Plants have always been effective in various fields such as food, medicine, and even environmental beautification throughout human life. In this post, we want to talk about figs, this amazing and nutritious plant, and inform you about its properties and contraindications. In the past, people used different plants in different fields on an experimental basis. With the passage of time and the advancement of science, many studies have been conducted on their effectiveness and the properties and contraindications of various plants, and they have reached very interesting and effective results. Our goal at Plant Folder is to help you choose the right plant in different conditions by focusing on the proven properties of plants. Stay with us.
History and origin of the plant
Fig, with the scientific name Ficus carica, grows in warm and dry regions of Asia and North Africa. The fig fruit has a very diverse color and shape, and its color changes from white, yellow, green, and purple to red and brown, and it has a mild sweet taste. This fruit has small seeds and a fleshy and soft skin. Its tree is about 3 to 6 meters tall in its mature state and has wide branches and large leaves.
Properties and contraindications
It is a rich source of nutrients. This plant contains vitamins A, C, K, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, calcium, and iron, and is a great fruit to include in your daily diet.
Effect on lowering blood pressure
High blood pressure has terrible side effects, including heart disease, vascular disease, damage to the kidneys’ blood vessels, damage to the retina, neurological problems, and damage to the fetus in pregnant women. As we mentioned, this plant contains potassium. Potassium has a neutralizing effect on sodium. With the reduction of sodium, blood vessels dilate and blood pressure decreases.
Effect on constipation
Constipation is the condition of irregular bowel movement and the passage of hard and dry stool. People who need to defecate less than 3 times a week, or people who have difficulty defecating and need to strain a lot, are constipated. Some of the reasons for constipation include lack of exercise, a diet low in fiber, and low fluid intake. Now, it can be effective in reducing constipation as a rich source of fiber. The fiber in this fruit acts as a stomach-filling agent and increases the pressure inside the intestine. This pressure stimulates bowel movement and helps to accelerate the passage of stool through the intestines.
Effect on bone health
One of the important minerals for the health of bones and teeth is calcium. After the age of 30, bones slowly lose their calcium and in middle age, bone density loss accelerates. This is more common in women than in men. It contains a significant amount of calcium. Normally, every 100 grams of fig contains about 35-40 milligrams of calcium. By eating dried figs daily, you will be one step away from developing osteoporosis in middle age.
Boosts the immune system.
They are a good source of antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
May help improve digestion.
Figs are a good source of fiber, which can help improve digestion by adding bulk to stool and helping it pass through the intestines more easily.
May help protect against cancer.
Figs contain compounds that may have cancer-fighting properties. For example, figs contain quercetin, an antioxidant that has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
May help improve bone health.
Figs are a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health. Calcium helps to build and strengthen bones and teeth.
Who should not consume figs?
In general, most people can use figs in their daily diet, but in some cases, its use may not be appropriate, which we will mention later.
- Allergy: If you experience symptoms such as itching, swelling of the mouth and throat, shortness of breath, and headache after eating figs, you are allergic to it.
- People with low blood sugar: As we mentioned, this fruit lowers blood pressure and is suitable for people with diabetes. As a result, experts recommend that people suffering from low blood sugar refrain from consuming it.
- Interference with some medications: Figs interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin. If you are taking medication, it is best to talk to your doctor about its interaction with this plant.
How to consume figs
Figs can be consumed in different ways, which are mentioned below.
- Eating fresh fruit
- Making salad
- Making dessert
- Fig juice
- Making jam and compote
How to make fig jam?
Ingredients for a medium jar:
Figs: 1 kilogram
sugar: 700 grams
water: 1 cup
fresh lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
rose water: 1 tablespoon
Saffron brew (optional): 2 tablespoons
In the beginning, we wash the fruits and without shortening their stems, we put them in a colander to drain the excess water. Then we add sugar and water to a suitable pot. Put the pot on medium heat, then let the syrup boil and thicken slightly. Now, we make a few small holes in the fruits with a needle and add them to the pot when the syrup is thick. The holes we make on the fig are because the syrup penetrates the fig during cooking so that the figs do not become wrinkled and retain their shape. Next, reduce the heat to low.
Now, let the figs cook in the syrup for 30 minutes. After this time, add fresh lemon juice, rose water, and saffron brew to the pot, then let the jam cook on the heat for 5 more minutes. When the jam is completely cool, we choose a suitable glass jar with a lid and pour the jam into the jar of our choice. In the end, we seal the jar tightly and then store the jam in the refrigerator. Bon appetit.
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