Content
Dried figs are not popular due to their questionable appearance. But fresh, it is rarely found on the shelves, since it is demanding on the conditions of storage and transportation. The benefits and harms of dried figs for the body are not known to everyone. It is believed that the product can partially meet the daily needs for iron and vitamin B.
The benefits of dried figs for the body
The fig tree grows in areas with a subtropical climate. Its fruit is called a fig or fig tree. Fresh, they retain their taste and useful properties for no more than 3 days. Therefore, figs are most often found in dried form. It is valued for its content of the following substances:
- cellulose;
- manganese;
- ficin;
- calcium;
- fatty polyunsaturated acids;
- tannins;
- sodium;
- antioxidants;
- fructose and glucose;
- pectins;
- beta carotene.
Dried fruits, in comparison with fresh ones, are no less useful. They are introduced into the diet during combination therapy. The fig tree has a tonic effect, activating the body's defenses. When consumed regularly, it promotes weight loss and the elimination of bad cholesterol. The useful properties of dried figs are as follows:
- lowering blood pressure;
- normalization of the reproductive organs;
- restoration of the function of the respiratory system;
- strengthening bones;
- expectorant action;
- prevention of diabetes mellitus;
- elimination of toxic substances;
- improvement of the digestive tract.
Due to the fructose content, the product quickly replenishes the body's energy reserves. With constant presence in the diet, it helps to maintain the amount of hemoglobin at the proper level, which is important for iron deficiency anemia. Dried figs are also prized for their tryptophan content. This substance is involved in the production of melatonin, which is responsible for the quality of sleep.
Due to the presence of pectin in the composition, the berry accelerates the regeneration processes. Rutin improves the absorption of vitamin C, so doctors advise combining dried figs with citrus fruits. Due to the presence of ficin in the composition, the level of blood clotting decreases.
The fig tree is most useful for women who are carrying a child and planning a pregnancy. The product contains a large amount of folic acid. It contributes to the correct formation of the baby's nervous system. Dried figs are often recommended to be treated for colds, since it is undesirable to take medications during pregnancy. For problems with reproduction, figs are recommended to be introduced into the diet to stimulate the production of estrogen. As a result, the frequency of the menstrual cycle is normalized and the state of the nervous system is stabilized.
The health benefits of the fig tree stem from the nutritional value and sweet taste of the product. Thanks to this, they are replaced by flour desserts and chocolate. With intense physical activity, figs help to avoid injury by strengthening the skeletal system.
Considering the benefits of figs, it is recommended to use it in the following cases:
- colds;
- prevention of pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
- high blood cholesterol;
- violation of the stool;
- fragility of bones;
- the need to cleanse the body of harmful substances;
- skin rashes and pigmentation;
- avitaminosis.
Why are dried figs harmful?
The benefits of the fig tree are neutralized if the product is consumed contrary to contraindications. Its main drawback is its laxative effect. On the road, away or at work, this effect can put a person in an uncomfortable position. Dried figs, the photo of which is shown above, has a number of contraindications. These include:
- diabetes;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- gout;
- acute pancreatitis;
- diarrhea.
Due to its high sugar content, figs should be eaten in limited quantities. Excessive use of the fig tree irritates the intestinal mucosa, which can aggravate inflammatory processes in it. Also, metabolic processes slow down and the risk of caries increases. When consumed correctly and in moderation, dried figs are not harmful to health. If the product is misused, the following reactions are possible:
- decreased physical activity;
- flatulence;
- symptoms of low blood pressure;
- intense weight gain;
- allergy.
Intolerance to the product is accompanied by the release of antibodies into the blood. In this case, the symptoms of allergy can appear immediately or gradually. The most common signs of intolerance include rashes, watery eyes, abdominal pain, and itching sensations. In rare cases, allergies develop so rapidly that Quincke's edema occurs. It threatens to completely block the airways, which is fatal.
How to dry figs at home
To preserve the benefits of figs longer, you can dry them at home. First, you need to choose the right fresh fruit. They must not be deformed. If the fig tree is immature, it is brought to ripeness by placing it in the refrigerator for 3 days. Maturity is indicated by a dense dark purple skin, slightly amenable to pressure. Too hard surface indicates a violation of the transportation and storage conditions. It is undesirable to buy such a berry.
Dried figs are prepared as follows:
- The fruits are cut in half and placed in a container. Sprinkle sugar on top so that they let the juice out.
- For 24 hours, the berries are in the refrigerator.
- The syrup is prepared separately. The same amount of water and sugar is poured into a small container. The syrup is boiled over low heat until the granulated sugar is completely dissolved.
- Each half of the figs is dipped in the syrup and then placed on a tray, skin side down.
- The fruits are dried in the oven, electric dryer or in the sun for 3 hours.
How much you can and how to eat correctly
Dried figs go well with a variety of foods. It is added to cereals, desserts, salads and hot dishes. It goes well with poultry and lamb. The fruits of the fig tree are used to prepare medicinal infusions and decoctions. In a crushed and soaked state, they are used to heal damage to the skin surface. The fig mass is placed on the problem area and rewound with a sterile bandage.
To increase sexual activity, men soak the product in milk overnight before use. The daily dose of dried figs is eaten for breakfast. The duration of such treatment is determined on an individual basis. With moderate severity of erectile dysfunction, 1 month is enough.
The product retains its beneficial properties only with moderate use. It is enough to eat 2-3 fruits per day to provide the body with the required amount of nutrients.
Calorie content of dried figs
People looking to lose weight should not get carried away with dried figs. The calorie content of 1 piece, weighing about 30 g, is 76 kcal. 100 g of product contains 255 kcal.
How to store dried figs at home
A cool place is selected for storing the fruit of the fig tree. A cotton cloth is placed on the bottom of the glass container. Only after that, dried figs are placed in it. The container is closed with a tight lid.
The dried fig tree can also be stored in a suspended state, after placing it in linen bags. This ensures good air circulation. To avoid insect breeding, figs can be stored in a paper bag.
Freezing will help preserve the benefits of the fig tree as long as possible. The figs are placed in an airtight container prior to its implementation. If necessary, the fruits are pre-crushed. Freezing increases the shelf life of the product up to a year.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of dried figs for the body depend on a combination of various factors. Proper drying and storage ensures maximum preservation of all nutrients.
