A fig tree

The

Fig is considered to be the oldest tree or shrub cultivated by man. In its wild form, it is found mainly in subtropical climate zones and belongs to the mulberry family and can reach up to 12 meters in height.

The crown of the tree is quite spread out, and its trunk is light gray in color. The fig leaves are quite large and grow rough and long-stalked.

Their upper part is dark green, and on the reverse side they are lighter. Their stalks and leaves contain a milky juice.

It should be noted that the fig tree is a close relative of the indoor ficus. If grown in a room, this tree will not reach such dimensions as in nature, and its maximum height is up to 2 meters.

Not all varieties bear fruit in room conditions, but only some.

Nutritional value per 100 grams

• Proteins – 1.5 grams;
• Fats – 0.4 grams;
• Carbohydrates – 4.9 grams;
• Mineral composition – 12.5 grams;
• Water – 1.4 grams;
• Caloric content – ​​74 kilocalories;

Canned figs contain 53 kilocalories, but dried figs contain 257 kilocalories. Excessive consumption of figs in this way can cause weight gain.

Beneficial properties

Fig fruits contain a huge amount of trace elements – copper, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, as well as vitamins A and B. Sugars in fresh figs are approximately 24%, and in dried 37%.

The decoction of figs is an excellent remedy against sweating and increased body temperature. Figs also significantly improve kidney and stomach function. In folk medicine, a decoction of fig fruits has long been prescribed for colds, angina, inflammation of the gums and the respiratory tract.

The fig is very useful for people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system. This is due to the potassium contained in it, as this mineral relieves the tension on the vessel walls.

Fig fruits not only relax them, but also expand them and are therefore particularly valuable in the fight against hypertension and venous insufficiency.

Ficin, an enzyme contained in figs, lowers the clotting ability and dissolves thrombi in blood vessels. It should be noted that figs have laxative properties and can also relieve palpitations.

Figs are considered an excellent remedy for fighting overweight, hangovers, coughs, and stress. These fruits prevent the conversion of sugars into adipose tissue, a property that is especially useful for people watching their weight.

Figs contain a significant amount of plant fibers, but they do not cause any harm to the body. They are even useful so that food surpluses do not accumulate in the body as excess weight.

Figs also save a person from hangover symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, disgust for the whole world and nausea. Figs also lift the mood, this is due to the fact that they contain nutrients that provide emotional comfort – potassium, magnesium and calcium.

Contraindications

Despite the above-described useful properties of the fig, the consumption of these fruits is strictly prohibited for people suffering from diabetes mellitus, gout, acute inflammatory bowel disease.

This is related to the cellulose and oxalic acid contained in figs, which is not beneficial for all people.

Dried figs are contraindicated in pancreatitis and metabolic syndrome, as their consumption can cause exacerbation of these diseases.