Fig (Anjeer) benefits
Dried fig is inverted flower and
seeds are the fruit actually.
Figs paste is good replacement
for sugar; processed figs are used for making pie, pudding, cakes jam, jellies,
and preserves.
Fig (fruit latex) is used as
source of calcium, iron, copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin A (vit. A is 30% less
in dried fig), vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D and fiber. Fig has
nutritive, diuretic, expectorant and laxative effects and is used in
constipation, indigestion, piles, diabetes (fig leaves have anti-diabetic
properties), cough, bronchitis, asthma, sexual weakness and weight gain after illness
(soak 3 figs in milk overnight and eat them in morning enhances sexual power
and weight).
 |
| fig |
Adults need 1200mg calcium a day
while ½ cup serving dried fig (121mg) provide 12% of daily needs which is
almost the same as provided by 1 cup of unpacked cottage cheese. Potassium mineral maintains body fluid balance
and helps in lowering blood pressure. Potassium daily need is 4700mg a day from
natural foods while half cup serving provides 507mg which is 10% of daily
needs. Iron needs for women’s between 19-50 years age is 18mg a day while
adults above 51 years need 8mg a day while ½ cup serving provides 1.5mg of iron
which helps in oxygen transport through blood. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to
stool and improves bowel function. Adult women need 25g while man needs 35g
fiber per day.
 |
| fig |
Weight loss and constipation prevention: 3 fig
servings contain 5 grams of fiber which helps in healthy bowl function and
prevents constipation. Fiber helps to reduce weight and is good for obese
people.
Prevention from coronary heart
disease, cholesterol, colon cancer and post-menopausal breast cancer: 1/2cup
serving of dried figs contain 7.3g of fiber, Soluble fiber in fig(pectin, gives
protection against breast cancer, slows digestion and blood sugar control and
helps lower blood cholesterol levels), mops cholesterol globules and cancer
causing substances when moves through the digestive system while dried fig
contains phenol, omega 3 and 6.these fatty acids reduce the risk of coronary
heart disease.
 |
| dry fig |
In delayed periods: Filtered
extract of boiled fig roots if used for few weeks, returns the cycle to normal.
In urinary stones and dysuria: Using
two ounces of extract of fig boiled in water(57ml) twice daily sets right
urinary disorders and melts small stones.
Hyper acidity: Burnt ash of fig
fruit is highly alkaline in nature and teaspoonful is used before meal to
counter hyperacidity.
In worm infestation: Enzyme ficin in fig latex has anthelmintic
activity and is useful especially against ascaris and tricharus type worm
infestation.
Sore throats: High mucilage content in fig heals sore
throats.
Transfer fondue to fondue pot. Place over candle or Canned Heat burner. Serve with cake pieces and fruit for dipping.
Bittersweet Chocolate-Orange Fondue
Ingredients
8 Calimyrna figs (dried)
6 apricot halves (dried)
8 dates (dried)
1 orange peel (white pith removed cut into sections)
1 Kiwi fruit (peeled, each cut into 4 rounds)
2 bananas (cut into 12 rounds)
1 mango (cut into 1 inch pieces)
1 pear (Cut the pear into bite size pieces)
7 strawberries (hulled)
Angel food cake (or pound cake)
3 tbsps grand Marnier liqueur or other orange liqueur
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
8 Oz bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 and half teaspoon (packed) grated orange peel
Instructions
Bring whipping cream and grated orange peel to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low. Add one tablespoon Grand Marnier and chopped chocolate; whisk until mixture is smooth. Remove fondue from heat and blend in remaining two tablespoons Grand Marnier.
Transfer fondue to fondue pot. Place over candle or Canned Heat burner. Serve with cake pieces and fruit for dipping.