This article is an answer to the question of what figs are. This exotic fruit enters our region only in dried form. In our country, it grows only in the southern latitudes, and even then relatively recently. And for this I must say thanks to modern breeders.
It so happened historically that figs have several names. If you have heard terms such as fig tree, fig tree, wine berry, then know that we are talking about figs. The benefits of this fruit are multifaceted and known in many countries, and now it is gaining even more popularity. Its homeland is India and Asia Minor, where under favorable climatic conditions it can grow and successfully bear fruit for more than a hundred years. But the fruits are not stored for long, they should be consumed within 6 hours after harvest, so they go on sale in regions where they do not grow, only in dried form. Their beneficial properties are almost completely preserved in dried fruits. And due to the lack of moisture, they are more nutritious, and have a more saturated taste. And during transportation do not cause any problems.
If we consider the chemical composition of the substances that make up the figs, the benefits of its use become apparent. Its fruits are rich in pectins, natural sugars, fiber, organic acids. Sugars in some varieties can be up to 70%. It also contains vitamins A, C, group B. A special property of figs is considered to be a high potassium content, which helps strengthen the heart muscle. It is known that in terms of potassium, figs rightfully occupy the second place after nuts. The benefits that it brings to people suffering from disorders of the cardiovascular system are quite obvious. And the routine in its composition helps to strengthen blood vessels and reduce the risk of venous insufficiency and thrombosis. Thus, it contributes to the normalization of blood pressure.
Fiber, which is part of the fruit, is invaluable for the digestive system because it normalizes the digestive tract, helping to get rid of constipation without the use of medications. At the same time, due to fiber, cholesterol levels in the blood are significantly reduced. One dried fruit contains 2 grams of fiber, which is 20% of the daily intake.
For colds, you can use cough-boiled figs in milk, as it helps to increase sputum, has antipyretic and antiseptic properties. If you apply such a fruit to abscesses, it contributes to their ripening and healing.
Figs have a beneficial effect on the calming of the nervous system, taming the nerves that are boiling over.
In view of its high nutritional value (74 kcal per 100 grams), figs perfectly satisfy hunger, but it is better to use 2-3 pieces as snacks, while receiving, at the same time, the necessary energy, vitamins, trace elements and a feeling of satiety.
Fresh fruit juice helps in the treatment of urolithiasis and cholelithiasis, helping to remove stones from the bladder and gall bladder. It also eliminates the problem of infectious and viral skin diseases, and fights against toxins and tumor cells in the body.
And the high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the fruits helps to strengthen immunity, reduce chronic fatigue and the allergic reaction of the body.
Unfortunately, this wonderful fruit is contraindicated in certain diseases. These include diabetes mellitus, obesity, gout, pancreatitis, and intestinal inflammation.
The traditional use of dried fig fruits is stewed fruit. They can be prepared without added sugar. If we add dried fruits well-known to us to the fig fruits: apples, prunes, dried apricots, the compote will be more saturated and harmonious, and the composition of nutrients, vitamins and microelements as balanced as possible.
To revive dried fruits, they are soaked in water or heated by steam. Fruits can be used even in the preparation of meat dishes, in particular, as an ingredient in minced meat. They give the dish an exquisite sweet touch.
When making desserts and pastries, dried figs are a traditional ingredient. Many countries have traditional dishes based on this fruit. So in the UK, fig pudding is very popular, and the New Year's dessert prepared in the south of France also contains raisins, hazelnuts and almonds.
This is the tropical fig fruit, the benefits of which are great, but there are limitations. Therefore, reasonable care should be taken in its use.