Figs: beneficial properties and contraindications for men. For the male body. Benefits of figs for pregnant women

Fig, fig, fig tree - all these names belong to a unique tree, which is mentioned more than once in the Bible as a symbol of fertility and infertility at the same time, is considered the tree of the Prophet of Muslims and at the same time a wine berry among Christians. Figs have been widely used in medicine and cooking and are one of the oldest known cultivated plants in the world. And in the 21st century, the fruits of this unique tree, which are actually not fruits, not berries, not fruits, but inflorescences, are very popular. But not everyone understands how to eat figs, with or without peel, whether fresh figs are good or bad for the body, what dishes can be prepared, how to store them and much more, let’s look into it in detail.

Fresh figs - composition and calorie content

Fig berries range in color from purple to yellow, depending on the variety; there are more than ten varieties in the world, two of which are frost-resistant. The Brunsovik and Kadota varieties tolerate temperatures down to -27 degrees, the last harvest is in November.

When picking figs, you only need to wear gloves and before the sun rises, under the sun's rays, the leaves of the fig (by the way, the tree belongs to the ficus family), secrete a pungent juice and burn the skin no worse than nettles.

Figs taste sweet and may resemble walnuts. Fresh berries do not have a high calorie content - 63 kilocalories per 100 grams, but have a high percentage of sugar. For comparison, apples have a calorie content of about 55 kcal.

Can children eat figs?

Under no circumstances should you protect your child from eating figs. But it can be introduced into the diet only from 9 months. The first doses should not exceed half a teaspoon. At this time, the mother should vigilantly monitor the baby’s condition for the appearance of individual intolerance. If there are no unpleasant manifestations, then by the age of 1.5 years the baby can be given the whole fruit.

Remember that you cannot add sugar to figs; they already contain a large amount of sugar.

Composition of fresh figs - what are the benefits

Figs can be considered the most valuable berry in terms of the amount of nutrients and vitamins for human health.

B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9) - regulate metabolism and improve mood.
Potassium - normalizes blood pressure and supports heart function.
Vitamin E - strengthens the immune system, antioxidant.
Vitamin K and calcium - improve bone structure. If a person does not consume dairy products, figs will provide adequate calcium levels.
Iron is necessary for hematopoiesis.
Vitamin A (retinol) - good for the skin and mucous membranes, as well as for vision.
Folic acid is needed for cell division and blood formation.
Biotin - supports healthy skin, hair and nails.
Magnesium - promotes cell regeneration and maintains energy balance.

Dried figs: benefits and harm for men and women. What cures and how to choose it correctly?

What are figs

Fig (fig, wineberry) is the fruit-inflorescence of a fig tree, oblong, pear-shaped with small seed-seeds inside.
The color depends on the type of tree: from yellow to black-blue. Healthy fruits are used in cooking. The sugary-sweet taste allows you to make preserves and jams and use them in baking.

The medicinal properties of figs, its seeds and leaves are known. Tinctures, decoctions, and cosmetic masks benefit the body, helping with diseases of the skin, hair, digestive, cardiovascular, reproductive, nervous and respiratory systems.

The healing properties of figs are due to the high content of macro- and microelements, vitamins, and dietary fiber. Harm and contraindications to eating fruits - a significant amount of carbohydrates. 100 g of dried figs contains about 50% of the daily sugar requirement for a healthy person. Fresh fruits are slightly less saturated with sugar - about 15%.

The calorie content of fresh figs is 74 kcal, dried - 249 kcal. fat/protein: 0.4 g/0.8 g fresh and 0.9 g/3.3 g dried, respectively.

Figs contain a high concentration of health-promoting vitamins and minerals:

Potassium is an essential element that has a beneficial effect on the intracellular structure, water, electrolyte, acid balance, conduction of nerve impulses, and the functioning of the heart muscle. Fresh figs cover the body's need for potassium by 10%, dried figs by 28%.
Copper and manganese are part of useful enzymes responsible for metabolism, absorption of iron, proteins, synthesis of nucleotides and cholesterol; influence the formation of bone, connective tissue, and reproductive functions. They have regenerating and restorative properties. Fresh fruits - 7% of the daily requirement, dry - up to 29%.
Calcium – is responsible for the formation of the skeleton, teeth, reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis, gout (4% and 17%).
Magnesium is necessary for the complete absorption of potassium, calcium, sodium, prevents the development of coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack, and stimulates the nervous system. It has calming properties (5 and 17% each).
Iron - regulates the composition, quality, coagulability of blood, participates in the formation of useful enzymes responsible for oxidative and reduction functions, prevents the development of anemia, heart disease, and increased fatigue (4 and 16.5%).
Vitamin K – stimulates blood clotting and iron absorption. (4 and 13%).
The properties of B vitamins have a complex beneficial effect on all human systems and organs, minimizing the risks of developing diseases and harm to the environment. Figs contain from 4 to 9% of the norm (most of all B5 - 8.7%).

The benefits of figs for the human body also lie in the presence of non-essential and essential amino acids, beta-carotene, vitamins C, PP, E.

Important! Figs are the leader in the concentration of healthy fatty acids, potassium and iron, ranking next after nuts.

The healing qualities of figs provide significant comprehensive benefits and support to the entire body. The fruits should be consumed by healthy people to prevent the development of diseases, weakened after illness to restore efficiency and strength. They will also be useful for children and people with chronic illnesses, after consultation with a nutritionist and attending physician.

Benefits of figs:

It has immunostimulating properties, eliminates the harm of pathogens during exacerbation of viral and respiratory diseases, is useful for bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and prevents the development of respiratory inflammation.
Regulates heart rate, restores heart rhythm.
Normalizes cholesterol levels, prevents the development of cardiovascular abnormalities, anemia, and thins the blood.
The rich vitamin-mineral complex and beneficial properties prevent the development of cancer.
Useful for weakened people suffering from dystrophy, intestinal disorders, stool and digestion disorders.
It has antimicrobial, wound-healing, analgesic properties. Used to relieve toothache and relieve inflammation in the oral cavity.
It has diuretic properties and is beneficial for diseases of the urinary system.

A significant portion of the medicinal properties of figs is due to their high potassium content. It brings the product to a leading position in nutrition aimed at preventing heart and vascular diseases.

Sweet fruits have a huge beneficial effect on the female body:

prevent skin aging;
stimulate renewal of the body at the cellular level;
cleanse from waste, toxins, reduce harm from external adverse influences;
strengthen hair, teeth, nail plate;
relieve pain syndromes during the menstrual cycle;
useful in gynecology, help with fungal infections of the reproductive system.

The benefit of figs for the female body also lies in the effective prevention of the development of varicose veins. Just 5 dried berries a day will eliminate the harm from prolonged standing, high heels and uncomfortable shoes, relieve swelling, cramps, and prevent the appearance of spider veins.

Important! Overweight women should not indulge in dried figs due to their high calorie content and sugar content.

For men's health

The benefits of figs for men include a significant concentration of potassium, as well as magnesium and manganese.

Wine berry helps the male body in preventing the development of:

sexual impotence, impotence;
prostatitis;
early heart attack, stroke.

In addition, beneficial properties help restore strength after intense physical and psychological stress, lack of sleep, and stressful situations.

Important! The introduction of fruits into the daily diet of men helps to effectively combat erectile dysfunction.

Figs must be present in a woman’s diet. It facilitates the menstrual cycle and relieves pain. Fruits help reduce sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, so it is recommended to consume them at the beginning of the swimming season. If you eat figs, your tan will definitely be even, because they contain melamine.

The fruit can be used as a natural sweetener, replacing buns and cakes with it.

Figs are widely used in cosmetology. It helps to cope with vitiligo and slow down the aging process of the skin.

Fresh figs - how to eat them

At home, figs should be washed and dried with a towel. You can eat the fruit with the skin, but this is often not very convenient. If the peel is hard, then it is most convenient to cut the fruit in half and eat the inside with a spoon. And considering that some varieties of figs produce fruit up to 180 grams. At the same time, the peel is not too soft; it is always peeled.

Men and women can eat 2-6 fruits a day, preferably 30 minutes before meals. If consumed in large quantities, intestinal upset may occur. Figs are not recommended for people with gastric ulcers, gout, or pyelonephritis.

Sun-dried or dried figs are contraindicated if you have diabetes - the berry quickly and significantly increases your blood sugar and can sharply lower your blood pressure, so if you have hypotension, you should eat figs with great caution.

How much and how to eat?

Fresh fruits contain more vitamins and other beneficial substances, while dried figs contain slightly less. Therefore, it is advisable to consume the product fresh, but in the absence of such an opportunity, it is recommended to use dried (dried) berries.

Read also: Recipe for pickling brown tomatoes in a saucepan

Benefits for the body

Improved digestion

Figs contain fiber, which is a healthy fiber for the gut, as well as small seeds. Due to the fiber, the berry stabilizes the acid balance of the intestines and promotes peristalsis. This is a natural laxative that can be used for mild constipation.

Strengthening Bones

The fruit is rich in calcium and phosphorus, which helps strengthen bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. If you eat 2 berries daily for bone fractures, this will speed up their healing and recovery.

Cleansing the body

Fresh fruit is a natural antibiotic. Fresh figs are rich in antioxidants, cleanse the blood and intestines, and protect against eye pathologies and respiratory diseases.

Fresh figs for colds

During the cold season, figs with honey help to quickly transfer the virus and relieve pain, relieve body aches during fever, and sore throat. Figs are cut into slices, moistened with honey and taken 1 tablespoon 3 times a day with a glass of warm plain water.

Figs in olive oil are an excellent remedy for the prevention of seasonal flu. For a day, the fruit is placed in olive oil, then cut and eaten 50 grams. every evening.

Blood Sugar Control

It is believed that people with diabetes should not eat fruit. But fresh figs have a low glycemic index, so there won't be a sudden rise in blood sugar. The fiber contained in fruits balances blood sugar levels. According to research, the substance ficusin, found in fig leaves, increases insulin sensitivity.

Treatment of bronchitis

You can make tea or compote from figs. The mucus that forms during inflammation of the respiratory tract must not be viscous so that it can be coughed up. Take one fig, brew it together with mallow flowers, rowan, and dill. Take 1.5 glasses a day for bronchitis.

Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases with figs

In India, figs are traditionally used as a sedative for sexually transmitted diseases. Due to natural antibiotics, when taking the fruits orally or when applied topically, you can get rid of sexually transmitted infections.

For sexual dysfunction

For centuries, figs have been used to treat sexual erectile dysfunction and infertility. It is also considered a powerful aphrodisiac for fertility and improving sex life.

For coronary heart disease

Figs protect heart health. High potassium levels keep blood pressure normal. The fruit contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease. In addition, it has an inhibitory effect on harmful triglycerides and reduces their total amount.

Reducing cholesterol levels

Figs contain pectin, a soluble fiber. As fiber passes through the digestive tract, it removes excess cholesterol, which is eliminated from the body naturally. A high fiber diet may be beneficial for overall health, preventing the development of breast and bowel cancer. If you want to know what the normal cholesterol level should be for women by age, look here...

Prevention of Alzheimer's disease

Figs are considered one of the best fruits when it comes to reducing inflammation. A study conducted by universities in Australia and America found that figs can reduce inflammatory cytokines. This helps reduce the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

FOR REFERENCE

Cytokines are small peptide information molecules.
Cytokines have a molecular weight not exceeding 30 kD. The cytokine is released onto the surface of cell A and interacts with the receptor of the nearby cell B. Thus, a signal is transmitted from cell A to cell B, which triggers further reactions in cell B.

How to use figs to increase potency: recipes

The variety of recipes allows everyone to find their own optimal option for how a man can eat figs for potency. The simplest way is to eat freshly picked fruits.

Healthy and tasty sweets have been invented for those with a sweet tooth. You can prepare complete fruit-based meals or drinks.

Dishes with figs

An option that allows you to simultaneously have lunch or dinner and increase your potency level. There are several types of healthy dishes that are prepared as follows:

Grilled meat. You need to take veal or lamb meat. Chop and fry with garlic and chopped onion. Wash and cut the figs into cubes. Add it to the dish 3-4 minutes before it is fully cooked. Serve;
Fig salad. Wash and chop the figs, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley, dill or other herbs. Season with a spoon of olive oil and eat;
Casserole. Cut the fruits into circles and place on a baking sheet. Spread cottage cheese mixed with spices on top. Bake and put on the table;
Grilled figs. 60 g of fresh cottage cheese should be mixed with a pinch of chopped rosemary and a spoon of natural honey. Wash and dry the berries, cut in half. Place the mixture inside the halves and place on the grill. Cooking time – 7 minutes;
Figs with saffron milk. It is necessary to leave a tablespoon of saffron in ½ mug of milk overnight. In the morning, thoroughly stir the mixture and stuff it with 10 figs. Eat 1 fruit three times a day, store the rest in the refrigerator.

Healthy drink

To increase male power, traditional healers recommend special drinks:

Compote. Cook according to the same recipe for preparing the usual dried fruit compote. Be sure to add a squeeze of lemon to reduce excessive sweetness;
Homemade wine drink. You will need granulated sugar and fruits in equal parts. Prepare concentrated syrup and pour it over finely chopped fruit. Add wine yeast. The wine must stand for 30 days.

Healing sweets

Habitual flour desserts should be replaced with jam and fig sweets. This will not only increase the level of potency, but also improve the health of the body.

Candies. Take the desired amount of dried fruits. Mix with any dried fruits and mince. Combine with honey and ground nuts until a homogeneous dense mass is obtained. Roll into balls and dry a little;
Jam. Wash, dry and trim the tops of 1 kg of figs. Place in a saucepan and add the same amount of sugar. Pour in 2 tablespoons of plain water. Turn on the gas, bring to a boil and cook for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and wait until it cools completely. Repeat 6 times. Divide into jars.

Mixtures with figs and dried fruits

An effective remedy for male impotence is self-prepared mixtures of dried fruits that contain figs. Increased potency is achieved through the complex effect of dried fruits on the body, which provide not only the necessary level of erection and libido, but also activate the production of testosterone, prolong sexual intercourse, and tone up. Cooking recipes:

Crush 150 g of walnut kernels. Pour into a mixture of dried figs, dried apricots and raisins, taken 100 g each. Chop additionally with a knife and pour into a glass jar. Directions for use: 2 tablespoons after lunch or before dinner, mix with plain yogurt or kefir;
Mix dried figs, walnuts, dried apricots and prunes in equal portions. Add 1-2 tablespoons of natural flower honey. Take twice a day, dividing the finished portion.

Fresh fruits

The simplest, but no less effective way to combat sexual disorders is to consume fresh figs. With its help, libido is activated, and erectile function returns to normal levels.

Experts recommend eating 1 fig tree fruit either fresh without additives or mixed with natural yogurt.

Possible harm of figs to the body

It's no secret that everything that is excessive is not useful. Any medicine can turn into poison if used thoughtlessly. This also applies to figs.

Excessive consumption of figs can have a laxative effect. And daily treats can increase the risk of tooth decay. In small quantities, figs reduce sugar levels due to fiber. But eating several fruits a day can cause high blood sugar or serious health problems.

People with allergies to fibrous foods should avoid figs. The reason is that figs are a very fleshy fruit. Figs can cause allergies in people with increased sensitivity. Therefore, eat a small piece to check if there is an allergy.

Recipes for men

In recipes for the health of a man’s body, it is advisable to combine figs with foods containing large amounts of protein, calcium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. Seafood, lean meat, poultry, and dairy products are ideal in this regard. Most men love sweet desserts. It is useful to replace the usual high-calorie (and not very healthy) sweets and cakes with them. Here are some popular recipes.

Milk-fig smoothie

Boil 5-6 fruits in 500 ml of milk for several minutes. Grind the figs, a few tablespoons of honey and walnuts in a blender, adding milk as you go. You can drink it chilled, but when warm it greatly relieves coughs and cold symptoms.

Fig infusion

To prepare, take several large apples, prunes and figs - 5 dried fruits each. Boil the fruit in 2-3 liters of water, leave for an hour. Sweeten with honey.

Read also: Anthurium houseplant care at home

Fig candies

To prepare you will need 100 g of raisins, several dates, a dozen dried figs, any chopped nuts, honey (about 100 ml). Grind the pre-washed and soaked fruits in a blender, add nuts and honey. The mass should be quite thick. Form balls from the fruit and honey mixture. The sweets can be rolled in sesame seeds or dried a little.

Curd dessert with figs

A very tasty treat! To prepare, you need to beat 500 g of cottage cheese in a blender. Then add half a glass of milk, a few spoons of honey, 200 g of chopped dried figs and some chopped nuts and beat again. Place the resulting mass in the freezer for 2-3 hours in a freezing container. Ice cream lovers will love this chilled dessert.

To prepare dishes with figs, simply add a little fruit to your usual recipes. It is useful to add it to seafood salads, salads with mozzarella and feta. Try adding this ingredient to marinades for meat and fish, or use it to stuff poultry. Everyone is sure to discover a new favorite taste!

Figs in cosmetology

Hair care

Figs are added to shampoos and conditioners. Thanks to the vitamin content, hair roots are strengthened. You can make masks yourself: grind the fruit, add a teaspoon of your favorite oil. Apply to hair for 30 minutes. Then wash with shampoo.

How to strengthen your hair with apple cider vinegar, see proven recipes here...

Skin diseases

The antioxidant properties of figs help in skin care. To nourish and cleanse and prevent skin aging, apply to your face in the form of fig puree. Keep for 20 minutes. The recipe is especially suitable for those who have acne problems. How to get rid of acne at home, simple but effective recipes here...

Other useful properties

The list of medicinal properties of figs does not end there.

Over the years of research into the functions of the fig tree, scientists have identified its healing abilities for more than 40 diseases of the digestive, endocrine, reproductive and respiratory systems [11].

Figs have a beneficial effect on the body when:

sore throat;
whooping cough;
indigestion;
abdominal cramps;
fever;
anemia;
liver diseases;
paralysis;
skin diseases;
ear pain;
poor vision;
boils;
abscesses;
venereal diseases;
improper body acidity [12].

How to select and store

The average size of a ripe berry is about 8 cm, the fruit has a pear-shaped or completely round shape. The peel is unevenly colored; the color of the fig, depending on the variety, can be very diverse, from dirty yellow to purple and gray.

When choosing figs in a store, focus on uniform color, this indicates proper ripening. Also look at the integrity of the peel: it should not be damaged.

It is recommended to store fresh figs at a temperature no higher than three degrees. You can put it in the refrigerator, wrapped in paper. Unripe figs can be stored for several days at room temperature until they ripen.

In Mediterranean countries, figs are harvested twice a year. Fruits collected in June and July are more useful than in August and September. Figs are dried in the oven or in the sun. Due to the fact that water leaves, the sugar concentration increases by 60%. The dried fruits are then steam pressed to produce rolls.

Storing figs

Storing dried figs

When choosing a wine berry, you should pay attention to the appearance and smell of the fruit. Figs are a perishable product, so you should not buy berries with dents, a sour smell or signs of fermentation, as they can cause diarrhea and poor health.

Fresh fruits should be elastic, however, very hard figs are most likely underripe.

It is advisable to store fresh berries in the refrigerator, placing them in one row. Dried figs must be placed in an airtight container and placed in a cool, dry place.

Quick recipes with figs

Of course, you can eat figs on their own, as a dessert or snack, but if you make one of our wineberry recipes, you'll be surprised at the exquisite flavor figs add to simple dishes.

Spring salad with figs, ham and spinach

It will take you only 15 minutes to prepare. You will need:

Spinach - 300 gr.
Walnuts, roasted - 30 gr.
Fresh figs - 8 medium or 4 large berries;
Ham - 80 gr.
Mozzarella cheese - 30 gr.
Apple cider vinegar, olive oil.
Salt, pepper ─ to taste.

Cut the ham into thin slices, figs into slices, spinach, mash nuts. Mix olive oil with vinegar and season the salad.

Cooking recipes

In any form, fig tree fruits are considered an exquisite delicacy. They can be added to various dishes (salads, cereals, desserts), made into sweets, compotes and jams, and served as a side dish for meat and poultry. The most popular varieties: white figs (Turkish), Brunswick, Black Prince, Randino, etc.

Fig jam will be a good support for the immune system in winter

Compote and jam

Fresh fruit compote has a sweet, pleasant taste and contains many vitamins. To prepare it you will need:

0.5 kg. fruits (choose unripe ones);
1.5 l. water;
150 g sugar;
5 g citric acid.

To prepare, you need to cut off the stalks and rinse the fruits in warm water, put the fruits in a saucepan and add cold water so that it covers them by 5 cm. Put on fire, bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Then remove the water, refill the fruit with cold water and place in a cool, dark place for 5 hours.

After soaking, pour out the water and place the fruits in pre-sterilized jars at 1/3 height. To prepare the syrup, take 1 liter. water to which sugar and citric acid are added. Bring the solution to a boil and pour into jars of fruit, roll up with a can opener.

Purple figs are ideal for making jam

Fig jam with lemon is prepared from the following ingredients:

1 kg. fig fruits of green or purple color;
2 small lemons with thin skin;
600 g sugar;
4 clove buds;
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar.

Before cooking, cut off the tails, cut the bases with a cross to a depth of 5-6 mm, stick the clove buds inside. Wash the lemons and cut into thin slices, saving the juice. In a large container with a thick bottom, mix 100 ml lemon juice. water and vinegar, add sugar and lemons. Place the container over medium heat and, bringing to a boil, skim off the foam. Cook for another 10 minutes.

Then add fig fruits, stir, bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes over low heat. Set aside and cool for 3 hours. Repeat boiling and cooling 3 times. Place the finished jam into sterile jars and close.

Fig fruits are used in cooking to enrich and diversify nutrition.

How many figs can you eat per day?

Experts' recommendations on how much and how to eat figs depend on the state of the human body and the presence of chronic diseases. For healthy people, eating 4-5 fruits daily will be healthy and safe. However, one should take into account the high calorie content and high fiber content of fruits, which requires restrictions in the presence of stomach diseases.

Information about the substances that figs contain, the benefits and harms for the body of children and adults will help those who prefer to use traditional recipes for treatment.