Fig has many names - fig, wine berry, fig tree. A tree grows that gives tasty and fragrant fruits in countries with hot climates. Transporting fruits is problematic because they quickly deteriorate, so it is quite difficult to find them on sale. But if you have the opportunity to enjoy the juicy pulp of figs, you must definitely take advantage of this, since fruits are a source of unique substances that have a positive effect on the body.
Useful properties of figs and contraindications for use
The fruit of the fig tree can vary in size from walnut to apple. The skin color ranges from yellow to purple, and the flesh tends to have a deep, deep pink hue. Harvesting time is late summer - early autumn. When choosing fruits, you need to pay attention so that they do not have cracks, dents and other deformations. If a pleasant smell emanates from the fruit that immediately attracts attention, it means that the fruits were harvested quite recently, and transportation did not take much time. The most juicy and aromatic - fresh figs. The beneficial properties of the fruit are numerous:
- quickly satisfies hunger;
- invigorates;
- performs the functions of an antidepressant;
- is an antipyretic agent;
- eliminates the deficiency of potassium and iron;
- replenishes reserves of vitamins and minerals;
- contains a lot of dietary fiber;
- lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood;
- has a mild laxative and diuretic effect;
- external application of the pulp promotes skin healing;
- Thins the blood, protecting against the formation of blood clots.
Dried figs, the beneficial properties of which are almost completely preserved after processing, can replace sweets, so they are often included in diets. You just need to remember that dried fruits are very high in calories - about 215 calories per 100 g.
There are almost no contraindications to the use of fig fruits, only those who suffer from diabetes mellitus or have gout should be treated with caution. Inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract require consultation with a doctor.
Why you need to eat figs
Figs are not only a vitamin and mineral complex of natural origin, but also an excellent tonic. The fruits quickly satisfy hunger, restore strength, and do not cause thirst. They also normalize the work of all internal organs, especially the stomach, kidneys and liver. During a sore throat, figs are mixed with warm milk - this relieves sore throat and relieves inflammation. Even children are advised to give figs instead of pills as an antipyretic agent. The beneficial properties for men are the same as for women, with the only difference that figs compensate for potassium deficiency, and this is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and strokes), from which men suffer more than the fairer sex.
Figs during pregnancy
Expectant mothers, even at the planning stage of pregnancy, should include figs in their diet (of course, if there is no individual intolerance or allergic reactions). The fruit is rich in B vitamins, folic acid. When carrying a child, women often encounter constipation - figs will help to cope with them due to a mild laxative effect. It also protects against colds, sore throats, coughs. Again, dried or fresh figs will help to cope with cravings for sweets. Useful properties for weight loss will come in handy during pregnancy - even a small piece of fruit can cause a quick feeling of fullness, so it will be easier for a woman in position to control her weight.
When buying fresh figs, remember that they have a maximum shelf life of 3-5 days, so try to eat them right away. If it is not possible to feast on fresh fruits, replace them with dried figs or fig jam.
