What Are The Benefits Of Figs

A tart fig (aka fig or fig tree) is as much a favorite of ancient myths and fairy tales as brave heroes, gods or beautiful muses. The fruit -legend is first mentioned in Egyptian papyri dated 2700 BC as a vital fruit . Socrates, a supporter of figs , believed that in the human body, sweet fibers attract useful elements and repel harmful ones. And the therapist Galen developed a special diet for Olympic athletes based on the heavenly fruit . In his opinion, this is one of the best sources of energy, able to quickly restore strength, relieve fatigue and overload. So let's learn more about the useful properties and contraindications of figs .

Figs for longevity

Another great doctor - Avicenna - believed that the older you get, the more figs should be in your diet. Modern research has confirmed that among the active components of figs are enzymes that stimulate digestion, antibacterial substances, fiber and a precious combination of 11 vitamins, 14 minerals and 14 amino acids that participate in the construction of protein. In terms of the amount of calcium, it is slightly inferior to nuts, but it has more iron than apples. Figs also contain benzaldehyde, which blocks the reproduction of cancer cells and slows down the age-related destruction of the retina.

Figs for weight loss

Useful properties of figs for women also apply to the figure. This Mediterranean fruit is among the leaders in potassium content, which removes excess fluid from the body. Sweet fruit perfectly controls appetite and suppresses hunger for a long time. And the small seeds in its pulp stimulate the intestines and help with weight loss. If you want to enhance the slimming effect, add figs to the evening menu or eat them instead of dinner. Another useful option is to replace dessert with sweet fruit .

Figs are contraindicated

Unfortunately, the miracle fruit (especially its dried version) has a number of contraindications. It is not recommended to be eaten by people with diabetes, and people suffering from obesity, impaired metabolism or intestinal diseases.

Fruit salad with figs

• 2 cups pitted watermelon, diced.

• ½ cup thinly sliced ​​red onion.

• 4 fresh figs ,  cut into slices.

• ¼ feta cheese.

• 1 tbsp. olive oil.

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh mint.

• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil.

• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar.

• Salt pepper.

Put the watermelon on a plate, evenly distribute the onion on top. Lay out the fig slices and sprinkle them with sugar. Mix oil, juice and honey, mix with a whisk. Pour the resulting dressing over the salad, sprinkle with mint and basil. Season with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

Spicy dessert with peach, fig and spices

• 1 tsp peas of black pepper.

• 2 tsp butter

• 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme.

• 4 large ripe peaches, cut in half, remove the stone.

• 8 ripe figs , cut in half .

• ⅓ cup of balsamic vinegar.

• ⅓ cup sour cream.

• Salt.

Fry the pepper in a pan for about 6 minutes. Wrap in cling film and crush with a rolling pin. Melt 1 tsp. of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat, add a spoonful of thyme. Place the peach, cut side down, in the pan. Cook for 2 minutes until browned. Pull out. Repeat with all halves. Melt the second spoonful of butter, stir in the thyme, and lay out the figs with the pulp facing down. Cook for 2 minutes. Place on a plate. Evaporate the vinegar in the pan by a third (about 3 minutes). Cool a little. Put 2 tsp in the center of each peach. sour cream, pour vinegar on top of each portion and sprinkle lightly with pepper and salt. Serve with ruddy figs .

Gentle fig smoothie

• 1 glass of ice.

• ¾ cup of low-fat yogurt.

• ½ cup almond milk.

• 1.5 tbsp. honey

• 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice.

• 6 large figs .

Place all ingredients in a blender, blend for one minute or until smooth. Serve with a slice of orange or a piece of fig .