The benefits and harms of figs

Figs were first grown in Asia Minor and Iran. This plant belongs to ficus. It is used to prepare a variety of foods. This healthy fruit is especially appreciated in oriental cuisine. Today we will talk about what this product is useful and harmful.

The benefits of figs

The fruits of this plant are usually eaten fresh in the countries where it grows. In other countries, it goes on sale in dried form. This is due to the fact that fresh ripe figs are practically not stored. But do not be upset - in dried figs, almost all of its useful properties are perfectly preserved. It is easier to find quality dried fig fruit than quality fresh fruit.

It is worth noting that dried figs are more nutritious and have a sweet, rich taste. Dried figs can be transported for a long time. Please note that in our country, fresh berries sold in stores are picked unripe. This is necessary so that the delicate fruit can withstand a long journey.

Figs are useful when you need to quickly satisfy your hunger. In this case, you can be sure that your snack figs will only benefit the body. At the same time, fresh or dried figs can be eaten both as an independent product and as part of a vitamin mixture of nuts and spices. It perfectly restores working capacity, is able to relieve overwork and improves mood.

Fig berries contain a large amount of pectin, natural sugars, fiber, and organic acids. It also contains a variety of vitamins. The fruits of the fig are especially useful for the cores due to the high concentration of the element potassium, which is useful for strengthening the heart. Figs are used to normalize blood pressure. It also contains rutin, which is necessary to strengthen the vascular walls and eliminate venous insufficiency.

An essential oil is made from fig leaves, which has fungicidal and bactericidal qualities. And the juice, which is also obtained from the foliage of the fig tree, is great for dry skin, providing a softening and anti-inflammatory effect on it. Fresh figs effectively eliminate stones in the kidneys and helps to remove sand from them. They can also cure infectious diseases, remove toxic substances from the body.

Fig harm

Fresh figs do no harm to humans. But at the same time, there may be individual diseases in which the figs should not be consumed. For example, figs can be harmful to patients with gastrointestinal problems, as well as gout.

The high concentration of sugar in dried fig berries makes it impossible to use them for problems with excess weight, as well as for diseases of the endocrine system. If you have urolithiasis, then figs should also be eaten with caution.

Fig contraindications

Based on the foregoing, we can say that figs have the following contraindications:

• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase - figs contain a lot of fiber.
• Gout - Figs are high in oxalic acid.
• Diabetes mellitus and overweight - dried fruits are high in calories and high in sugar.
• Flatulence - fresh figs cause increased gas formation, so they should not be eaten in large quantities and together with other fruits.

The benefits of dried figs

Dried figs have slightly different health benefits. The fact is that dried fruits have practically no moisture, but the sugar content rises to a maximum and reaches 70%. At the same time, the amount of nutrients - microelements and vitamins remains practically unchanged.

In the dried form, figs have a beneficial effect on intestinal motility, remove toxic substances, toxins from the body and eliminate constipation. Dried figs contain a lot of pectin, which is useful for the healing and restoration of connective tissues and cartilage tissue of the joints. Dried fruits contain a large number of antioxidants, which is very useful for eliminating excess cholesterol and cleansing blood vessels and small capillaries, as well as making their walls more elastic and less permeable.

Dried fruits of the plant can significantly increase the concentration of hemoglobin, due to the high content of iron, magnesium and potassium salts. This improves blood quality and cures anemia. As a result, cardiac work improves, heart rate returns to normal, tachycardia passes and arterial pressure.

Dried fruits contain a lot of vitamin B, which is very beneficial for the nervous system. Eating dried figs can boost your mood and improve performance.

Fig treatment

Before making a decision and starting to use figs for treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor about this. This will help you avoid many unpleasant consequences.

Figs are most commonly used to treat coughs. Moreover, this method of treatment turns out to be very tasty and highly effective. Fig medicine can be prepared in advance and kept in reserve. Take two fresh berries and fill them with two glasses of fresh milk. Put it all on a low heat and bring to a boil. After that, boil the figs with milk for about half an hour. At this time, the liquid in the pan will decrease in volume by a third. After that, pour the contents of the pot into a thermos and leave to infuse for 6 hours. The medicine can then be poured into a jar and stored in the refrigerator. If necessary, the product must be consumed in a tablespoon before meals. Treatment can be continued for 5 days.

If you often have constipation, then you need to consume 5 figs daily. This will help improve intestinal motility. On the third day, you will notice a significant improvement in your condition. In the same way, you can remove plaque cholesterol from blood vessels. If you eat figs on an empty stomach, you can expel parasites from the body.

Fig berries can be used to treat thyroid disorders. For the course of treatment, you will need 4 kilograms of dried fruit. Take 3 berries and cover them with a glass of boiled water overnight. In the morning, you need to eat one berry, as well as drink the infusion. Eat another berry at lunchtime, and eat the rest before dinner. Treatment in this way must be continued until all the berries run out.

For vitiligo, it is good to use fig leaves. Grind 2 large spoons of leaves and cover them with 2 cups of boiling water. Leave to brew for an hour and a half. Then strain and drink 100 ml a few minutes before meals. It is useful to apply lotions from crushed fig leaves to the affected areas. This also helps to restore pigmentation.

Figs during pregnancy

During pregnancy it is useful to eat a small amount of figs. After all, they are able to significantly increase the level of hemoglobin, which is useful for anemia in pregnant women. It is especially recommended for pregnant women with digestive problems. The fact is that even a small amount of fruits quickly improves the digestive process every day. But do not get carried away with figs if you are gaining too much weight during pregnancy. Do not forget that figs contain a lot of sugar, which is harmful if you are overweight.