Benefits of figs

 

Benefits and drawbacks of figs: neither fruit, berry, nor vegetable

 

Home country and figs' history

Many names have been given to this plant, including fig, fig tree, fig tree, fig, fig, fig, and mulberry focus. Some sources claim that figs have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. Its native region is the province of Kaiya in Asia Minor, from which it migrated to the nations of the Mediterranean. Phoenicia, Syria, and Egypt all borrowed from the Arabian Peninsula, where it was initially introduced to society.

 

The dried form of figs was a staple food for all social classes in ancient Greece, where they were revered as symbols of love and fertility. It was known as Bacchus' gift, after the Roman god of wine and agriculture. The founder of the Roman Empire, Octavius Augustus, was allegedly assassinated by his wife Livia with a poisoned fig fruit, according to Roman consul Dion.

Later, figs were grown in Afghanistan and Portugal, and they reached Northern Europe around the fifteenth century. Even later, in 1769, Junipero Serra's missionaries carried him to California where he eventually made his way to America.

Because figs need a lot of light to ripen, they are currently grown in countries like India, Turkey, Iran, Greece, Italy, Portugal, America, Azerbaijan, and along the Black Sea coast. It is a tree that may grow up to 10 metres tall and produces fruit twice a year. It's interesting how hard it is to categorise figs.

Veronika Khanzada, a nutritionist, told RIA Novosti that there are disagreements in Russia about the proper nomenclature for this fruit. - Our classifications indicate that this is neither a fruit nor a vegetable.

What are figs good for?

Potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, and vitamins B1, B3, PP, and C are all found in abundance in this plant's fruit, which is also rich in vitamins and minerals. Additionally, dried figs are recommended for anaemia sufferers since they contain more iron than apples and have a potassium level that is only second to nuts.

It is advised for colds and other respiratory illnesses since it generally possesses antipyretic and anti-inflammatory qualities. The fig tree's fruit is high in fibre and filling, which keeps you from feeling hungry for a long period. 100 grammes of figs provide 74 kcal in calories. It is said to alleviate the unpleasant effects of a hangover, including nausea, overall weakness, and headache.

Although figs are low in micronutrients overall, they are particularly high in copper and vitamin B6. Thus, it may have a variety of health advantages for the body, including better digestion, a decrease in constipation, and assistance in regulating blood sugar and fat levels. There are rumours of an anti-cancer impact, but there hasn't been enough study to support them, according to Khanzada.

The prevention of cardiovascular disease and the boosting of the immune system are two additional advantages of figs.

In addition, it saturates the body with potassium and calcium during pregnancy and helps women with terrible menstrual cramps. The major advantage for males is that frequent usage strengthens the cardiovascular system and lowers the risk of heart attack or stroke.

when it is risky

Fig fruit may occasionally be dangerous. They are not advised for those with diabetes or severe gastrointestinal disorders because they are high in sugar. Additionally, figs should not be consumed by those who are prone to create stones.

"Figs might cause indigestion or diarrhoea if you eat too many of them. Fig allergies are also possible if there is birch pollen sensitivity. Latex allergies can cause the same response in some persons. The specialist underlined that the presence of vitamin K can lessen the effects of blood-thinning medications.

How is it applied in healthcare?

Since ancient times, the fig tree's fruits have been utilised in medicine. Even then, people used hot milk and figs to soothe sore throats because of the figs' naturally therapeutic properties. The body is generally strengthened by it because of its high vitamin and mineral content. Rheumatism, skin conditions, discomfort in colds of the female genital organs, and growth in liver volume can all be treated with a decoction of it. Additionally recommended for palpitations, venous insufficiency, asthma, and bronchitis.

Almost as beneficial as fresh figs are dried figs. It has laxative properties.

use in cooking

You may make jams, preserves, and compotes from fresh fruits. Figs pair nicely with other dried fruits, lemons, and nuts in dishes. It is used to make bread and a variety of bakery goods in many nations. In this instance, it might be used with fruits like peaches, raspberries, or oranges for the filling.

It is typically served as a dessert with honey, almonds, or cottage cheese. Additionally, it pairs nicely with cheeses and meats, and it may be used to fill lamb, hog, or poultry as well as salads and bacon toast. Both sweet and salty fig tree salads are possible; the former solely includes fruits, while the latter also includes cheese, mushrooms, liver, and shellfish.

Those who follow a healthy diet commonly include figs.

How to pick and keep

Fresh figs have a deliciously sweet scent that is their standout quality. When the fruit has a sour aroma, internal fermentation or decay processes are active. Its surface must be firm, smooth, and free from mechanical damage. A ripe fig tree varies in colour depending on the type and is supple but not too soft (from light green to dark purple). A thing will feel stiff when it is unripe and ultra-soft when it is ripe.

Quality dried figs should be beige or light brown in hue. Its surface may have a faint white coating, which is not always a bad thing but does point to the fruits' high glucose content. Good feeling about the product