disease, whooping cough, dry cough, you need to prepare a recipe for milk broth.

Recipe:

1. To make a drink, you need 2 tablespoons of dried figs and milk in a volume of 200 g.
2. Berries must be boiled in milk and consumed 150 g per day.
3. Before use, the product must be ground into porridge. Such a slurry heals ulcers and accelerates the maturation of abscesses.

To get rid of kidney stones and reduce pain during urination, it is necessary to use an aqueous solution of the plant.

Step by step recipe:

1. In order to prepare such a tool, you will need fig fruits - 5 pieces and a glass of boiling water.
2. It is necessary to fill the fruits with hot water, put the container with the mixture in a water bath and cook for 10 minutes on low heat.

Fruits need to be mashed and eaten in between meals.

If something looks unusual, then the attitude towards it is suspicious and incredulous. Figs growing in subtropical conditions have a non-standard appearance, and may cause rejection in someone. Still, you should not judge by the cover, since the same dried figs, the benefits and harms of which have long been studied, taste very good.

Fruit Description

This is a pear-shaped fruit with a bright purple hue. It grows on a fig tree, which is also called the fig tree.

With us it appeared only in the 18th century, and then it was called fig or wine berry.

Subtropics - a native climate for fig trees. Figs spread around the world from Africa and the Mediterranean. In the CIS, they also grow this fruit, but only places like Georgia, Abkhazia and Azerbaijan are suitable for it.

The first mention of fig fruits dates back to the Old Testament and the Bible. Even then, the beneficial properties of figs were already in use. It played a large role in the development of agricultural business in Greece, Syria and Egypt. And already in the 16th century, the Americans were able to enjoy it.

Beneficial features

Fresh figs are quite difficult to get, as it is stored for only three days. And in order to preserve the beneficial properties of the fruit, it is turned into dried fruit.

The chemical composition of the fruit:

omega-3 and Omega-6 acids;
potassium, sodium, phosphorus and iron;
antioxidants;
tanning elements;
glucose;
fucin.

One hundred grams of dried figs make up the body's need for iron and vitamins B by 3-4% of the daily norm. It is effective and useful in a number of diseases as one of the auxiliary elements. For example, with high blood pressure. It is recommended for use by people who are deficient in calcium.

High in iron makes the fruit useful as a prophylactic for anemia. Fig fruits help get rid of excess cholesterol. They also raise the vitality of a person, help in losing weight and treating gastrointestinal upsets.

Although figs are very high-calorie, they can be used on fasting days. The antioxidant effect is strong enough to help the body get rid of toxins efficiently and without harmful effects.

There are several useful properties than dried figs are for women. This fruit can be a powerful medicine for varicose veins and painful menstruation. It can be used in cases of genital disorders, if permission is obtained from the attending physician.

Baby food

Figs are often one of the main components of baby food. You can choose it for the baby’s diet when the child reaches the age of 9 months.

One of the main functions of fruit for a child is to increase appetite. Older children can be given various pastries based on it. Which child will refuse sweets for dessert? Pies and buns are all eaten with great pleasure.

Application in traditional medicine

Small balls of dried figs and raisins are an old folk laxative. The two ingredients are mixed in equal proportions, and then half a teaspoon of nutmeg and ginger is added. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator. It not only helps with the stomach, but also very tasty.

FROM ear fig tree fruit - good cough and cold medicine. To cook it, you will need milk and 4 dried fruits. They are thrown into boiling liquid, cooked with a lid closed for about 20 minutes. After this, the mixture is divided into several portions, which must be taken during the day.

You can take medicine in the form of a syrup. It is done on water, and for a short course, 8 fruits are enough. They are sent to the pan, cooked for 20 minutes, then they are taken out and added new water. Then pour a glass of sugar there and stir until it dissolves. On the day, such syrup can be consumed in 1-2 tablespoons.