Contents
The introduction of figs into the diet helps to replenish the supply of useful elements in the body. For these purposes, the fruit of the fig tree is consumed both fresh and dried. The benefits and harms of figs for the body cause a lot of controversy. Despite the richness in nutrients, the use of the product is carried out taking into account all the nuances.
Fig is a fruit or berry
In the people, figs are also called figs and fig trees. Due to its ambiguous appearance, it is not easy to classify it. The high content of seeds suggests that figs are berries. However, unlike other berries, the fig tree grows on trees. Officially, it is classified as an inflorescence. The tree on which it grows is considered a representative of dicotyledonous flowering plants.
Figs are distinguished by a dense, but thin peel, and an oval shape. The ripe fruit has a dark purple skin and reddish contents. A distinctive feature is considered a sweet taste with a slight sourness. Figs are harvested at the end of June and between September and October. The fig tree bears fruit twice a year.
Composition of figs
The benefits of figs for the human body cannot be overestimated. It is considered the leader in the content of minerals and vitamins. It is also valued for the presence of fiber in the composition, which carries out the absorption of toxins. Due to the content of niacin, the product supplies the brain cells with the right amount of oxygen. Subsequently, cerebral circulation improves and the frequency of headaches decreases. With regular use, figs restore metabolism and improve the conductivity of nerve cells. The composition of the product is represented by the following components:
- folic acid;
- magnesium;
- vitamins B, PP, A and C;
- potassium;
- phosphorus;
- sodium;
- iron;
- calcium.
What is useful figs for the human body
The fruits of the fig tree are highly valued. On shelves, they are less common than other fruits and berries. This further enhances their value. Useful properties of the product help to resist the body in times of crisis. Eating figs is a good way to replenish your supply of minerals and vitamins. The benefits of the product are explained by the following features:
- increasing the strength of bone tissue;
- strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
- activation of the body’s defenses;
- prevention of dehydration and elimination of strong thirst;
- decrease in subfebrile temperature;
- elimination of symptoms of stress;
- cleaning from slags;
- help with dry type of cough;
- antiparasitic action;
- acceleration of skin regeneration;
- loss of appetite and normalization of metabolic processes.
Figs are an indispensable food during weight loss. Due to its nutritional properties, it helps to control appetite. It is often used for snacks. The laxative effect of the fig tree provides a high-quality bowel cleansing. Due to the removal of excess fluid, the appearance of edema is prevented. It helps to get rid of a couple of kilos. In addition, the product helps to compensate for the lack of serotonin, which is typical during weight loss.
Figs are in demand in cooking. It gives the dishes a sweet, spicy taste. The product goes well with almost any kind of meat. It makes delicious desserts. In dietary nutrition, the fig tree is often used to enrich vegetable salads.
What is useful figs for a woman’s body
The fig tree should be present in the diet of every woman who is not indifferent to her health. Being a source of nutrients, the product is especially valued in preparation for pregnancy and during gestation. In addition, the product has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, which makes a woman more attractive.
Useful properties and contraindications of figs for women should be studied as carefully as possible. This will prevent unforeseen reactions of the body and get the maximum benefit. The main useful properties of the product for women include:
- prevention of diseases of the urinary system;
- antioxidant action;
- body weight control;
- elimination of endocrine disorders;
- slowing the aging process;
- improvement of skin condition;
- soothing effect in the premenstrual period.
Gynecologists recommend introducing figs into the diet of women with irregular cycles. The diet is combined with medication and physiotherapy. The substances that make up the fruit contribute to the production of a healthy egg and the uniform growth of the endometrial layers. This is due to the vitamin composition of the product. Its introduction into the diet helps to get rid of severe pain during menstruation and normalize the psychological state.
What is useful figs during pregnancy
During pregnancy, figs are allowed to be consumed only by those women who are not predisposed to an allergic reaction. It is one of the richest sources of folic acid. This substance is necessary for the child during fetal development. Folic acid is responsible for the formation of the neural tube. Its sufficient amount in the diet reduces the risk of pathologies in the fetus.
When used properly, figs can be a good alternative to multivitamins. Its advantages include natural origin. It is very important not to exceed the daily allowance in order to avoid a surplus of vitamins. During pregnancy, there is an increased chance of stool disorders. Due to the high fiber content, the fig normalizes the stool without adversely affecting the digestive organs. Due to the presence of iron in the composition, figs prevent iron deficiency anemia, which is prone to women in position.
What is useful for men
The benefits and harms of figs for men are ambiguous. One of the important properties of the product is the stimulation of erectile function. The fig tree is a powerful aphrodisiac. Unlike medicines, it is absolutely safe for health. Due to the abundance of useful substances, it prevents the development of prostate diseases, which is important for men whose age passes the mark of 40 years. With regular use, figs can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and atherosclerosis.
What is useful for children
Experts recommend introducing figs into the diet of a child from 9 months. At an earlier age, the enzymes responsible for the processing of the product are still absent. For the first time, they give no more than 0,5 tsp. dried fig trees. It is pre-softened with boiling water, and then crushed until smooth. At this stage, it is important to monitor the reaction of the child’s body. Allergy symptoms indicate the need to remove figs from the diet. It is extremely important to visit the pediatrician first. He will determine the possibility of using the product individually.
Giving your child figs every day is not recommended. It is necessary to dose its use. In this case, the following effect is produced on the body:
- antipyretic effect;
- laxative effect;
- strengthening immunity;
- hepatoprotective effect;
- improvement of intestinal perilstatics;
- anemia prevention.
Figs while breastfeeding
The product is also useful during breastfeeding. It ensures that the baby receives the necessary amount of nutrients in the composition of milk. Doctors recommend introducing it into the diet already during gestation. In this case, adaptation to a new product will be more comfortable. After childbirth, figs are allowed to be consumed no earlier than 2 months later.
The benefits of figs for a woman is to prevent swelling. This is due to the potassium content. It helps to remove excess fluid from the body. During lactation, the female body withstands the load. The likelihood of developing new diseases and exacerbating existing ones increases. Figs replenish the supply of vitamins, strengthening all life support systems.
The first experience of introducing figs into the diet of a woman is carried out in the morning, before feeding. During the day, the newly-made mother monitors the condition of the baby. If there are no negative reactions, the next day the amount of the product can be increased. But this does not mean that you can lose your vigilance. The reaction to an allergen can be cumulative. Therefore, the condition of the child should be constantly monitored.
Is it possible to eat figs with diabetes
It is necessary to find out on an individual basis whether figs can be used for diabetes mellitus. With moderate use in the initial stages of the disease, it does not have a harmful effect. Due to the content of pectin, there is a positive effect on the well-being of the patient. Fiber helps control the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood.
Figs for type 2 diabetes are allowed to be consumed in limited quantities. It must be remembered that 1 fruit with a mass of 85 g contains 1 bread unit. At stages 3 and 4 of the disease, the product should not be included in the diet. In this case, the patient often develops wounds, abrasions and ulcers on the skin. The content of ficin in figs has a thinning effect on the blood. This slows down the regenerative processes. The abuse of the fig tree is dangerous and increases blood sugar levels. This worsens the patient’s condition.
How to eat figs: with or without peel
People who have recently discovered the fig tree do not know how to properly eat it. It is customary to eat it with the skin and bones. Throw out only a branch located at the base. Some varieties of figs have thick skins. In this case, it is better to get rid of it, as there may be difficulties with chewing. When setting the table, the fig tree is cut into slices and laid out with the inside up. For children, the product is ground to a puree state.
Experts advise eating figs with dairy products. This contributes to the good digestibility of useful components. Combined with cheese, it can be a good option for a festive snack. It is advisable to eat the product in the morning – for breakfast with oatmeal or as part of milkshakes. As a snack, it is consumed in combination with low-fat cottage cheese. This option is perfect for people involved in sports.
Calorie content of figs
Compared to sweet desserts, the fig tree has a lower calorie content. Therefore, it is eaten by people who set themselves the goal of losing weight. But, if you use fruits in large quantities, you can achieve the opposite effect. The calorie content of fresh figs is 54 kcal per 100 g. The dried fig tree has a higher calorie content, since sugar syrup is used in its preparation. 100 g of dried fruit contains 257 kcal.
Противопоказания
Any product, depending on the observance of the principles of its use, can both harm and benefit. Therefore, it is important to study contraindications. This will help avoid allergies and other side effects. The health benefits and harms of figs will vary from case to case. Contraindications include:
- high blood pressure;
- all forms of pancreatitis;
- upset stool;
- stones in the kidneys;
- individual intolerance to figs;
- the last stages of obesity;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- gout.
Excessive consumption of fig tree in food can provoke abdominal discomfort, accompanied by loose stools. In some cases, there is an increase in blood pressure. People with thinned enamel experience toothache. If there are signs of an allergic reaction, the fig tree should be discarded. In order not to bring the situation to Quincke’s edema, it is necessary to drink an antihistamine. After that, it is extremely important to contact your doctor.
Terms and conditions of storage
Figs are classified as exotic food. Fresh, in stores it can be found in the fall. At other times, it is advisable to buy the product in dried form. It is not inferior to fresh fruits in nutritional value and content of useful components. The most optimal temperature for storing fresh figs is from 1 to 3 °C. The most suitable place for storage is the refrigerator. In order for the product to retain useful properties longer and not absorb foreign odors, it is wrapped in paper or placed in a container. The shelf life of the product under all conditions is 4 days.
Unripe fruits can reach the desired state at home. It is strictly forbidden to put them in the refrigerator. It is advisable to remove the fruits in a dark place with a cool temperature. For ripening, a pantry or basement is perfect. On average, the ripening process takes 2-3 days.
Dried fig trees keep longer than fresh ones. It is placed in the refrigerator, not removed from the packaging in which it was sold. For long-term storage, it is necessary to regularly sort out figs for spoiled fruits. You should get rid of them. Failure to do so will shorten the shelf life. The most suitable container for storing dried figs is a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Another way to store a fig tree is to prepare it for the winter. Jams, marmalade, marshmallows and homemade wine are prepared from it. But keep in mind that the content of nutrients and caloric content of the product in this case will change. In diabetes mellitus, this option for using fig trees is contraindicated. The shelf life of blanks is several years. Frozen figs can keep their properties for about a year. Freezing is carried out at a temperature of -15°C.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of figs for the body should be known to everyone. The product skillfully combines the role of delicacy and remedy. When used correctly, it helps prevent various diseases and get rid of existing problems.
