The fig occupies a high position among fruits. Soft, sweet and fleshy, this delicious fruit promotes health. It is a hollow, pear-shaped fruit, with sugary pulp and a large number of small golden-colored seeds attached to the wall of the cavity. It is changeable in size and color. Ripe fresh fruit is juicy, healthy and delicious. However, being highly perishable, it is sold in world markets in its dried form.
Origin and Distribution
The fig is native to Asia Minor and spread early to the Mediterranean region. It is an extremely ancient crop plant and was cultivated in Egypt around 4,000 BC. It has been used as a main food in Mediterranean countries for thousands of years. The main fig growing areas in India are Pune in Maharashtra, Srirangapatnam in Karnataka, Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh and parts of Gujarat.
food value
An analysis of the fresh fig shows that it contains a good amount of moisture and little protein, fat and carbohydrates. The dried fig has a high nutritional value. Its most important food element is sugar, which forms 51 to 74 percent of the whole fruit. It can be taken in various ways, either alone or combined with other foods that enrich its nutritional value. When taken with white flour, it eliminates much of its constipating effect. It combines very well with milk. Figs are often used to prepare cakes and jams. They are also made into a pudding.
Natural Benefits and Healing Properties
Many medicinal virtues have been attributed to the fig tree. It is considered a restorative food that helps in quick recovery after a long illness. Eliminates physical and mental effort and gives the body renewed vigor and strength. It is an excellent tonic for weak people who suffer from cracked lips, tongue and mouth.
Constipation
Taken fresh or dried, the fig is considered a reliable laxative due to its high cellulose content and tough skin. The tiny seeds of the fruit have the property of stimulating the peristaltic or wave movements of the intestines, which facilitates the evacuation of feces and keeps the alimentary canal clean.
Battery
Due to its laxative property, the fig is an excellent remedy for hemorrhoids. Two or three dried figs should be soaked in cold water in an enamel glass overnight after cleaning them well with hot water. They should be taken the next morning. Figs should be taken in a similar way at night. This will eliminate straining on the stool and thus prevent protrusion of the anus. Piles will heal with regular use of figs in this way for three to four weeks.
Asthma
Figs are considered beneficial in the treatment of asthma. Phlegmatic cases of cough and asthma are successfully treated with its use. Provides patient comfort when draining
phlegm.
sexual weakness
Figs can be used beneficially in the treatment of sexual weakness. They can be complemented with other nuts such as almonds and dried dates along with butter. Its use has proven to be effective in such cases.
calluses
For long-lasting calluses, the milky juice of green figs helps soften them. Milk has a mild necrotic action.
Precautions
Figs should be washed well before use. The skin of the dry fruit being hard, the soaked fig is easy to digest. However, it is essential to bring the water along with the fruit, since most of the nutrients go into the water.
Note:
The information in this article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider immediately.