Dried figs. Useful properties and medicine for old age

The tree of the fig tree (fig) refers to the mulberry family and can grow to a height of 10-12 meters. This is one of the most ancient known fruit trees, mention of which is in the Bible and the Koran. Presumably, its cultivation began in Ancient Arabia, from where it spread to Syria, Phenicia and Egypt, and then, in the IX century BC, to Hellas. In the Old World figs appeared only in the middle of the XIV century.

They say that if you collect the well-ripened fruits on time and qualitatively dry them, then it's better not to eat fresh, but the dried figs. Its useful properties increase from drying, although the amount of sugar also increases. But this is the category of sugars that are well absorbed in the body and only benefit people (except for diabetics).

Avicenna also advised older people to eat figs. It contains so much fiber that it is in the first place among dried fruits, so its use has a very beneficial effect on the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Especially valuable is its high content of pectin, as well as potassium, calcium, vitamins from group B, iron and magnesium.

It strengthens and activates the blood plasma, the routine contained in it, strengthens the walls of small vessels and capillaries. Cardiovascular diseases will recede, at least, the risk of the disease will decrease. The connective tissues are very well restored, so it is highly indicated to the elderly.

Also for the restoration of tissues after operations on the joints is useful dried figs. Useful properties will increase if you eat 10 pieces of fruit a day. The composition of the figure includes fatty acids and phytosterol, lowering cholesterol. Caloric content of fruits is 140 kcal per 100 grams.

Pregnant figs are also useful. This has long been proven. What is the use of dried figs? It helps with bronchial asthma, it is useful as a blood thinning medication, it prevents the formation of thrombi. The fruits of the fig tree act as a diaphoretic and diuretic, useful for heart diseases and bronchial asthma. In places where the fig tree grows, a decoction of figs with milk has been known for a long time as a remedy for coughing and with tonsillitis, diseases of the vocal cords.

The only contraindication is diabetes, as there is a lot of sugar in the dried figs. Figs are an excellent remedy for constipation. Eat dried figs every day. Useful properties will not keep you waiting, if the rate of eaten fruits is 7-9 pieces per day. Do not do this if you have a business trip or an important meeting.

Fruits eaten together with another sweet dish or immediately after a plentiful lunch can cause increased gas production. In addition to other useful properties, the fig contains epicatechins and catechins (strong antioxidants), which prevent the development of tumors and stop the degeneration of cells.

So, we found out what dried figs are useful for, it is necessary to decide how to choose it to distinguish, where the quality dried fruits, and where the spoiled. In our country, the product comes mainly from Turkey, and the fruits are not ripened ripe, so that they get duly on the road. Ripe fruit can not be stored because of the increased fondness of the fetus.

Light yellow or light brown color indicates good quality. The shape should be slightly flattened, so it is made during the drying process. If you see a slightly whitish plaque on the fruit, do not think that this is a sign of spoilage. This is a plaque of glucose. If the fruits are acidic, even brackish, then they are spoiled, their shelf life has expired.

What is prepared from figs

You can use dried figs in different ways. Useful properties of fruit salad will be even better if you add figs in it, after having soaked it in warm water. You can make compotes, fillings for pies (prunes, raisins, dried apricots), it is added to sauces for meat and poultry. In muesli include fruits of dried figs. It is useful in the morning to eat a spoonful of honey and dried figs.