Buddhists consider them a symbol of knowledge and the trees were sacred were indeed grown in religious areas and was severely punished if caught stealing, it is said that Hercules always great to keep its strength is only harbored of figs, legend has it that the basket of Romulus and Remus ran aground in a bend of the river under a fig tree where the wolf fed them, in Greece it is said that the Titan Sykèus to escape Zeus hid from his mother Gea who gave birth to him a tree that took the his name, fig precisely, it is said that Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves after discovering of being naked, finally legend has it that the fig milk was used as rennet to make cheese. These are just some of the curiosities.
Figs: what do you know?
- The botanical name of the common fig is Ficus carica because originating in Caria (Asia Minor) from where it spread to Palestine and Egypt;
- It spreads to the rest of the world with the discovery of America, arriving finally in Australia;
- It is part of the Moraceae family;
- It can reach to the 10 m high;
- It protrudes from the trunk a milk-like sap that can be stinging but that seems cure warts;
- The fig is actually an inflorescence, the real fruits are the small seeds inside;
- The fig is also said syconium, from which sycophant that over time has taken on the meaning of "disloyal";
- They will keep in the refrigerator in a closed container so that they do not absorb odors;
- Dried figs are preserved in a dry place protected from insects.
Figs: properties and health benefits
The figs have long been considered a miraculous food since high energy but also from a medicinal point of view. Given their form, in popular culture they were recommended against stomach problems and the woman's fertility.
There is actually a really down, we see the figs properties:
- laxative promotes gut peristalsis, fighting constipation and swollen belly;
- anti-anemic properties;
- anti-inflammatory it helps against urinary and pulmonary inflammation, fever and gastritis;
- protective properties of the skin;
- energy properties;
- tonics properties;
- properties to balance the digestive juices;
- anticancer properties, especially in preventing breast cancer and colon cancer;
- reinforce the view;
- prevent ulcers;
- mineralizing properties, strengthens teeth and bones;
- regularize blood pressure, preventing high blood pressure;
- protect the heart;
- antioxidant properties, slow down the free radical damage;
- help to strengthen the immune system;
- are allies of pregnancy as energetic and full of benefits;
- They are also excellent remedies against: asthma, earache, fever and abscesses.
Figs: calories and nutritional values
The fresh figs provide about 47 calories per 100 grams of pulp instead dried figs, sugar-rich, they come to also provide 250 calories per 100 grams.
What figs contain:
- potassium;
- iron;
- vitamins B6, A, B1, B2, PP, C, J and K;
- fibers;
- sugars;
- phosphorus;
- sodium;
- magnesium;
- copper;
- zinc;
- manganese;
- selenium;
- beta-carotene;
- lutein;
- zeaxanthin;
- fatty acids: Omega 3 and Omega 6;
- polyphenols;
- amino acids:
Figs: all uses
The figs, besides being used in cooking or to make sweets, are still used for their healing properties against various ailments.
Among the natural remedies is the best herbal tea with dried figs against:
- catarrh;
- temperature;
- cold;
- flu symptoms.
The process is very simple: you take two dried figs and cut in half, bring to boil with the lemon peel, when they are soft remove from heat, filter, add honey and drink. You drink twice a day.
Against pimples is suggested the mashed figs, you squeeze the pulp and apply it on the face, it is actually also a moisturizing and toning mask, protects from the elements and especially from the cold but not recommended for allergy sufferers.
Recipe mask for the face:
using plain yogurt;
two teaspoons of almond oil;
three tablespoons of rice flour;
the pulp of two figs.
Blend the figs and mix with the other ingredients, with the addition of honey to the skin off and aloe for impure skin. Apply for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.
Hand pack
the pulp of two figs;
two teaspoons of castor oil;
4 tablespoons of oatmeal;
2 drops of essential rose oil musk;
lemon to taste.
Whisk the figs and mix with the other ingredients, applied for 20 minutes, rinse with cold water will see that fabulous hands!
Figs: contraindications and side effects
The issue of figs contraindications is a bit 'to argue: in themselves have no contraindications, but being very sugary diabetics and those with weight problems should take them with caution. According to sources the excess consumed figs accredited would cause headache and certainly dysentery. Also figs contain oxalates, and therefore, when consumed in excess can cause kidney stones or gall bladder, so it is advisable to sufferers to avoid the consumption departing.
It is also not recommended in case of surgery to the digestive tract and personally do not recommend the remedies made of fig milk that can be stinging and cause allergic reactions.
