Content
The introduction of figs into the diet helps 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 of nutrients, the product is consumed taking into account all the nuances.
Figs are fruits or berries.
Figs are also popularly called fig and fig trees. Due to its ambiguous appearance, it is difficult to classify. The high seed content suggests that figs are a berry. 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 the sweet taste with slight sourness. Figs are harvested at the end of June and between September and October. A fig tree bears fruit twice a year.
Composition of figs
The benefits of figs for the human body cannot be overestimated. It is considered a leader in the content of minerals and vitamins. It is also valued for the presence of fiber in its composition, which absorbs toxins. Thanks to the niacin content, the product supplies the brain cells with the necessary amount of oxygen. Subsequently, cerebral circulation improves and the frequency of headaches decreases. When consumed regularly, 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 are the benefits of figs for the human body?
The fruits of the fig tree are highly valuable. On Russian shelves they are found less often than other fruits and berries. This further increases their value. The beneficial properties of the product help the body resist during periods 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;
- preventing dehydration and eliminating extreme thirst;
- decrease in low-grade fever;
- eliminating symptoms of stress;
- cleansing of toxins;
- help with dry cough;
- antiparasitic effect;
- acceleration of skin regeneration;
- decreased appetite and normalization of metabolic processes.
Figs are an essential food when losing weight. Its nutritional properties help control appetite. It is often used for snacking. The laxative effect of the fig tree ensures high-quality cleansing of the intestines. By removing excess fluid, the appearance of edema is prevented. This helps to get rid of a couple of kilograms. In addition, the product helps replenish the lack of serotonin, which is typical during weight loss.
Figs are in demand in cooking. It gives dishes a sweet, savory taste. The product goes well with almost any type of meat. It makes delicious desserts. In dietary nutrition, the fig tree is often used to enrich vegetable salads.
What are the benefits of figs for a woman’s body?
The fig tree should be present in the diet of every woman who cares about her health. Being a source of useful substances, 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.
The beneficial properties and contraindications of figs for women should be studied as carefully as possible. This will prevent unexpected reactions of the body and get maximum benefits. The main beneficial properties of the product for women include:
- prevention of diseases of the urinary system;
- antioxidant effect;
- body weight control;
- elimination of endocrine disorders;
- slowing down the aging process;
- improvement of skin condition;
- calming effect in the premenstrual period.
Gynecologists recommend introducing figs into the diet of women with irregular periods. 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 achieved thanks 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 are the benefits of figs during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, figs are allowed to be consumed only by women who are not predisposed to an allergic reaction. It is one of the richest sources of folate. This substance is necessary for the child during intrauterine development. Folic acid is responsible for the formation of the neural tube. A sufficient amount of it in the diet reduces the risk of pathologies in the fetus.
When used correctly, figs can be a good alternative to multivitamin complexes. Its advantages include its natural origin. It is very important not to exceed the daily requirement to avoid vitamin deficiency. During pregnancy, the likelihood of bowel movements is increased. Due to its high fiber content, figs normalize stool without negatively affecting the digestive system. Due to the presence of iron in the composition, figs prevent iron deficiency anemia, to which pregnant women are prone.
What is useful for men
The benefits and harms of figs for men are controversial. One of the important properties of the product is considered to stimulate erectile function. The fig tree is a powerful aphrodisiac. Unlike medications, it is absolutely safe for health.Thanks to the abundance of useful substances, it prevents the development of prostate diseases, which is important for men whose age exceeds 40 years. With regular consumption, figs can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis.
What is good for children
Experts recommend introducing figs into a child’s diet from 9 months. At an earlier age, the enzymes responsible for processing the product are still absent. For the first time, give no more than 0.5 tsp. dried fig trees. It is first 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 your pediatrician first. He will determine the possibility of using the product on an individual basis.
Giving your child figs every day is not recommended. It is necessary to dose its use. In this case, the following effects on the body occur:
- antipyretic effect;
- laxative effect;
- strengthening the immune system;
- hepatoprotective effects;
- improvement of intestinal perilstatics;
- prevention of anemia.
Figs during breastfeeding
The product is also useful during breastfeeding. It ensures that the baby receives the required amount of nutrients in milk. Doctors recommend introducing it into the diet during pregnancy. In this case, adaptation to the new product will be more comfortable. After childbirth, figs are allowed to be consumed no earlier than 2 months later.
The benefit of figs for women is to prevent swelling. This is due to the potassium content. It helps remove excess fluid from the body. During lactation, the female body can withstand the load. The likelihood of developing new diseases and exacerbation of existing ones increases. Figs replenish the supply of vitamins, strengthening all life support systems.
The first experience of introducing figs into the diet of women is carried out in the first half of the day, before feeding. During the day, the new mother monitors the baby's condition. If there are no negative reactions, the amount of product can be increased the next day. But this does not mean that you can let down your guard. The reaction to an allergen can be cumulative. Therefore, the child’s condition should be constantly monitored.
Is it possible to eat figs for diabetes?
It is necessary to find out whether figs are suitable for diabetes mellitus on an individual basis. When consumed in moderation in the initial stages of the disease, it has no harmful effects. Due to the pectin content, it has a positive effect on the patient’s well-being. 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 weighing 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 ficin content in figs has a thinning effect on the blood. This slows down regenerative processes. Excessive consumption of fig trees is also dangerous due to an increase in 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 peel and seeds. Only the branch located at the base is thrown out. Some varieties of figs have thick skins. In this case, it is better to get rid of it, as chewing difficulties may arise. When setting the table, the fig tree is cut into slices and laid out with the inside facing up. For children, the product is crushed to a puree.
Experts advise eating figs with dairy products. This promotes good absorption of beneficial components. Combined with cheese, it can be a good holiday snack. It is advisable to eat the product in the first half of the day - 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 lower calorie content. Therefore, it is eaten by people who set themselves the goal of losing weight. But if you consume the fruit in large quantities, you can achieve the opposite effect. The calorie content of fresh figs is 54 kcal per 100 g. Dried figs have a higher calorie content, since sugar syrup is used in its preparation. 100 g of dried fruit contains 257 kcal.
Contraindications
Any product, depending on the principles of its use, can be both harmful and beneficial. 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 in each individual case. Contraindications include:
- high blood pressure;
- all forms of pancreatitis;
- stool disorder;
- stones in the kidneys;
- individual intolerance to figs;
- late stages of obesity;
- exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
- gout.
Excessive consumption of fig trees can cause abdominal discomfort, accompanied by loose stools. In some cases, there is an increase in blood pressure. People with thinned enamel experience toothache. If signs of an allergic reaction appear, the fig tree should be discarded. To prevent the situation from developing into Quincke's edema, you need to take an antihistamine. After this, it is extremely important to consult your doctor.
Terms and conditions of storage
Figs are classified as exotic food products. You can find it fresh in stores 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. To ensure that the product retains its beneficial properties longer and does not absorb foreign odors, it is wrapped in paper or placed in a container. The shelf life of the product, if all conditions are met, is 4 days.
Unripe fruits can reach the desired state at home. Placing them in the refrigerator is strictly prohibited. It is advisable to remove the fruits in a dark place with a cool temperature. A pantry or basement is perfect for ripening. The ripening process takes on average 2-3 days.
Dried fig trees last longer than fresh ones. It is placed in the refrigerator without removing it from the packaging in which it was sold. During long-term storage, it is necessary to regularly sort through the figs for spoiled fruits. You should get rid of them. If this is not done, the shelf life will be shortened. 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, preserves, pastilles and homemade wine are made from it. But you need to take into account that the content of nutrients and calorie content of the product in this case will change. For diabetes mellitus, this option of consuming fig trees is contraindicated. The shelf life of the blanks is several years. When frozen, figs can retain 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 a delicacy and a medicinal product. When used correctly, it helps prevent various diseases and get rid of existing problems.
