Figs can be called differently: wine berry, fig, fig, fig. This plant is native to Iran and Asia Minor. Despite the fact that figs are rarely included in the standard set of dried fruits for compote or snack, its fruits are often used in medicine and cooking.
The benefits of figs
Figs can be consumed both fresh and dried. Of course, in countries where it does not grow, it is very difficult to find fresh fruits that are much lower in calories. Dried figs contain about 250-300 kcal, while fresh ones have about 50 kcal. Accordingly, doctors do not recommend getting carried away with figs for those who carefully monitor their figure or suffer from excess weight. However, this does not mean that you need to completely exclude this useful product from the diet.
Figs contain many pectin substances that help reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood. The minerals in figs, such as potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and iron, bring significant benefits to the body. In addition, the wine berry is rich in B vitamins, PP, carotene and ascorbic acid, vitamin A and C.
Due to its chemical composition, figs have a beneficial effect on the work of the cardiovascular system, strengthening the heart muscle and helping to normalize blood pressure. Rutin helps to strengthen blood vessels and prevent venous insufficiency. Due to the high energy value of figs, doctors recommend using it with high mental and physical exertion, if necessary, gain weight and after a long illness.
Figs are good for making homemade cold remedies. For example, you can take 4 dried figs and pour a glass of warm milk over them for about half an hour. It is necessary to take such an infusion warm. It should be borne in mind that the berry has a laxative effect.
There is one very effective way to use this fruit. To make the skin soft, elastic and tender, improve mood and help the body fight depression, you need to take a bath with figs and oranges. For such a bath you need to take:
- figs - 100 g;
- orange peel - 500 g;
- olive oil - 100 ml;
- boiled water - 400 ml.
The orange peel must be dried and ground into powder. Mix it with chopped figs and pour boiling water over it. Leave the mixture for 30-40 minutes. Then you need to strain the infusion and add warm olive oil to it, mix until a homogeneous mass is obtained. The resulting oil mixture must be added to warm water. It is necessary to take such baths for 15-20 minutes.
Several contraindications
In general, the use of figs helps to improve performance and improve mood, positively affecting the functioning of the nervous system.
However, there are contraindications to fig consumption. This product should not be eaten by those with diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or prone to kidney stones. It is also not recommended to abuse figs for gout and diseases associated with metabolic disorders of oxalic acid.
