Figs: benefits and harms for the body, how much should you eat?

Trees

In recent years, exotic fruits and berries have become a staple in the modern Russian diet, as they are readily available and very healthy. However, few people know that many of them can be used not only as food but also for medicinal purposes due to their rich nutritional content. Figs are available in both dried and fresh forms.

The potential for figs to be beneficial or harmful to the body directly depends on the amount consumed, so it's important to know how much to eat to avoid negative consequences. People with gout, ulcers, or pancreatitis should avoid figs, as they contain substances that can exacerbate these conditions. Overall, the benefits of figs far outweigh their potential negative effects.

The chemical composition and health benefits of figs

Fig tree fruits are known not only for their excellent taste, but also for their health benefits.

Compound

The components found in figs have a wide range of effects on the body. These include:

fiber, which promotes normal digestion;
carbohydrates necessary for energy production;
Protein is necessary for the creation of red blood cells, proper secretion of hormones and muscle function;
Carotenoids protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight;
Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids are necessary for the functioning of the nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems, as well as proper metabolism;
Nutritional value of figs
Folic acid is involved in the growth and development of the circulatory system and immunity;
pantothenic acid is important for normal metabolism and is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin;
Niacin is involved in oxidation-reduction processes in the body;
Pyridoxine is responsible for the condition of the skin and nervous system;
riboflavin is involved in the synthesis of enzymes and hormones;
Thiamine has an analgesic effect and prevents aging;
beta-carotene is an antioxidant that helps remove toxins;
vitamins A, E, K, which are natural antioxidants, have a positive effect on the reproductive system, and are necessary for protein synthesis;
ascorbic acid affects the body's defense function;
Minerals: sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, selenium, zinc, magnesium, manganese are needed to maintain the health of the entire body.

This composition of figs allows it to be used not only as a food product, but also for medicinal and prophylactic purposes.

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Beneficial properties of fresh fruit

Thanks to the substances contained in the wine berry, it has a range of healing properties for the human body. Specifically:

normalization of bowel function, improvement of metabolic processes in the gastrointestinal tract;
reduction of pain in the throat;
increasing immunity and improving the functioning of blood vessels;
improving bone density;
lowering sugar levels and maintaining water balance in the body;
removal of cholesterol and elimination of carcinogens that cause the development of cancer cells;
prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
antioxidant action and skin protection;
increased brain activity;
maintaining visual acuity;
improving muscle condition;
positive effect on male sexual function;
increase in hemoglobin;
diuretic effect;
improving appetite and saturating the body with essential elements.

Fresh fruits can be eaten on their own or incorporated into culinary dishes. To maximize their benefits, eat fresh, unprocessed fruits.

How healthy are dried figs?

Figs most often reach store shelves in dried form due to the specifics of transportation and the difficulty of preserving the appearance of fresh fruit. However, the beneficial properties of dried fruit are quite extensive:

treats respiratory diseases;
has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects;
has a positive effect on kidney function;
helps improve digestion;
regulates blood pressure and at the same time strengthens blood vessels and the heart muscle;
thins the blood, preventing thrombosis;
helps to cope with intoxication;
saturates the body with essential minerals;
It allows you to quickly satisfy your hunger without contributing to the formation of fat cells.

Dried figs — Dried fruits are beneficial for pregnant women, as they promote normal fetal development and reduce fatigue and exhaustion in the expectant mother.

Nutritionists and cosmetologists also use them for medicinal purposes.

How much figs should you eat and their medicinal uses

Traditional medicine recommends various infusions and decoctions made with figs. However, it's important to remember that if you have serious chronic illnesses, this treatment alone is insufficient and a consultation with a doctor is necessary.

Daily fruit intake

High concentrations of certain substances in fruits can have a negative impact on health if consumed in excess in the daily diet.

Regarding dried figs, unless there are contraindications, you should eat no more than 10 fruits per day to avoid disruptions in the body's functioning, and to ensure the fruit can have an exclusively positive effect.

Recipe for a decoction

For various viral illnesses and weakened immune systems, a fig drink is effective. Recipe:

Grind 1 tablespoon of dried fruit using a blender or meat grinder.
Pour 1 liter of boiled water over the mixture and keep it on low heat for 10 minutes.
Cover this broth with a lid and let it cool.
After a few hours, use a sieve to separate the fruit from the drink.

Fig decoction — You need to take half a glass up to 4 times a day, warming it up and drinking it in small sips.

Milk decoction for cough

This method can help ease respiratory infections and eliminate coughs. For the decoction, you'll need 110 g of dried figs and 550 ml of milk. Place the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Let it steep for 3 hours and strain, removing the figs.

Infusion for vitiligo

For skin pigmentation disorders, an infusion can be used to stimulate cell regeneration and improve the overall condition of the skin. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped figs to 1 liter of boiled water and let steep for an hour. Then, strain the infusion through cheesecloth and take 100 grams of the drink before each meal. For therapeutic purposes, use the infusion for several weeks.

For kidney stones

Figs can be used to alleviate kidney stones, as well as to break them up and eliminate them naturally. A recommended solution is:

5 medium sized fruits;
0.5 l of boiling water.

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Pour water over the fruits and simmer on the stove for 5 minutes over low heat. Mash the softened fruits with a fork and stir the resulting paste. Divide the resulting remedy into 4 portions and consume throughout the day between meals.

Solution for lotions

In folk medicine, fig leaves are also used to treat skin conditions. Pour boiling milk over dried leaves in a ratio of 1 tablespoon to 100 ml. Let it steep, cool, and strain. The resulting remedy can be taken internally, divided into 24-hour doses, or applied to abscesses and wounds as a compress several times a day. The procedure should last 30-60 minutes.

Candies for constipation

The fiber found in figs helps regulate bowel function, and eating sweets made from this fruit is a good way to relieve constipation.

To prepare sweets you will need:

Soak and rinse 100 g of figs and raisins in cold water, chop them in a blender.
Add half a teaspoon of dried ginger and nutmeg to the resulting gruel.
Form candy balls from this mixture and place them in the refrigerator to harden.

Advice!

It is recommended to take several candies before bed to normalize the gastrointestinal tract and relieve constipation.

For back pain

For inflammation and back pain, a mixture of dried fruits is recommended: dried apricots, figs, and prunes. To prepare the remedy, pour boiling water over 50 grams of dried fruit and let steep for 30 minutes. Add 0.5 teaspoon of honey and stir. Take 1/3 cup three times daily after meals.

Contraindications and harm of figs

The fruit's rich vitamin and mineral content requires careful use in those with certain health conditions. Specifically:

Inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract may be aggravated by the consumption of the fruit;
Oxalic acid in the fruit provokes the formation of new stones in people with a tendency to this disease or its presence;
Figs can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure; they should not be consumed in cases of chronic hypotension;
Large amounts of sugar, especially in dried fruit, are contraindicated for diabetics.

Harmful effects of figs — It is strictly forbidden for people with gout and enteritis to consume this product due to the high risk of worsening their general condition.

If you have problems with your liver, spleen, or urinary tract, it is not recommended to consume figs on a regular basis.

If you're prone to weight gain, include a minimal amount of berries in your diet to avoid obesity. Children under 3 years of age, pregnant women, and those who are breastfeeding should exercise caution when consuming figs due to the risk of allergies and stomach upset.

Individual intolerance to figs and allergic reactions such as diarrhea, headache, and skin rash may occur. In such cases, the use of figs in any form is prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to grow figs at home?

A fig tree can be grown in a pot on a windowsill, or in open ground in a garden bed. This requires knowledge of the basic rules for plant care and adherence to them in order to produce fruit at home.

How to choose fruit (fresh and dried)?

Fresh figs are best purchased between June and October, as this increases the likelihood of getting the most beneficial fruit without chemicals. Choose figs that are bright purple and free of visible damage. Dried figs should be beige to brown in color, with no blemishes or dents. A white sugary crust is acceptable, but the fruit should be moderately soft, not dried out, and firm.

How to remove chemicals from dried figs?

The minimum procedure for removing dirt and chemicals from the surface of the fig is rinsing it under running water, but it's best to soak purchased figs in warm water for 30-40 minutes, then drain the water along with any chemical residue. Boiling the figs is not recommended, as this will cause them to lose a number of their beneficial properties.

Figs are unique in their rich biochemical composition, which remains virtually unchanged when dried. However, it's important to note that dried fruits have a high sugar content and are high in calories, which can negatively impact the health of people with diabetes and excess weight. Figs have anti-inflammatory, strengthening, antiseptic, and restorative properties. This range of benefits allows them to be used as both a tasty food and a therapeutic agent.