Surprising And Amazing Benefits of Figs

Dried figs are more nutritious than fresh ones. Figs are high in antioxidants, help fight cancer, treat uncomplicated diseases, have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and contain potassium, fiber, and other nutrients. Autumn is the season of figs. We will tell you why it is so good, and why it is imperative to include these juicy fig fruits in your diet right now.

General information about figs

Figs are an extremely controversial product. Despite the fact that it really contains many useful trace elements, including carotene, pectin, iron and copper, these fruits contain a large amount of sugar, in some varieties its content reaches 71%. For this reason, this fruit is not recommended for people with diabetes.

The calorie content of raw figs is 74 kcal per 100 g, and dried figs - 257 kcal.

The maximum amount of sugar can be found in overripe fruits, which most often end up on store shelves during the off-season. Now, in autumn, fig lovers have the opportunity to enjoy not only the taste, but also the benefits of this berry. You need to choose dense and elastic fruits, without dents and cuts. Remember that figs are a perishable product, so it is recommended to keep them fresh for no longer than three days, then they begin to lose both taste and benefits. If the figs are still stuck in your refrigerator, then we advise you to use them in cooking, how exactly - we will tell you at the end of the material.

The benefits of figs

• Fig has antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects, therefore it is recommended for colds, sore throats and other similar diseases.
• In folk medicine, figs are known as a faithful assistant in the fight against diseases of the cardiovascular system. Of course, we do not recommend basing your treatment only on these fruits, but we advise you to support the main course. Figs contain an impressive amount of potassium, which will have a beneficial effect on the general state of health, and in particular on the vessels.

• Having already mentioned the cardiovascular system, we add that the fig, thanks to the enzyme ficin contained in it, promotes the resorption of vascular blood clots, and also helps to normalize the heart rate.
• Figs are also rich in fiber, which is why they quickly fill and satisfy hunger for a long time. These fruits can be a great mid-day snack.
• Figs are believed to help fight hangovers by reducing all the accompanying symptoms - nausea, thirst, headache and general weakness. This is due to the high content in it of three elements important for our body - potassium, magnesium and calcium.

There are few contraindications to the use of figs, and they are primarily associated with the high sugar content of this berry. Fresh figs are not recommended for people with diabetes and acute gastrointestinal diseases. The same applies to dried figs, because the percentage of sugar in it only increases.

What to cook with figs

Figs make delicious preserves, jams and syrups, they also look very good in compotes and lemonades. In some eastern countries, all kinds of tinctures are even made from it, but most often figs are used in the preparation of desserts, which, in principle, is logical, given the amount of sugar it contains. However, this does not mean that you should not experiment with this fruit and not try to add it to main dishes. He is also great friends with meat and goes well (especially with red), the main thing is to find the right proportions.

Curd casserole with figs

Ingredients:

• Cottage cheese - 500 g
• Sour cream - 4 tbsp. l.
• Sugar - 7-9 tbsp. l.
• Eggs - 2 pcs.
• Dried figs - 150 g
• Melted butter - 40 g
• Wheat flour - 150-200 g
• Vanillin to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine cottage cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, vanillin and melted butter.
2. Add flour to the curd mixture. Stir in finely chopped figs.
3. Take a not too deep baking dish and brush it with sunflower oil.
4. Put the mixture in a mold and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes at 180 degrees.
5. You can eat it both warm and chilled. Serve with syrups and sour cream.

Fig history

Fig is the most ancient plant known to man. The height of this tree can reach up to 10 meters, and its roots go deep into the soil. For example, in ancient Greece, the fig tree was considered a symbol of fertility and love. During the wedding, the young were presented with a basket filled with ficus with wishes of wealth and large offspring. And Alexander the Great gave instructions to brew a drug that was given to the soldiers after the battle to recuperate.

The color of the fig depends on the variety and can range from dark purple to yellow. Caria is considered the birthplace of ficus, a province of Asia Minor. Thanks to merchants and travelers, these berries spread to the Mediterranean countries, and eventually to China, Africa, Australia and England.

Today, the fig tree grows in India, Turkey, Iran, Greece, Italy, Portugal and America. In Russia, the grape is grown on the Black Sea coast, in the Krasnodar Territory and in the European part of the country.

Figs are harvested early in the morning with gloves, as under the influence of sunlight, the leaves secrete juice and cause a burning sensation on the skin, similar to stinging nettle.