Why figs are useful and how to eat them
The fig season is coming, and until you go to the market or store for it, Aboutmans. is in a hurry to tell you how useful figs are, how to choose ripe ones and what to cook with them.
Fig is a subtropical plant with delicious edible fruits. The figs ripen in August and September in the Balkans, the Crimea and southern Russia. At the end of summer, figs are sold at major markets and supermarkets. There are different kinds of figs, the fruits can be green and purple, more or less sweet. You can use pressure to determine which fruit is delicious and ripe. The fruit must be soft, but with whole skin and odorless. Of course, the most pleasant thing is the figs, which have just been ripped off a tree. If you are going on vacation to the southern regions, do not miss the opportunity to try ripe figs.
In addition to the fact that the fruit is very tasty, it has many useful properties.
What are the benefits of figs?
The figs are rich in vitamins and trace elements
Fresh and dried figs are rich in vitamins B6 and K, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron. Vitamin B6 helps the body to break down proteins from food, and also plays an important role in maintaining healthy brains. Vitamin K improves memory in older people, lowers blood pressure and helps strengthen bones. In a glass of iron figs is twice as much as in the same number of apples. Figs are included in the diet in the treatment of anemia.
The figs improve digestion
The figs are rich in fiber, which prevents constipation and improves gastrointestinal function. A small study of 150 people showed that four pieces of dried figs a day greatly relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Dried fruits can be taken into account when calculating the daily norm of fruit – 30 g of dried figs, dates or raisins are equivalent to about 80 g of fresh fruit. It is important to remember that dried fruit contains more sugar than fresh fruit due to lack of moisture. Therefore, they should be carefully included in the diet if they are overweight and some chronic diseases.
The figs are good for hair and skin
Korean scientists conducted a study and found that fig leaf extract – along with extracts from other fruits – acts on cells as an antioxidant, inhibits collagen decomposition and reduces the depth of wrinkles. And Polish scientists have analyzed the nutrition of a group of women who suffered from hair loss. The results showed that the inclusion of figs in the diet had a positive impact on hair and scalp health.
Like all fruits, figs contain a lot of water, which is important for the functioning of the whole body, including healthy radiant skin and hair. A day should be consumed an average of 1.5-2 liters of water, this amount includes water from fruits.
How to eat figs
One average fruit contains about 30 calories, 8 g carbohydrates and 1 g fiber. Three to four pieces of figs will be a healthy low-calorie snack. Wash the figs in advance and take them with you for a walk or lunchbox practice so that the fruit does not crumble.
Slices of figs can be added to your porridge for breakfast, salads, and sandwiches. Delicious and healthy figs also look great in dishes.
What to cook with figs
Chia pudding on almond milk with figs
Chia seeds are rich in useful fatty acids, and they also make a very tasty pudding. This breakfast is available for vegans, vegetarians and those who observe fasting.
Ingredients
Seeds (chia) 3 st. l.
Almond milk 200 ml
Figs 2 pcs.
Syrup (topinambur) 2 st. l.
Preparation process
Pour the chia seeds into a bowl or jar and pour almond milk overnight.
Add the syrup and mix well so that the seeds do not stick together.
In the morning, serve with pieces of fresh figs.
Goat cheese salad with figs
Spicy salad is suitable for Sunday lunch and for lunch, which can be taken to the office. The pleasant sweetness of figs combined with the delicate creamy texture of the cheese will surely not leave you indifferent.
Ingredients
Figs 4 pcs.
Cheese (goats) 200 г
Salad (romaine) 200 г
Oil (olive) 30 ml
Tomatoes (cherry) 15 pcs
Olives 100 г
Salt 1 pinch
Pepper 1 pinch
Preparation process
Cut the figs into slices.
Slice the romaine salad, chop the cherry tomatoes into half.
In the dishes combine the salad, tomatoes, olives and figs.
Shred goat cheese and add it to the salad.
Dressing the salad with olive oil, add salt and pepper to taste.
Toasts with figs and yogurt
The figs are perfectly combined with delicate yogurt and crispy bread.
Ingredients
Bread (for toasts) 6 slices
Figs 6 pcs.
Yogurt (from goat milk or Greek) 250 ml
Honey 2 st. l.
Preparation process
Fry bread for toast in a dry pan.
Put a little yogurt on each toast, add the sliced figs on top and pour the honey over it. Here we go!
Croissants with figs, cheese and prosciutto
A quick snack for those who want something nourishing and unsweetened.
Ingredients
Croissant (without filling) 4 pcs.
Figs 2 pcs
Cheese 4 slices
Ham (prosciutto) 4 slices
Preparation process
Cut croissants along.
Put a slice of cheese, prosciutto and a few thin slices of figs in each croissant.