Figs of the Albanian coast / Why you should consume them for health

2024-07-15 07:35:00, Shëndeti CNA

Figs of the Albanian coast / Why you should consume them for health

Illustrative photo, taken from Google

The prickly pear is a traditional fruit plant with the botanical name Opuntiaficus-indica that belongs to the cactus family. The prickly pear that foreigners know as "prickly pear" is both a fruit and a vegetable. Large green leaves that are used in cooking due to their low calorie content are considered vegetables.

While the seeds that the plant produces are considered fruit. The whole fig is rich in many nutritional values. In Albania, the sea fig is mainly grown in the wild, but it is also cultivated, especially in the sunny and cold areas of the country.

During August and September, large amounts of this fruit appear on the market, which is traded at the price of 100-150 Lek per kilogram for the country's product. Meanwhile, there are also imported sea figs, especially produced from North Africa, which are sold at a much higher price of 600 Lek per kilogram.

AgroWeb invites you to feel free to choose the Albanian product as it is of high quality.

Fights inflammation

The fruit is able to fight inflammation in the muscles, arteries, gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system. In addition, the fruit part of the plant is able to cure pain in people suffering from urinary bladder infections and gallstones.

The fruit contains flavonoids that fight free radicals and neutralize molecules that cause damage to cells.

Many different studies have highlighted the anti-inflammatory properties of this fruit tree and its seeds, especially against ulcers.

Strengthens the immune system

The numerous substances of this fruit tree help to strengthen the immune system. Animal studies have shown that many of these substances slow the growth rates of tumors.

Antioxidants

The wild fig is rich in known antioxidants that slow down premature aging, strengthen healthy cells and detoxify the body.

Fights cholesterol

The high amount of soluble fiber fights bad cholesterol and prevents it from rising to harmful levels. Figs contain pectin, and many other elements that are active in reducing bad cholesterol and preserve healthy fats.

Fights diabetes

"Prickly figs" are useful for people suffering from non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Studies have shown that substances and nutrients in figs lower and balance blood pressure and blood sugar by inhibiting the liver from releasing glucose into the blood.

Figs contain fibrous pectin that alleviates the symptoms of diabetes and the need for insulin. Insoluble fiber also reduces the need to eat all the time as it gives you the feeling of fullness.

Improves digestion

The fiber in figs improves the functions of the digestive system, such as the absorption of excess fluids and the acceleration of bowel movements. This fiber minimizes and slows down cancerous cells in the colon that have the power to grow and develop quickly.

FEEDER

Prickly pear is rich in minerals and vitamins such as vitamins A, C, K, B6, riboflavin and calcium.

It helps the prostate

The components of the sea fig have value in the treatment of a disease known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Sea buckthorn extracts block the enzymes that are responsible for lowering testosterone levels.

They protect neurons

The stems, leaves and fruits of the fig tree contain a variety of substances and antioxidants that are powerful for nerve protection. Consequently, they protect brain cells from various damages./AgroWeb.org