Such an unusual product, like figs, is unusual for many. Some people are not even familiar with its taste. In this case, the product is fresh and dried. It is worth considering that each of them has contraindications. The benefits and harms of figs will be described in the article.
Useful properties of fresh fruits
The benefits and harms of fresh figs are provided by its composition. Fruits are best consumed fresh, as they are most valuable in this form. They have a lot of vitamin C, B, carotene, trace elements. In winter, it is better to use dried inflorescences, as they are rich in up to 70% fructose.
Thanks to the constant use of the product, you can get rid of overwork, both intellectual and physical. Although it contains a lot of carbohydrates, calorie content is about 50 kcal per 100 g, which is comparable to apples.
Nutrients of the dried product
What are the benefits and harms of dried figs? Properties associated with its composition. The value of inflorescences is as follows:
- The presence of glucose makes the product a natural energetic. Moreover, in dried form, it includes this component 1.5 times more.
- Natural fructose provides a pleasant taste. Fruits allow you to quickly eliminate a hangover, get rid of plaque from your teeth and control blood sugar.
- The presence of organic acids leads to the restoration of blood and cells. This is especially valuable for women, since figs can prolong youth.
- Tannins have an anti-inflammatory effect. They allow a calming effect on the nervous system and reduce stress.
- Natural protein is perfectly absorbed by the body.
- Due to the rich fat composition, inflorescences are useful for female beauty, as natural fats smooth the skin from the inside.
- There are vitamins and carotene.
- There are minerals and other important components, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium.
The calorie content of the dried product is 257 kcal per 100 g. Because of this property, the product can be used as a snack.
Useful properties of dried fruits
The benefits and harms of dried figs for the body should be considered before consuming it. The following properties testify to the product value:
- Due to the fixing effect, inflorescences are used for dysentery.
- Fruits remove poisons and toxins, so they are indispensable for poisoning, intoxication.
- Figs are used to prevent caries, as it eliminates plaque from the teeth.
- Eliminates fatigue, improves performance.
- May serve as a natural antidepressant.
- Useful for vitamin deficiencies, after infections and when recovering from diseases.
- Since the product is able to lower the temperature, it is used for colds with warm milk.
- It protects against sclerotic plaques in the vessels, therefore figs are used as a prophylaxis of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
- Dried inflorescences are necessary for malfunctions of the heart and blood vessels.
- Dried fruit helps with chest pain. It is used in the treatment of cough, colds, asthma. In this case, it is desirable to prepare an infusion of fruits.
- Removes pus from wounds and boils.
- For kidney diseases, it is used as a diuretic.
- The fruit contains omega-3 fatty acids, which eliminate depression, melancholy, protect against cancer, hepatitis.
- It has a laxative effect, therefore it is effective for constipation.
- Due to the presence of pectin, the fruit is a cancer control agent.
- Fruits help with a breakdown, exhaustion.
Can children eat
What are the benefits and harms of figs for children? The product has the same properties as in adults. If there is no allergy, then children can safely use this product. Dried fruits improve digestion, appetite, serve as a useful source of energy.
Figs are rich in folic acid, which is necessary for children for the normal functioning of the immune, nervous, circulatory systems. A few pieces of dried fruit will be sufficient for the child per day.
For pregnant
At this time, it is useful to use figs in the absence of contraindications. Thanks to the vitamin-mineral complex, the body will be saturated with all the components necessary for the formation of the fetus. Due to the presence of iron and folic acid, the product protects against the occurrence of anemia during pregnancy. And fiber will restore digestion.
But if weight gain is observed, then it is advisable to eat fresh fruits, the calorie content of which is small. Dried fruits perfectly stimulate lactation, so they are used for breastfeeding. But you need to eat the fruits carefully, as the baby may have colic and bloating.
Contraindications
But not only one use of dried figs. And there is harm to the body. Some people need it limited. In diabetes mellitus, fruits should be consumed a little, as they contain a lot of natural sugars. Due to the presence of coarse fiber, the product is dangerous in acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
With gout, inflorescences should be used carefully, since they have oxalic acid. People with a tendency to allergies should be more careful. But these ailments are not considered a reason to exclude figs from your diet. It is only necessary to limit its reception.
How to use
In nature, the fruits are purple, but there are also light yellow. The taste of inflorescences is sweet, with a slight acidity. In addition to the benefits and harms of figs, you also need to know about the rules for its use. Fresh fruit is perishable, it is advisable to eat it within 8 hours after picking from a tree. Therefore, residents of middle and northern latitudes can only appreciate the benefits and harms of dried figs.
But dried fruit is rich in valuable substances in a concentrated form. To benefit from 10 fresh fruits, you need to eat 3-4 dried fruits per day. This will saturate the body with the necessary substances for a day. Fruits are valued by vegetarians. This is due to the fact that the diet is limited in the content of valuable components. Fruits are used both as dessert and added to dishes.
The choice
You need to know not only about the benefits and harms of figs, but also about the rules for choosing it. If you have not had to buy this product, then you should pay attention to the following tips:
- A quality dried fruit has a light brown color with a gray coating. This shade is natural, which confirms the absence of dyes. And unnatural colors should alert.
- The consistency of quality dried fruits is soft, and the flesh is slightly viscous and sweet.
Leaves
Many consume fruits, but not everyone knows about the benefits of leaves, which are used to treat diseases. They are edible, they are used for diabetes, to reduce triglycerides. Leaves help with stomach ulcers. A decoction is used for dysentery, colitis, enterocolitis.
To prepare the infusion, you need dry crushed leaves (1 tbsp. L.), Which should be poured with boiling water (1 glass). After insisting for 1 hour, you need to take 1/3 or ½ cup 2-3 times a day. They make infusions in milk. Fresh leaves are used for the rapid maturation of boils. Decoctions are effective for coughing, bronchial asthma, kidney disease.
Norm
Dried fruit figs are a healthy treat. Since it has a high concentration of fiber, diarrhea may appear. 2-4 fruits should be consumed per day, which will be enough to saturate the body. If a person has excellent health and there is no excess weight, then it is allowed to slightly increase the amount of figs, but you need to control your well-being.
Storage
The benefits and harms of figs are the same for the body of all people. But in order to preserve the valuable properties of fruits, they must be properly stored. Fresh fruits are stored for several hours, but in this form of inflorescence in Russia are not sold.
Figs can be stored in the refrigerator. To keep them safe, each fruit needs to be wrapped in a dry cloth that will absorb excess moisture. Dried fruits are also stored in a jar. To do this, remove moisture from the fruit, and then place it with a container, but do not close the lid. Then the product must be placed in the refrigerator. Dry inflorescences can be placed anywhere, but far from moisture.
Thus, figs are a useful product for human health. The main thing is to take into account contraindications, as well as properly store fruits to preserve valuable properties.