He figs are considered particularly nutritious fruitrich in vitamins and fiber, with zero fat content and multiple beneficial properties for our health, according to Healthstat.gr.
Something you might not know is that even the ancient Greeks knew the value of this particular fruit, as there is evidence that figs have been cultivated in Greece for over 6,000 years!
yeah oh Solon the Athenianone of the seven wise men of ancient Greece, believed that they were so beneficial for health that he passed a law that banned the export of figsso that their fellow citizens can take full advantage of them.
At the same time, he also legislated severe penalties for the theft of fig fruits, granting large pecuniary rewards to people who “captured” the thieves of said fruits and delivered them. It is said that from this same law comes the word “slanderer“, since there were many who made false complaints in order to receive the money.
Now, the beneficial properties of figs have been proven by modern science, while in particular the figs produced in the region of Greece and Attica are considered to be of the highest quality, since the hot and dry climate of our country favors their flourishing.
Figs in ancient Greece
Like the pomegranate, so were the figs symbol of fertility, peace, prosperity and wealth for the ancient Greeks, for the many seeds they carry.
In ancient Greece, figs were often found at the breakfast table (ἀκρατισμός), as an accompaniment to barley bread dipped in wine. Sometimes the akratism included olives or a kind of pancake with flour, water, olive oil, honey and a little salt.
In accordance with “supper sophists“, work of ancient Athenian Greek, one dessert that the ancient Greeks used to serve after their main meal included beans mixed with figs. This particular dish is mentioned in many surviving classical texts, not only for its taste, but also for the its healing properties.
At the same time, figs were also eaten as appetizeras stated in the book”Legumes in ancient Greece and Rome: food, medicine or poison?“, along with wine and toasted hazelnuts, chickpeas and beech.
But also the famous warriors of ancient Sparta knew the benefits of the specific fruits, since they generally constituted accompanying the well-known black broth (a kind of soup made with pork, salt, vinegar and blood).
Furthermore, before Milos Crotoniatis (557 BC), the great Olympian who is said to have consumed 9 kilograms of meat, 9 kilograms of bread and 7.5 liters of wine daily, athletes followed the dry food dietstarring dried figscheese and bread, to optimize your sports performance.
Figs: The benefits for our health – Who should avoid them?
Before we talk about the health benefits of figs, it’s important to note that there are some people who shouldn’t eat figs (or should only eat very small amounts).
figs are rich in vitamin kwhich may interact with blood thinners (blood-thinning drugs) and affect its function. In case you are undergoing such treatment, it is good to ask your doctor for instructions.
Another thing to keep in mind is that people who are allergic to birch pollen they are usually also allergic to figs. At the same time, figs contain natural latexto which some people are also allergic.
Of course, figs should be eaten in moderation as they contain enough sugar (mainly in its dry form), while they can cause diarrhea in great quantities.
rich in nutrients
figs have zero fat contentwhile they are also recommended for diabetics. Based on data from “WebMD“, are an excellent source of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Magnesium
Additionally, one medium (fresh) fig contains:
- Calories: 37
- Fat: 0g.
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- salt: 0.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g.
- Fiber: 1.45 g.
- Sugar: 8 g.
- Protein: 0g.
Improve the health of the gastrointestinal system
Figs have enough fiber, which supports the health of our gastrointestinal system and they “fight” constipation. Next to, they also work as probioticsit contains healthy bacteria that help the stomach work well.
Benefits for the cardiovascular system
According to the medical website “Health line”, figs can improve our pressurejust like him blood fat levels promoting the health of our cardiovascular system and reducing the risk of related diseases. However, it is worth noting that the relevant studies, while promising, have so far only been carried out in animals.
healthy and beautiful skin
It is possible that figs have beneficial properties for human skin, especially in people suffering from Allergic dermatitis. Important investigation discovered that cream made from dried figs was more effective in the treatment of the symptoms of allergic dermatitis compared to hydrocortisone creamwhich is also the standard treatment so far.
Also, research In animals and in the laboratory, fig extract has been shown to have antioxidant properties on skin cells, reducing the breakdown of collagen and the appearance of wrinkles.
They help control sugar.
a little study of 1998 showed that people who had diabetes type 1 showed 12% lower insulin needswhen they started consuming fig leaf tea.
Here’s a more recent one. investigation found that drinks containing large amounts of fig extract had a lower glycemic index than the rest, meaning they’re better for those looking to lower their blood sugar.
Surprisingly, figs, especially dried ones, have enough sugar to temporarily raise blood sugar levels. If you have high blood sugar, you should limit your consumption of dried figs.
Possible anticancer properties
A lot Laboratory studies have found that both fig leaves and fig latex showed activity against colon, breast, cervix and liver cancer.
Of course, more human research is needed to be sure of the anti-cancer properties of figs and fig leaf tea.
With information: www.healthstat.gr
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