Fig tree: where the fig tree grows, its beneficial properties and contraindications.
Content:
Where does this unusual fig tree come from? What beneficial properties and trace elements does it have? In what cases should it not be eaten? Can figs be included in the diet during pregnancy and how will this affect the baby? Where is the fig found, when it appeared in Russia and what is it called in the common people? You will get an answer to all these questions by reading our article.
Fig: description of the fig tree, its genus and fruit
Figs are also known as fig tree, wine berry, fig, fig tree. Comes from the Mulberry family, the Ficus genus. Asia Minor is where figs come from. Figs are found not only in their homeland, but also in the Caucasus, in the Crimea, figs are widespread in other parts of our country. The plant differs from other fruits and vegetables familiar to us with its unique taste, many vitamins and useful microelements thanks to which it is actively used in medicine and not only.
The fig plant, according to data for today, is one of the oldest trees on planet Earth. The first mention of figs is found in the Bible. It says that the exiled Adam and Eve used the leaves of the tree to hide naked bodies. First, the tree was planted in Arabia, then in Syria and Egypt. The appearance of figs on the territory of Russia is attributed to the 17th century. Then the common people began to call him fig.
The plant has a brown trunk, leaves are hard. Scientists divide fig trees into female and male. It is impossible not to mention one feature of pollination, blastophages, or rather black wasps, help plants in the process of pollination. In figs, pollination is considered one of the most difficult activities.
When mentioning the fruits, it is worth noting their similarity to a pear, but the similarity is only in shape. The pulp is full of juice and has a sugar taste, there are small grains inside. The fruits of the fig tree are eaten both fresh and heat-treated. In the culinary industry, it is used to make jams, preserves, snacks and desserts. It is worth remembering the huge amount of vitamins and minerals.
The fruit of the fig tree: its beneficial properties and contraindications
What vitamins and nutrients are included in this wonderful plant? For example, calcium, potassium, iodine, iron, phosphorus, B1, B3, PP, C. Only nuts can boast a high potassium content. What are the health benefits of figs? In medicine, it is used to reduce fever and blood cholesterol, prevent, restore normal sugar levels, as well as diaphoretic, antioxidant, laxative, and diuretic drugs.
In the field of dietetics, figs are also used, since it is a very low-calorie product, but only fresh (there are fifty calories per hundred grams).
In folk medicine, they are used to relieve pain during menstruation, prepare infusions and decoctions to reduce fever, eliminate a strong cough, and make a laxative.
To prepare a laxative you will need: fifty grams of figs, fifty grams of raisins, a little chopped ginger, nutmeg. All this must be crushed and mixed together. The resulting product should be cut into no more than one centimeter, and used internally for constipation in two centimeter slices.
To make a decoction to lower the heat and get rid of a strong cough, you will need: a couple of fig tree fruits, five hundred milliliters of milk.We boil it all together, cool it, let it brew and use it for internal use. Drinking a decoction at room temperature is necessary three to four times in twenty-four hours.
It is believed that during pregnancy, it is beneficial to include the fruits of the fig tree in your diet, as it improves digestion and the rudiments of the baby's teeth.
However, there are some contraindications for eating figs. Some of them: metabolic disease - gout, in the presence of kidney stones, problems with the digestive system, in the presence of excess weight (do not eat dried figs, as it is a very high-calorie product), in the presence of diabetes mellitus.
The fig tree is a very useful plant with a variety of useful properties. The fruits of the tree have an excellent effect on the cardiovascular system, give the body tone and increase immunity, efficiency, reduce hunger, fever, fight constipation, and are also famous for their antitumor effect.