Content
Due to their dubious appearance, dried figs are not popular. But it is rarely found on the shelves in fresh form, as it is demanding on storage and transportation conditions. The benefits and harms of dried figs for the body are not known to everyone. It is believed that the product can partially replenish the daily requirement for iron and vitamin B.
The benefits of dried figs for the body
The fig tree grows in areas with a subtropical climate. Its fruits are called fig trees or figs. When fresh, they retain their taste and beneficial properties for no more than 3 days. Therefore, figs are most often found in dried form. It is valued for its content of the following substances:
- cellulose;
- manganese;
- ficin;
- calcium;
- polyunsaturated fatty acids;
- tannins;
- sodium;
- antioxidants;
- fructose and glucose;
- pectins;
- beta carotene.
Dried fruits, compared to fresh ones, are no less healthy. They are introduced into the diet during combination therapy. The fig tree has a general strengthening effect, activating the body's defenses. When consumed regularly, it promotes weight loss and the removal of bad cholesterol.The beneficial properties of dried figs are as follows:
- decreased blood pressure;
- normalization of the functioning of the reproductive organs;
- restoration of respiratory system function;
- strengthening bones;
- expectorant effect;
- prevention of diabetes mellitus;
- removal of toxic substances;
- improving the functioning of the digestive tract.
Due to the fructose content, the product quickly replenishes the body's energy reserves. When constantly present in the diet, it helps maintain the amount of hemoglobin at the proper level, which is important for iron deficiency anemia. Dried figs are also valued for their tryptophan content. This substance takes part in the production of melatonin, which is responsible for the quality of sleep.
Due to the presence of pectin, the berry accelerates regeneration processes. Rutin improves the absorption of vitamin C, so doctors advise combining dried fig tree with citrus fruits. Due to the presence of ficin in the composition, the level of blood clotting decreases.
The fig tree is most useful for women carrying a child and planning a pregnancy. The product contains a large amount of folic acid. It promotes the proper formation of the baby’s nervous system. Dried figs are often recommended to treat colds, since taking medications during pregnancy is undesirable. For problems with reproduction, figs are recommended to be included in the diet to stimulate the production of estrogen. As a result, the frequency of the menstrual cycle is normalized and the state of the nervous system is stabilized.
The benefits of the fig tree for supporters of a healthy lifestyle are due to the nutritional value and sweet taste of the product. Thanks to this, they replace flour desserts and chocolate.During intense physical activity, figs help avoid injury by strengthening the skeletal system.
Considering the benefits of figs, it is recommended to use it in the following cases:
- colds;
- prevention of pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
- increased cholesterol levels in the blood;
- bowel dysfunction;
- bone fragility;
- the need to cleanse the body of harmful substances;
- skin rashes and pigmentation;
- avitaminosis.
Why are dried figs harmful?
The benefits of the fig tree are neutralized if the product is consumed contrary to contraindications. Its main disadvantage is its laxative effect. On the road, visiting or at work, this effect can put a person in an uncomfortable position. Dried figs, the photo of which is shown above, have a number of contraindications. These include:
- diabetes;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- gout;
- acute pancreatitis;
- diarrhea.
Due to their high sugar content, fig tree fruits should be eaten in limited quantities. Overuse of fig trees irritates the intestinal mucosa, which can aggravate inflammatory processes in it. Metabolic processes also slow down and the risk of caries increases. When consumed correctly and in moderation, dried figs are not harmful to health. If the product is abused, the following reactions are possible:
- decreased physical activity;
- flatulence;
- symptoms of low blood pressure;
- intense weight gain;
- allergy.
Product intolerance is accompanied by the release of antibodies into the blood. In this case, allergy symptoms may appear immediately or gradually.The most common signs of intolerance include rash, watery eyes, abdominal pain and itching. In rare cases, allergies develop so rapidly that Quincke's edema occurs. It threatens to completely block the respiratory tract, which leads to death.
How to dry figs at home
To preserve the benefits of figs longer, you can dry them at home. Initially, you need to choose the right fresh fruits. They should not be deformed. If the fig tree is unripe, it is brought to maturity by placing it in the refrigerator for 3 days. Maturity is indicated by a thick, dark purple skin, slightly amenable to pressure. A surface that is too hard indicates a violation of transportation and storage conditions. It is not advisable to buy such a berry.
Dried figs are prepared as follows:
- The fruits are cut in half and placed in a container. They are sprinkled with granulated sugar on top so that they release the juice.
- The berries remain in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- The syrup is prepared separately. Equal amounts of water and sugar are poured into a small container. The syrup is simmered over low heat until the granulated sugar is completely dissolved.
- Each fig half is dipped in syrup and then placed on a tray, skin side down.
- The fruits are dried in an oven, electric dryer or in the sun for 3 hours.
How much can you eat and how correctly?
Dried figs go well with a variety of foods. It is added to cereals, desserts, salads and hot dishes. It goes well with poultry and lamb. The fruits of the fig tree are used to prepare healing tinctures and decoctions.When crushed and soaked, they are used to heal damaged skin surfaces. The fig mass is placed on the problem area and wrapped with a sterile bandage.
To increase sexual activity, men soak the product in milk overnight before consuming it. A daily dose of dried figs is eaten for breakfast. The duration of such treatment is determined individually. For moderate severity of erectile dysfunction, 1 month is enough.
The product retains its beneficial properties only with moderate use. It is enough to eat 2-3 fruits a day to provide the body with the required amount of nutrients.
Calorie content of dried figs
People trying to lose weight should not get carried away with dried figs. The calorie content of 1 piece, weighing approximately 30 g, is 76 kcal. 100 g of product contains 255 kcal.
How to store dried figs at home
To store fig tree fruits, choose a cool place. Cotton cloth is placed at the bottom of the glass container. Only after this are dried figs placed in it. The container is closed with a tight lid.
Dried fig trees can also be stored in a suspended state, having previously been placed in linen bags. In this case, good air circulation is ensured. To avoid insect breeding, figs can be placed in a paper bag.
Freezing will help preserve the benefits of the fig tree for as long as possible. Before it is carried out, the figs are placed in an airtight container. If necessary, the fruits are pre-chopped. Freezing increases the shelf life of the product by up to a year.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of dried figs for the body depend on a combination of various factors. Proper drying and storage ensure maximum preservation of all useful substances.
