Click n. 2.2 - a complete set of competent combinations for a healthy menu.

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

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Composition and calorie content

Calorie content and glycemic index of about 250 kcal per 100 grams and average GI \u003d 47-55, comparable with fresh cranberries, persimmons and kiwi.

The chemical composition largely repeats fresh fruits, but in different concentrations. In dried figs, in comparison with fresh figs, there are about 3 times more sugars and 4-5 times more dietary fiber. This makes him a profitable participant in nutrition for at least two purposes - stable intestinal function and fast delivery of glucose to the brain and muscles.

Convenient infographics will help evaluate the nutritional value of dried figs:

Benefits for the body

Fiber as a leader in dietary fiber content among popular dried fruits ( up to 10% of dry weight!), figs perfectly copes with intestinal toning and is useful for hypotonic constipation. Today, this is the most common version of the problem with cleansing - due to the lack of a fractional diet and inactivity.

Vitamin neuroprotectors group B. Among them, B1 is 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 a healthy mass of bones and muscles.

Magnesium is a 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 the 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 it is poorly absorbed in a non-heme form, which is worth understanding for yourself once and for all with raptures about the presence of iron in plant foods.

What antioxidants are there in dried figs?

There is almost no vitamin C in dried figs, but with the right technology, dry fruits contain a whole set 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 intestinal microflora, including due to the bactericidal effect on opportunistic microorganisms.

What is the use of dried figs for women

  Exploring this issue, you can not ignore 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 of great help.

If you are on a fractional calorie diet when losing weight,   then the best place for a sweet snack every other day (!) - lunch (until 12:00):

• Figs are convenient to take with you to work and not look like a "black sheep", replacing them with sweets for a snack in the office;
• Sugar, B vitamins, magnesium and fiber will provide quick thinking, stability of emotions and stable intestinal motility;
• An adequate limitation is 3 dry fruits (about 80 grams), which can be entered even in sharply reduced daily calories.

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 what to combine

The best time for a meal with figs is in the morning.

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

However, to benefit from figs without harm to the body is easy enough. Let's look at the best combinations.

For good absorption of vitamin C and strengthening the vascular walls

Add soaked figs to winter salads with shredded cabbage, carrots and apples, or 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 chopped soaked figs to the curd or beat the curd mixture in a blender.

How to diversify a healthy diet with figs:

• We master a simple nut-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 an excellent base for homemade sweets or a layer in cakes without baking.
• After cooking on the fire, add large slices of dried fruit to the granola and cereal. This gives piquancy to delicate cereals - oatmeal and rice.
• In a smoothie for a blender, figs can easily replace a sweet banana and make friends with any ingredients.
• Of meat dishes, it is best suited to poultry and lamb - in sauces and stuffing when stuffing. However, we take into account: during heat treatment, a part of valuable substances is lost, including coarse fibers.

Dried Fruit Mix Recipe 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: in equal proportions, mix soaked dried fruits. You can choose from dried apricots, figs, raisins, prunes. Add walnuts, honey, lemon juice and twist in a blender until smooth.

Additional Ingredients: Citrus Zest, Other Nuts. For allergies to honey, we use a third more than the sweetest dried fruit - 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:

• Type 1 diabetes
• 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 unsightly nuances of production also determine the potential harm to dried fruit. Tips on how to get around these pitfalls are below.

How to choose the right

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 on any counter with dried fruits.

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

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

Shape, size and texture :   slightly flattened fruits, approximately the same size, amenable to finger pressure when tested for softness.

We smell and taste, for which we go to the market. Norma is a sweet, full-bodied, noticeably crispy taste and lack of gasoline odor. Figs chew 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 purchasing 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, owners of which are enthusiasts of healthy lifestyle or alternative nutrition systems.

How to remove sulfur dioxide from dried fruits?

• Soak thoroughly - in cold (!) Water. The first time is for 30 minutes. Then we drain the water and a second time - for another 15 minutes, after which I wash it in warm running water, picking the fruits with my hands individually. This removes the remains of ordinary dirt (pieces of earth, sand, etc.), which can stick to figs during drying and transportation.

Dry yourself instead of buying

There are two ways to benefit from figs without harm to health:

• 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 they manage to deliver fresh fruits without spoilage.

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

Choose figs for drying

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

When deciding to purchase an apparatus, it is worth paying attention to models with a wide temperature range, ranging from 33-35 degrees and the most ergonomic square shape of pallets. Relative disadvantages of home drying - the time spent on the process and one-time investments in the purchase of the device. But how much time and money do steal from our past illnesses - because of the dangerous choice of products? A 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 from the inside and close tightly.

A good storage option for good air circulation - linen bags, in suspension. Choose it for a party that you eat in a couple of months. The disadvantage of this method is that when the temperature rises, pests easily start. You can also use paper bags that prevent insects from entering.

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

Thank you for the article (8)

Not many people know that figs belong to the category of flowers, not fruits or berries, as everyone is used to believing. An ancient cultivated plant is called a fig or fig. Figs are consumed in various forms, including fresh, dried, dried form. On its basis, no less useful jam is prepared, as well as decoctions and infusions. For these and other reasons, people are interested in information that affects the beneficial and harmful qualities of the fruit. Let's talk about them in order.

Composition, use and properties of figs

The value of figs is great, but the benefits should be considered in terms of the elements that are in the composition.

1. A lot of inflorescences of protein, beta-carotene, retinol, vitamin PP, ascorbic acid, B vitamins, minerals. Of the latter, copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium and others occupy an honorable place.
2. Figs are not deprived of coumarin, organic acids, carbohydrates (presented in the form of easily digestible glucose and fructose). Fig is in second place after nuts in the accumulation of potassium in the composition. This mineral compound is necessary for the heart muscle and the entire circulatory system.
3. Figs are used by folk healers for therapeutic and preventive purposes for vitiligo, asthma, anemia (iron deficiency anemia), cough, fever, tachycardia. They also treat neoplasms in the kidney cavity, an increased volume of the liver.
4. Diuretic properties encourage people to eat figs from swelling and fluid buildup in the tissues. Laxative effects help with constipation and upset stool. Fig leaves are used as lotions to treat large abrasions, wounds, and skin lesions.
5. Incoming mineral compounds maintain blood pressure and reduce its jumps, tone the heartbeat, and eliminate signs of arrhythmia. All this is made possible by the inclusion of potassium and magnesium.
6. Interestingly, figs have 2.5 times more iron than apples. Therefore, the fig is used for suspected anemia and for the treatment of an existing disease.
7. The product contains nicotinic acid, it is considered an excellent tool for thinning the blood and improving its circulation. Due to this, the risk of blood clots is reduced, blood channels are cleared of cholesterol, stroke, heart attack, thrombophlebitis and other pathologies are prevented.
8. Fig has a lot of fiber and other dietary fiber. They are necessary for the activity of the digestive system, kidneys, and liver. A systematic intake of figs leads to the fact that the body is comprehensively cleansed of slagging, toxic substances, poisons of a different nature. Fig is necessary for the treatment and prevention of constipation.
9. Vitamin E, also called tocopherol, has antioxidant properties. This substance prevents the negative effects of free radicals on healthy cells, as a result of which oncology is prevented and treated.
10. During colds, figs are also needed. A decoction based on it and a fresh plant helps to get rid of mucus in the respiratory tract, helps to reduce temperature, accelerates sweating. Glucose and fructose, which are found in figs, help recover faster after surgery or a protracted illness.
11. Fruits accumulate ascorbic acid in a decent amount. Vitamin C is necessary for the general strengthening of immunity, it supports the action of tocopherol and retinol. Teas, decoctions, infusions are prepared from figs, which help to effectively cope with tonsillitis and flu.
12. As part of a lot of calcium and phosphorus, in combination, these mineral compounds are necessary for compaction of bone tissue, teeth, nail plates, hair follicles. The accumulation of laxatives leads to a comprehensive cleansing of the kidneys from small tumors.

1. The dried fig contains many substances that are also found in fresh figs. But the volume of some incoming elements after heat treatment increases significantly. This list includes natural saccharides that the brain needs to function properly.
2. In addition, dried figs have a laxative effect, so that even the most complex stagnant phenomena, toxic substances, salts of heavy metals leave the body. This kind of fig is much better for digestion than fresh.
3. Compotes, infusions, teas are prepared on the basis of fruits. Such drinks are consumed during the seasonal epidemic of influenza, SARS, tonsillitis to increase immunity. Also, a decoction on dried fig removes heat, removes sputum from the cavity of the respiratory system.
4. After heat treatment, the accumulation of iron increases significantly, which makes figs even more useful. It prevents iron deficiency anemia, improves blood composition and its circulation.
5. It is used as an additional remedy for tachycardia, bronchial asthma, female gynecological diseases, urolithiasis (with formations up to 5 mm in size.).
6. In dried fig, there are much more B vitamins, they are necessary for the human nervous system, since they control the psycho-emotional environment. Decoctions of dried or dried figs help with insomnia, cheer up, stimulate brain neurons.
7. Figs in any form, whether fresh or dried, is considered a panacea for many male diseases. So, the fetus prevents the inflammatory processes of the prostate gland, prostatitis, impotence.

The benefits of figs for women

1. For many years, the female half of the population has enjoyed the use of figs to maintain health and beauty in particular. The composition contains antioxidants that prolong the youth of tissues. This is made possible by the removal of toxins and toxins.
2. The composition contains calcium, which strengthens the nail plate, hair, skin. Fig extract is added to all kinds of caring cosmetics (bath foams, salts, creams and body lotions, tonics, etc.) and perfume.
3. With skin diseases, the pulp of a fresh fetus can be wiped with rashes, acne, lichen, eczema, and psoriasis. Effective lotions from mashed fig mass.
4. Girls during menstruation are often tormented by the decline of hemoglobin, because most of the iron is washed out with blood. Figs restore the deficiency of this element, eliminates apathy and emotional outbursts.

1. Almost everyone knows that taking medication while bearing a fetus is not a good practice. Therefore, it is recommended to start eating figs before the off-season. The unique composition saturates the body with beneficial enzymes and strengthens it.
2. Fig easily struggles with vitamin deficiency, anemia and colds. Therefore, it is not necessary to resort to the help of harmful drugs. Fruit is not negatively reflected in the child. Experts advise including raw materials in the daily diet.
3. Many representatives of the weaker sex during gestation suffer from common problems. The most commonly observed upset stomach and constipation. To cope with troubles, it is recommended to eat only 3 fruits per day. Digestion processes will be fully restored.

Figs and milk when coughing

1. In folk medicine, fig is often used to eliminate various types of coughs. Figs perfectly removes mucus from the bronchi, relieves inflammation in the throat, and fights fever. For greater efficiency, raw materials are best taken with milk.
2. 250 ml. 3 dried fruits are taken. Boil the components after boiling for 3 minutes. Remove the container from the heat and wait to cool to an acceptable temperature. A small amount of honey can be mixed to taste. Take this remedy 3 times a day until recovery.

1. Earlier, we examined the enormous benefits of fruit for people. Unfortunately, few people know that fig helps a lot in dietetics. Due to the valuable composition of the fruits, you can fully snack. The body will not feel hunger for a long time.
2. It is permitted to replace one or two meals a day with fresh fig fruits. As a result of such a diet, you can lose a significant amount of unwanted kilograms. In addition, the body will not feel discomfort.
3. In addition, a person receives tangible benefits in the form of saturation with valuable enzymes. Figs perfectly cleanse tissues from slagging, toxic substances and high cholesterol. The result is a soft and noticeable weight loss.

Fig contraindications

1. Fig has a number of positive qualities. If you decide to improve your health, some contraindications should be considered. Otherwise, the general condition of a person may be aggravated. Fruits are contraindicated in pancreatitis, gastritis, diabetes and gout.
2. Do not eat figs with a tendency to obesity. You can also consult with a nutritionist and establish an individual daily allowance. Do not lean on raw materials before an important event. Fig has a good laxative effect.

1. Once you decide to purchase fresh fruits, you should carefully approach the process. In no case do not choose damaged copies, in addition to the lack of benefit, you can encounter a number of additional health problems.
2. Fig refers to perishable products, so in the hot season it is not stored for a long time. With dried figs, things are different. If you yourself did not prepare the fruits before drying, then there is a risk that the fig was spoiled.
3. As for fresh figs, it is worth choosing fruits that have a pleasant aroma. To the touch, the shell should be resilient and not have any damage. The fermented sour smell, the increased softness of the fruit and the sticky peel testify to the staleness of the fruit.
4. Often, suppliers collect the fruits still unripe, such a simple move allows you to extend the figs shelf life. As a rule, a fig in this form does not have a characteristic odor. Fruits look green with a hard shell. Keep in mind that unripe figs do not yet have all the good qualities.
5. You should not always pay attention to color, depending on the variety, the shell may have a different shade. Therefore, it is not necessary to think that the fruits have not ripened, relying solely on the appearance. Figs of various varieties can have a yellow, dark blue and purple hue. Just the latter is most often found on the market.

Storage rules for figs

1. You should not buy a large amount of figs for eating fresh at a time. Otherwise, the figs go bad in just a few days, even in the refrigerator. Eat a treat right after you get home.
2. If you can’t wait at all, you can afford to eat several fruits directly on the market. Keep in mind, in extreme cases, you need to eat figs after purchase within 3 days. Also, it is not superfluous to wrap each fruit in a dry napkin. A little trick will keep the fruit fresh for longer. The paper absorbs excess moisture.
3. Fresh figs can be stored in a dry jar. Also, all moisture must be removed from the fruit in advance. Do not try to close the container with a lid. The fruits should be aired. After that, put the figs in the refrigerator for storage. Ensure that there are no odors in the chamber. Fig well absorbs aromas.

Fig has unique healing qualities. The rich composition avoids the formation of a number of ailments. With the help of raw materials, you can well strengthen the immune system and bypass vitamin deficiency. In addition, figs effectively cope with colds. If you suspect that there are contraindications in the form of chronic diseases, undergo a test before eating the product.

Video: the benefits and harms of figs for the body

The hero of our article is shrouded in a truly legendary story. The well-known biblical fig tree, or fig tree, from which the ancestors of mankind plucked their first clothes - this is where we get the unusual fruits of figs. And in fact, it’s not even fruits, but inflorescences that are covered with a dense peel. Unfortunately, they quickly deteriorate, and grow in the south - the Mediterranean countries, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Crimea and Abkhazia. Therefore, the inhabitants of temperate and northern latitudes, figs are better known in dried form.

The composition and calorie content of figs

Among the minerals, a significant potassium content is impressive. There are other mineral salts in figs - sodium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. The vitamin set is generous in antioxidant substances (vitamin C and beta-carotene), as well as neuroprotectors - vitamins B1, B3, PP.

100 g of raw figs contains about:

• 74 calories
• 19 g carbohydrates
• 0.7 g protein
• 0.3 g fat
• 3 g fiber
• 232 mg potassium (7 percent DV)
• 0.1 mg manganese (6 percent DN)
• 4.7 mcg of vitamin K (6 percent DN)
• 17 mg of magnesium (4 percent DN)
• 35 mg calcium (4 percent DN)
• 0.1 mg thiamine (4 percent DN)
• 142 IU of Vitamin A (3 percent DN)
• 2 mg Vitamin C (3 percent DN)

100 g of dried figs contain about:

• 249 calories
• 63.9 g carbohydrates
• 3.3 g protein
• 0.9 g fat
• 9.8 g fiber
• 0.5 mg manganese (26 percent DN)
• 15.6 mcg of Vitamin K (19 percent NAM)
• 680 mg potassium (19 percent DN)
• 68 mg of magnesium (17 percent DN)
• 162 mg calcium (16 percent DN)
• 0.3 mg copper (14 percent DN)
• 2 mg of iron (11 percent DN)
• 67 mg phosphorus (7 percent DN)
• 0.1 mg Vitamin B6 (6 percent DV)
• 0.1 mg thiamine (6 percent DN)
• 0.1 mg riboflavin (5 percent DN)
• 0.5 mg zinc (4 percent DV)

Fresh figs: benefits and harms

“Maximum benefit - maximum freshness!” - this principle holds true for many fruits. In the case of figs, everything works for the benefit of man: a mild, almost neutral taste, the safety of the vitamins listed, and a fairly low calorie content. Not every apple variety boasts a dietary figure of about 50 kcal per 100 grams.

Figs have a positive feature and high fiber content, which works for prevention, supports the normal state of the intestinal flora and helps to cleanse the body.

Tasty combinations

Deal with fresh figs boldly, without fear of an exotic appearance. Like any fruit, it can be eaten by itself, added to salads, yogurt and curds. And how tasty the traditional oatmeal is, if you just cut fresh figs into it!

Being a longtime participant in the Mediterranean style of nutrition, figs go well with cheeses. Roquefort, parmesan, brie, camembert and even the most familiar cheese from goat and sheep’s milk - all of these will seem even tastier in the company of fresh figs.

Have you ever offered guests and household a cheese board? So correct this omission! Arrange between sliced \u200b\u200bcheese delicacies fresh chopped figs (longitudinally in 2 or 4 parts), slices of sweet apples, juicy slices of pear, a little dried almonds and any sweet and sour berries. Similar combinations are delicious to use in salads.

Fig jam step by step recipe with pictures

Possible harm

Oxalates, which are contained in figs in considerable quantities, can negatively affect health. Therefore, patients and people with a tendency to stone formation in the kidneys, after operations and during a period of significant fluid loss, should refrain from culinary experiments with figs.

Dried figs: how to dry, benefits and harms

Drying the figs can extend its shelf life, and as a result of this procedure you will get an excellent healthy snack. With proper storage, the life of dried figs lasts from 18 to 24 months.

How to dry figs at home

Step 1
  Wash the figs to remove dirt and debris that may be on it.

Step 2
  Remove the stems and cut off any protruding ponytails.

Step 3
  Cut the fruit into two halves, as shown in the picture.

Step 4
  Lay them in one layer on a baking sheet so that the fruits do not touch each other.

Step 5
Place the baking sheet in the oven, heated to 50 degrees, and leave the oven door ajar to prevent the accumulation of moisture.Observe the thermometer to prevent the temperature from rising above 60 degrees. Turn the figs over every two hours to ensure uniform drying.

Step 6
Figs must remain in the oven for 10-12 hours. Check it periodically after 10 hours, so as not to miss the moment when the drying is finished. If the juice does not stand out when squeezing the fetus, then everything is ready.

Sahara: who is good and who is bad

Like any dried fruit, dried figs become a sugar bomb - compared to a fresh fruit. The advantages of this turn: increased nutrition, the ability to easily and with a small amount of food enrich the nutrition of athletes, fast-growing children and people exhausted by a long illness.

However, all those who are shown restriction of sugars must also limit dried fruits. First of all, these are diabetics, people suffering from atherosclerosis, or following a diet with a goal.

Fiber: Get the Most

Dried figs are an ideal fiber donor, because 100 grams of the product is several times more in comparison with fresh fellow. Therefore, this product fits perfectly into all "grandmother's recipes" for regular bowel cleansing.

For example, take prunes, dried apricots, figs and walnuts in equal proportions, twist all the ingredients in a meat grinder and eat 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture on an empty stomach in the morning and evening 30-40 minutes before bedtime. You can strengthen the tasty medicine with a glass of kefir.

Useful potassium - to the attention of hypertensive patients

The skewness of modern nutrition in excess of sodium is not news for those who are interested in a healthy diet. Dried figs contain large doses of potassium, pushing the body toward a balance of two essential minerals. This has a positive effect on maintaining normal blood pressure and is especially useful for other cardiovascular pathologies.

Oxalates and excess sulfur: where to expect a trick

For dried inflorescences, the danger of oxalates also remains relevant.

In addition, in connection with the technology of industrial drying, additional harm occurs. For quick drying and long storage, the fruits are treated with sulfur-containing preservatives (E202, SO2). Massive intake of sulfur in the body can provoke a sore throat, hoarseness of the voice, and in severe cases - suffocation.

It is possible to significantly reduce the preservative content on the surface of dried fruits by soaking. Just hold the dried figs for at least an hour before use in clean water.

5 key health benefits of figs

1. Antioxidant properties

The antioxidant power of figs can be of great benefit to our health. Oxidation affects almost all body systems, and this process is directly related to many serious diseases and pathological conditions, such as aging and cancer. Antioxidant products, including figs, successfully fight oxidative processes and reduce the risk of dangerous diseases.

Most types of figs are rich in polyphenols, which help deal with oxidation. These natural health carrier rockets are found in fruits, leaves, pulp and skin. Studies show that properly dried figs can be even the best source of phenolic compounds and have a higher level of antioxidant activity than its raw or improperly dried counterparts. Probably due to these properties, throughout the history of dried figs was more popular than fresh. It is easy to store, it is able to support the body during long trips and in dry climates, when access to fresh fruits is limited.

2. Anti-cancer properties

In folk medicine, figs have a reputation for curing many health problems, including as a natural cure for cancer. A study at the Chinese Pharmaceutical Institute showed that some biologically active components contained in figs are toxic to various types of cancer cells in the human body.

3. Heals various diseases

For several thousand years, the fig tree and its fruits have been used to treat a wide range of common diseases related to digestion, endocrine, reproductive and respiratory systems.

Studies have shown that the beneficial properties of figs are effective in treating anemia, cancer, leprosy, diseases, paralysis, skin diseases, ulcers, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, and many others. Figs and fig trees are considered promising candidates for the role of components of new drugs.

4. Antibacterial and antifungal properties

Figs can act as a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent. In a study conducted by the research center of Malaysia, the ability of fig extract to reduce bacterial inflammation of the oral cavity, as well as effectively fight various fungal infections, was revealed. Another study found that figs strengthen and increase the body's resistance to various diseases.

5. Source of potassium, fiber and other nutrients

Potassium and fiber are two vital components for a healthy diet, which are clearly not enough in the diet of a large number of modern people. Figs contain a significant amount of fiber and provide from 7 to 19 percent of the daily intake of potassium.

Fiber is good for the digestive system, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and helps fight excess weight, causing a feeling of fullness. Potassium is found in every cell and is essential for maintaining normal body functions.

In addition, dried figs are an excellent source of manganese, magnesium and calcium. As a rule, these important minerals are also lacking in our diet.

Figs have many names: fig, fig, Smyrninsky or wine, bodhi. It belongs to the most ancient cultures that were cultivated by man. Fig fruits are used for healing various diseases, for general strengthening of the body and maintaining immunity, for culinary and cosmetic purposes.

The oldest find of petrified fruit was found in the Jordan Valley. Due to the absolute periodization, their age is determined - at least 11 thousand years.
   Judging by the plural data recorded in historical sources, the exceptional properties of figs have been known and used since ancient times. In our time, it has not lost its healing and nutritional qualities, nor popularity.

Calorie content and chemical composition

Fig fruits, depending on the variety, are yellow, black-blue and black. They are extremely tasty and saturated with a mass of useful substances.

The calorie content of fresh figs is not too high, despite the fact that it has a very sweet taste. Fresh ones contain 49–57 kcal per 100 g.
   Due to dehydration, the volume of dried berries decreases and the concentration of sugars increases. Its calorie content is 244–257 kcal per 100 g.

Did you know? Figs are sacred in many countries of Europe and Asia, in Egypt and India, and in other parts of the world where it grows. Its useful properties, so valuable in the ancient world, determined its popularity. Egyptian tradition endows it with fertile qualities, Indian- the Islamic tradition considers figs to be creative, giving spiritual enlightenment and immortality, the very paradise tree on which forbidden fruits grow.

Per 100 g of product, figs contain approximately:

• protein - 3 g;
• fat - 0.8 g;
• carbohydrates - 58 g;
• dietary fiber - 18 g;
• organic, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids - 2.4 g;
• water - 16 g;
• saccharides - 55 g;
• starch - 3 g;
• ash - 3 g;
• calcium - 144 mg;
• magnesium - 59 mg;
• sodium - 11 mg;
• potassium - 710 mg;
• phosphorus - 68 mg;
• iron - 0.3 mg.

   In addition, fig berry has a powerful set of vitamins: beta-carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, E, PP.
   Though figs are a fairly high-calorie productt. Its unique composition allows these berries to be introduced into the diet.

Useful properties of figs

The fruits of wine berries are consumed fresh and dried. At the same time, all the benefits of fresh berries are preserved and even amplified due to an increase in the concentration of substances as the amount of water decreases.

Did you know? Fig leaves, according to biblical legend, were the first clothes of the first people. In the images that have come down since antiquity and the Renaissance, glorifying the beauty of the body, the genitals are covered by them. Probably, they fell for the choice due to the form, close to the male genital organ.

Fresh

Fresh wine berry has exceptional healing properties:

1. It is used in the treatment of fungal diseases.
2. He who regularly uses figs strengthens his bones. This is especially important for the elderly.
3. Fresh figs should be carefully introduced into the diet of pregnant and lactating women: its benefits are undeniable, but harm to the body is likely. A pregnant woman can gain weight at an accelerated rate, or her blood sugar will rise. It can provoke colic in a baby by passing through breast milk.
4. It also has a beneficial effect on the skin.
5. Due to its iron content, fig juice is used in the treatment of anemia.
6. Magnesium and potassium as part of the product provide muscle tissue with building material and help improve the functioning of the heart muscle, it is useful in tachycardia.
7. Wine berry has a valuable quality of blood thinning, which helps lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

Important! The use of figs in the diet is a preventive measure of coronary disease, and the likelihood of hypertension and heart attack is also reduced. Eating this wonderful berry as a food reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis and even diabetes mellitus.

The treatment uses fresh fruits, juice, decoctions and infusions of them. Infusions give anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, have a regulatory effect on metabolism. Milk fig infusions are very popular.

Dried

Despite the fact that all useful substances remain in dried fruits, their properties are somewhat different.
  By reducing the amount of water, the sugar level in them rises to 70%. At the same time, the level of vitamins, minerals, micro and macro elements and other substances remains the same.

Since dried figs are available to most people, it makes sense to consider what good it is and if there is harm to the body.

Did you know? Buddhism interprets figs as a symbol of insight, due to the fact that it was under this tree that the Buddha realized the meaning of being. The tree is also sacred in the Roman Empire, because under its canopy the she-wolf fed Romulus and Remus with her milk- the founders of Rome.

Thanks to dried figs available at any time of the year:

• intestinal motility improves;
• the body removes toxins and toxins;
• intestinal function improves;
• connective tissue and cartilage grow together better thanks to the pectins contained in the fruit;
• antioxidants help cleanse the blood of cholesterol plaques, cleanse small blood vessels and give them elasticity;
• iron, potassium and magnesium have a positive effect on the cardiovascular and circulatory systems of the body, normalize blood pressure, rhythm and heart rate.
• boiled with milk, it is universally used as an expectorant, diaphoretic and antipyretic;
• b vitamins have a positive effect on the nervous system: improve mood, normalize nervous activity, increase efficiency.

Important! Due to the pronounced laxative effect, it is not recommended to use figs before a responsible event, trip, etc.

Fig is considered a “female berry”, all sorts of beliefs, signs and recipes are connected with it, which bizarrely interweave the rational and mythical sides.

What is the use of dried figs, bearing its glory from the past centuries, for women?

1. Those who want to lose unwanted kilograms can use the method in which one “fig” day is arranged weekly. In fact, in addition to 100 g of dried fruits, it is supposed to use a kilogram of raw fruits, a pound of raw vegetables and 2 liters of low-fat kefir on this day.
2. Women love sweets, but are often forced to avoid them. An excellent alternative would be a few dried fig berries, which, with all the sweetness, are much more useful than chocolates, sweets, chips, etc.
3. From the practice of oriental medicine, recommendations were made to alleviate menstrual pain by eating several fig berries.
4. Figs can not only contribute to losing weight, but also help to gain weight if you know how to eat it: regular consumption in large quantities due to the calorie content of the product will quickly add kilograms, while dosed use will help cleanse the intestines, which helps to reduce weight.

How to choose the right

Fresh figs, unprocessed and healthy, can be enjoyed only where it grows, because it has an extremely short shelf life - just a few hours after removing from.

He fully justifies one of his names “wine berry” - fermentation begins very quickly.

Did you know? An obscene gesture called “fig”, which, according to various interpretations, symbolizes sexual intercourse or demonstration of the genitals, has ancient roots and is, depending on the situation and culture, an insult, an obscene offer, a magical way to get rid of evil spirits, manifesting disagreement and resistance, refusing from submission and even a therapeutic agent, for example, from barley.

Fresh fruits

Needless to say, it is better not to buy anything from suspicious strangers and in unverified places, including figs.
  The aroma of the berry is pleasant and sweet, it should not be too saturated. If the fetus gives out mustiness, it is spoiled. Fresh, quality fruits should be:

• no mechanical damage;
• moderately soft;
• the darkest shade inherent in this variety;
• you should prefer the same size berries
• a large number of seeds indicates a high palatability.

  Fresh figs are transported with utmost care: fruit damage dramatically reduces their already short shelf life.

Important! Never Buy Hard, Unripe Fruits- they will not “reach” at home, like apricots or tomatoes.

Dried fruits are more affordable, you can purchase them at any time of the year. Choose brown, beige or gray berries, depending on the variety.
Tips for choosing dried figs:

1. Fruits should have a matte shade regardless of the color dictated by the variety. Brilliant beautiful berries processed using sulfur dioxide.
2. Berries unprocessed by chemistry are also not particularly fleshy.
3. A quality product is a bit flattened.
4. Sometimes the surface is covered with a white coating, which is crystallized glucose. Such a product is sweet.
5. A dry rough texture combined with an acidic or salty taste indicates that the product is expired.
6. Even if you are confident in the quality of the purchased product, it is better to soak it in water an hour before use to dissolve any harmful compounds.

Did you know? Jesus did not find fruit on the fig tree and cursed it, after which the tree withered, therefore the dried fig tree in the Christian tradition- a symbol of heresy.

How to store

Fig berry should be stored in processed form, and fresh berry has an ultra-short shelf life.

Fresh fruits

If you are fortunate enough to end up in the summer in the region where this amazing berry grows, and you have been able to purchase it for eating, it is better to eat it as soon as possible.
  If there is a need for storage, use a refrigerator. The temperature should be approximately 1 ° C. The maximum shelf life is several days., depending on the initial condition of the product.

Left at room temperature, figs will ferment on the same day.

Dried

Not everyone knows how to store dried figs. It is stored in a dry, cool, dark place for several months: the longer the drier the air and the lower the temperature.   If the conditions are not met, the product dries, harmful ones start in it. The container must be tightly corked. Sun exposure excluded.

Did you know? The ancient Greeks attributed to fig fruits the ability to give courage and give strength, so athletes who spoke at the Olympic Games included figs in the diet and absorbed in large quantities. Warriors took dried berries with them, especially if long and tiring transitions were coming.

Before use, it is advisable to soak the dried figs for an hour in warm water, which will dissolve the chemicals. Boiling water can destroy some of the useful substances of the product.

Cooking Application

A healthy person can eat fig berries in any form.
  This exotic product will bring notes to any dish:

• in fresh or dried form, they are replaced by sweets and chocolates;
• dried fruits are added to compotes, used in fillings for cakes and other products;
• you cannot eat unripe berries in raw form, but they become very tasty, sliced \u200b\u200band baked with nuts and honey;
• ripe fruits, sliced \u200b\u200band seasoned with whipped cream or sour cream - a delicious and nutritious dessert;
• fig tree berries served with soft cheeses are a great snack for white wine or champagne;
• add the product to meat dishes, poultry dishes, salads, snacks;
• of course, this fruit is also harvested in the traditional ways: jam, jam, pastille, canned stewed fruit;
• they even make wine from fig berries.

  Fig jam preserves almost all the useful properties of the product and is used as a dessert, medicine, and a drug rehabilitating after illnesses.

Did you know? Ancient Greek culture also gave fig fruits a frankly erotic meaning. They symbolized the genitals: whole-   male cut in half- women. Details of this date back to IX.– VIII centuries BC e. Figs are invariably present in the images of the god of fertility and winemaking Dionysus, whose ministry had a frankly erotic meaning.

Application in cosmetology

It is not surprising that such a useful product has found its application and has occupied a worthy niche in cosmetology.

It has the ability to regenerate, moisturize and soften. It is applied for:

• skin hydration;
• elimination of peeling;
• rejuvenation;
• fight against wrinkles.

  Daily cleansing, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing masks and mixtures with fig fruits are widely used and bring a tangible effect.

Contraindications and harm

Figs -   unique product, the useful properties of which have been known for a long time and are used to this day, but he also has contraindications.

• acute inflammatory processes of any part of the gastrointestinal tract;
• diabetes mellitus;
• gout
• obesity
• pancreatitis
• urolithiasis.

   With caution, it can be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers.
   Despite the minimum contraindications, people who do not have them should not eat figs in large quantities. Adequate daily rate for a healthy body -   2–4 pieces.

Figs have undeniable benefits and take their rightful place among the healing products. It is not only useful, but also very tasty both on its own and in combination with other products: its presence adds exotic notes to dishes.

Probably figs can be considered a favorite of God, because he was not stingy when creating this plant to present all its parts with unique properties. You can start with the fact that the leaves of this exotic tree were the prototype of modern strings. In traditional medicine, they are used as an ambulance and effective help:

• for skin in the treatment of abscesses,
• burns
• dermatitis
• as well as the milky juice of leaves or unripe fruits will relieve painlessly from such misfortune as warts,
• and mixed with honey healed cataracts and trachoma.

And if modern medicine was able to oppose more effective methods to such methods of healing vision, then the use of other useful properties of the fig tree is fully approved. In special cases, when bitten by poisonous insects, in particular a tarantula, even the ashes of the branches of this legendary tree are used.

The wars of Alexander the Great on campaigns always took the fruits of figs. He restored his strength after heavy battles.

The elixir of beauty and femininity

But the main wealth of taste and medicinal properties is concentrated, of course, in the fruits of figs. Just listen to how voluptuously and juicy one of his many names sounds - the fig tree. Not surprisingly, it contains a whole arsenal of biologically substances, minerals, vitamins that affect the health, appearance and even sexual condition of women.

Since the ripe tender miracle berry is very hard going through transportation, for most consumers it is more accessible in dried and dried form without losing its value. Therefore, the beneficial properties of dried figs for women should begin to be listed precisely with the presence of folic acid and other vitamins of group B and E.

By the way, most people know about the need for these vitamins in the diet, but without specifics, why. First of all, they inhibit the growth of tumors and other mutations, helps to get out of depressive states, prevents the development of osteoporosis, anemia, damage to the membranes of the blood vessels of the blood system and the transmission of nerve impulses.

In figs, copper is present in high concentration, which affects the production of a sufficient amount of sex hormones, collagen and elastin in the skin. Therefore, several berries of a wine tree a day, eaten in the morning on an empty stomach, help to resist menopause harmful to female beauty.

The benefits that dried figs bring to women are manifested in improved appearance, since turgor and skin moisture level increase, nails stop flaking, and the risk of hair loss decreases.

In addition, due to physiological characteristics at the fertile age, the use of several fig fruits per day prevents the development of anemia, eliminates bursts of PMS and reduces pain during menstruation. Due to the fiber and pectin contained in the fruits of the fig tree, intestinal motility increases, and, therefore, constipation poisoning the body disappears.

Figs in cosmetology

Minerals, vitamins, pectin and fig fruit acids can act not only from the inside, but also from the outside, if a face mask is made from figs. Fresh or dried fruits are taken as a cosmetic base, which supplies the skin with the necessary elements to maintain youthful skin, and specific ingredients such as egg white, cottage cheese, oils, taking into account its type and problems, can serve as an addition. Before chopping the dried fig berries to a porridge-like consistency, it is recommended to pre-soak them in milk or mineral water.

Video, fig face mask:

Wine of the year for a real man

Nevertheless, the wine berry is universal and does not divide people by gender in order to have a beneficial effect on the body. The answer to the question of what is the use of dried figs for men is simple - it helps them to remain men even at a very advanced age, positively affects potency. In addition, the fig tree’s berry will fight such a purely masculine affliction as prostatitis.

But there are areas of health of both sexes, which the use of wine berries will provide real help. Potassium contained in the fetus will protect the heart muscle during hypertension. Often, with increased pressure, the body, trying to normalize it, gets rid of the fluid by frequent urination, but this important microelement is washed out.

Figs with cough milk

For colds and sore throats, for several centuries, they have been resorting to a recipe using fig fruits. At home, it will not be difficult to cook figs with cough milk for children. A broth will be simpler and better in the oven, but with a little dexterity on the stove it will turn out no worse. To do this, washed warm wine berries are laid in warm milk (the fatter the better) at the rate of one fruit per one and a half cups and about one third are boiled on low heat.

So that milk does not run away and does not burn, than the taste of the medicine will be irreversibly spoiled, you can use a water bath or stir continuously. Then carefully wrap, pour into a thermos or leave languishing in the oven for at least three hours, but it can be done at night. The result is a caramel-colored liquid similar in consistency to a syrup, effective as a medicine and tasty, despite its usefulness, which is very much appreciated by children. It is better to store the mixture in the refrigerator to avoid souring, and to consume it in a heated form for half a glass half an hour before meals 2-3 times a day.

You can nevermind, but still carefully

On the other hand, as dried figs would not be useful, useful properties and contraindications lie on the individual scales of the body of each person. First of all, this is individual intolerance, expressed in manifestations of allergies. So, due to the presence of salicylates in the fig tree berries, their toxic effect is possible when eating fruits beyond measure.

It is precisely because of this that when asked whether nursing mother can have dried figs, since it increases lactation, makes breast milk more nutritious and enriches it with calcium, it can be answered that it can, but be introduced into your diet gradually and carefully. And the laxative effect that is transmitted through the mother’s milk to the baby can upset a small, not experienced tummy.

Probably, there is no product on earth, including dried figs, the benefits and harms of the body from which would be unambiguously determined, because the main criterion is dosage. Even the abundance in the product of fructose, glucose can play with those who wish to improve health in a short time a cruel joke.

Several fruits, due to calorie content, can relieve hunger for a long time, but if you forget about the sense of proportion because of the pleasant taste, you can add a few unwanted pounds and increase blood sugar. Considering the fig, as a dietary product, one may wonder: “How many calories are there in dried figs?” With his 257, he clearly lags behind the common sweets of honey and chocolate with 320 and 540 calories, respectively.

Composition of fresh and dried figs in 100 grams

Due to the high content of glucose and fructose, the fig itself preserves itself by sugaring. This explains the white coating on dried fruits. If we consider the option that this fruit will be bought in the eastern bazaar, bypassing a series of resellers, then, provided it is properly stored in a “breathable” container, for example in canvas bags, in a cool, ventilated place, away from sunlight, it can please its taste in throughout the year until the next harvest. If all its vicissitudes of hitting the counter are not known for certain, the shelf life of dry figs should be halved.

To summarize, I would like to note the benefits of figs for our body. In the first fresh, I tried it a year ago, and was in love with him, very tasty, nutritious. One drawback is not to be kept fresh for a short time, it is advisable to eat it within 7-8 hours after being picked. But dried can be eaten for a whole year.

Video about the beneficial properties of a fig tree or fig:

I also tried fig jam, to be honest with an amateur, very sweet and with a specific taste.

Dear blog readers. It is easy to be healthy, what useful recipes from figs for health you know, share in the comments. We will expand our knowledge about this natural treasure called figs (fig, fig tree or fig tree).