Figs Benefits And Side Effects: What are the benefits and side effects of eating figs? Are consuming figs healthy or unhealthy? Let’s check it out!
Figs are not only healthy and tasty, but they also hold a surprising secret that spoils our appetite a little for the moment.
Figs are also a natural superfood: rich in vitamins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron and equipped with digestive enzymes and satiating fibers. So instead of being disgusted, we should rather be grateful that they have developed such a complicated reproductive method with so much effort.
About Figs
Figs are among the oldest cultivated plants in the world. They formerly come from the eastern Mediterranean regions.
Figs grow to about eight centimeters and are pear-shaped. The skin is green to dark violet; the flesh is soft and has a refreshing and sweet taste.

In the Mediterranean countries, figs are harvested twice a year, with the fruits harvested in June and July being more significant than those in August and September.
The figs are dried in hot-air ovens or in the sun, which reduces the water content. On the other hand, the sugar content increases to about 60 percent.
The dried figs are then pressed under steam to produce rolls available in stores. In ancient times, figs get considered a staple food, and they are still eaten today – together with nuts – during lunch breaks in many Mediterranean countries.
The Health Benefits of Figs
Figs were already being cultivated 5000 years ago in the Near East and Southwest Asia. Even the ancient Greeks knew that the fruits were quick energy suppliers and could prevent muscle cramps, mainly due to their high mineral content.

Due to the high fiber content, the consumption of figs also aids digestion. Furthermore, the fruits stimulate urination and ward off carcinogenic cells. The potassium contains normalizes blood pressure, and vitamin C protects the vessel walls against arteriosclerosis.
Besides, the latex found in the fig tree branches has a healing effect and gets used in naturopathy for stubborn calluses.
Eating figs is healthy.
The fig is a pseudo-fruit: its flowers grow inwards. Figs taste sweet and nutty – they aid digestion and are low in calories. Fresh figs contain only about 63 kilocalories per 100 grams. The fruits also provide many healthy nutrients:
- Fresh figs contain many essential B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9). Among other things, they regulate metabolism and lighten the mood.
- Potassium lowers blood pressure and supports heart activity.
- Vitamin E strengthens your defenses.
- Vitamin K and calcium are suitable for the bone structure. If you avoid dairy products, figs are a valuable vegetable source of potassium.
- Iron helps your body to produce blood.
The bitter fruit stabilizes the acid balance in the intestines and provides plenty of fiber. When you eat figs, it sets your organs in motion and stimulates digestion. Figs are, therefore, a natural, gentle laxative that you can use for mild constipation.
Fig contains fewer calories than you think.
Even slim-conscious people can eat fresh figs without hesitation. One hundred grams of raw figs have an average of 63 kilocalories (kcal). It means they are hardly more important than apples, which have about 55 kilocalories.
However, the situation is entirely different with dried figs. Drying increases the calorie content to 247 kilocalories per 100 grams.
Figs – fruits rich in vitamins
Figs contain hardly any fat but many vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin A (retinol) is good for the skin and mucous membranes and our eyesight.
- B vitamins regulate metabolism and are essential for the nerves.
- The absorption of folic acid is essential for cell division and blood formation.
- Biotin supports healthy skin, healthy hair, and stable fingernails.
- Figs contain a lot of magnesium. A high magnesium content promotes cell regeneration and energy balance.
Good For Digestion
Figs also contain potassium, phosphorus, and iron. Potassium can help to normalize blood pressure, and iron is, in turn, needed for blood formation.
Figs have slight acidity and are a blessing for digestion. Their many tiny seeds provide the intestines with many healthy fibers. That is why figs are also helpful against constipation.
You can soak some dried fruit in water in the evening, leave it to stand overnight, and eat it sober in the morning together with the soaking water.
Figs strengthening bones
Studies say figs are rich in calcium, one of the most critical components in strengthening bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. T
Figs are also rich in phosphorus, which promotes bone formation and encourages regrowth if there is any damage or deterioration in the bones.
Fig cleanses the body.
Both fresh figs and dry figs act as natural antibiotics. Figs, which are very powerful in terms of antioxidants, provide cleaning of blood and intestines and protection against eye and respiratory diseases that may occur at later ages.
Colon cancer treatment with figs
The presence of fibers in figs increases the movement of the intestines, helping to eliminate free radicals and other cancer-causing substances, especially in the colon.
Figs reduce pain
It is beneficial in winter, from colds and related epidemics to sore throats. If you consume a dried fig by mixing it with a glass of warm water and a spoonful of honey, you will see that the sore throats are much relieved.
Put two figs overnight in pure olive oil and let stand until the other night. One at the finish of the day, remove two figs from the olive oil and eat them. Replace the figs you eat immediately with two more pieces.
Apply this cure for six months without decaying. By the end of 6 months, you will have no asthma, no cough. Figs contain a high ratio of fiber entering the body of cholesterol in the blood without getting into the excretion allows.
Cancer prevention with fig
It contains high protein, vitamins, and minerals to regenerate cells by protecting them from many diseases, especially influenza infections.
Dried figs facilitate digestion, preventing the regular functioning of the intestines and the growth of cancerous cells with its ‘Benzaldehyde’ substance. Figs beautify the skin and soothe the nervous system.
Blood pressure control with figs
Heart health benefits in the title of fig contain a high degree of potassium we underlined. Potassium plays an essential role in balancing blood pressure.
Therefore, daily fig consumption adjusts blood pressure and protects against diseases caused by high blood pressure.
Figs for haircare
The shampoo industry uses many of the ingredients of figs. The rich vitamin C it contains strengthens the roots of the hair and protects the scalp’s health.
In the same way, it includes abundant magnesium. It helps give hair a natural appearance.
Diabetes Control with figs
There is a false belief among people with diabetes that fruits should not get consumed because they contain sugar.
Most fruits have a low glycemic index. Therefore, it does not cause sudden increases in blood sugar. Figs are also one of these fruits and can benefit people with diabetes.
The fiber content in figs helps to balance blood sugar. A diet rich in fiber will reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Figleaves are good for diabetes.
The ficusin substance found in Fig Leaves increases insulin sensitivity, according to research.
Prevention of coronary heart disease with fig
Figs indirectly protect heart health. High levels of potassium keep blood pressure healthy. Thus, high blood pressure protects the heart from harmful effects.
Dried figs hold phenol, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.
Besides, fig leaves have an inhibiting effect on triglycerides and reduce their total number. Triglycerides are another factor behind various heart diseases.
Figs prevent constipation
Figs, which contribute very seriously to the healthy functioning of the digestive system in general, are a significant source of healing, especially for those who have constipation problems.
One of the biggest causes of constipation is digestive system disorders caused by weight or inactivity. Especially if the intestines do not work well causes illness.
It is a vital food for all digestive system organs, and fiber figs are very much an essential choice in solving constipation problems.
Low cholesterol levels with fig
Figs contain pectin, a soluble fiber. When the thread passes through the digestive tract, it cleans the excess set of cholesterol that will be expelled from the body and carries it to the excretion system.
Since figs are one of the most fibrous foods available, they can negatively affect.
High fiber volumes in your diet can benefit your overall health by preventing breast and colon cancer strains.
Low Alzheimer’s risk by consuming figs
Figs get considered one of the best fruits for alleviating inflammation.
The Universities of Australia and America study has found that figs can reduce inflammatory cytokines during aging.
It is also instrumental in reducing the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Bronchitis treatment with fig
Only very few people think of tea. But it is also possible to use figs to promote health. The target point is at or, preferably, in the bronchi.
The mucus that forms when the respiratory tract is inflamed should not remain in place but be loosened and coughed up. To support this endeavor, it is a good idea to infuse and drink a single tea, e.g., made from mallow blossoms, ribwort herb, fennel fruit, or thyme spikes.
Also, one tablespoon of crushed dried figs can get added before the infusion. Take 3 cups per day in sips to support the expulsion of mucus in bronchitis.
Treatment of venereal diseases with figs
Figs have traditionally getting used as a calming ointment for venereal diseases in the Indian Subcontinent and several other parts of the world.
Digestion or topical application of these fruits helps get rid of sexually transmitted infections.
However, more research should get done on the same range of symptoms and diseases that these fruits have positively affected.
Fig; treats sexual dysfunction.
For centuries, figs have reduced sexual dysfunctions such as sterility, sexual performance, or erectile dysfunction (erectile dysfunction).
As an essential part of mythology and culture, figs are potent fertility or sexual support providers. Its usefulness as an aphrodisiac is still getting questioned.
Fig is effective against skin diseases.
Fig’s antioxidant properties also provide excellent experiences for skincare and health.
It nourishes and cleanses the skin when applied to the face in the form of fresh fig mash for 20 minutes. Figs are beneficial, especially at the point of troubleshooting acne problems.
It also prevents the aging of the skin.
Unhealthy And Side Effects Of Figs

Warnings and possible side effects of figs
At the same time, the positive qualities of the fig should be considered with some caution when consuming it.
Excessive eating can have a laxative effect, and the high sugar content, especially in dried fruit, can increase the risk of caries if consumed continuously.
Side Effects Of Figs
- Although figs are a very beneficial fruit in terms of health, there are also a few harms.
- Among these damages, figs are high in sugar, which is risky for people with diabetes. People with diabetes will have no harm if they consume little and conscious figs. However, if overrun, it can cause sugar elevation or severe health problems.
- People who are allergic to fibrous products should avoid the consumption of figs. The reason is that figs are a highly pulpy fruit. It could endanger people’s health.
- Figs can cause allergies in people with susceptible body structures. Allergy testing before fig consumption would be helpful.
FAQ Figs
For what are figs good?
Fresh figs are a natural superfood and were already popular in ancient times. Besides potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, figs also provide a good portion of vitamins, digestive enzymes, and satiating fibers.
How to make dried figs?
If the weather behaves not jump along, you can also dry the figs in the oven or a drying machine.
- Wash the figs and let them dry thoroughly.
- Now spread the figs on a grate and place them in the oven.
- It will now take a few hours for the figs to dry.

Are figs good for the intestines?
Eating figs is healthy. Figs taste sweet and nutty – they aid digestion and are also low in calories. The fruits also provide many beneficial nutrients: fresh figs contain many essential B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9). Among other things, they regulate metabolism and lighten the mood.
How healthy are dried figs?
Besides, dried figs contain even more healthy fiber: 13 grams compared to 2 grams in fresh fruit. The magnesium concentration also rises to up to 75 milligrams due to drying. Despite their high-calorie content, dried figs are very healthy.
Are dried figs good for digestion?
Even two to three figs are considered a gentle laxative. Dried figs stimulate digestion even more than fresh ones. It is essential to drink enough of them. New and dried figs are rich in nutrients, taste sweet, and are considered a gentle laxative.
How can I ripen figs?
The sweetness and ripeness of figs depend on the number of hours of sunshine the fig gets from you. Figs are ripe when they become soft and darker. It is best if the figs ripen on the tree.
How many calories does a fresh fig have?
In dried figs, the mineral content increases about three to four times. However, this also applies to the calories: fresh figs provide 60 kcal per 100g, whereas dried figs give 247 kcal per 100g.
Can figs be harvested green?
Early varieties are ready in June or July, but you can usually harvest the fruit from around September. The figs are green at the beginning. When the fruit is ripe for harvesting, it turns brownish-violet. The firmness of the fig also provides information about the degree of ripeness.
How much sugar do dried figs have?
One hundred grams of plums have 45 kilocalories. The sugar content corresponds to about three sugar cubes. Per 100 grams of dried plums, there are 241 kilocalories and eleven sugar cubes. One hundred grams of dried figs have 276 kilocalories.
What’s healthy about figs?
Figs have an extremely positive effect on digestion. They contain both little acid and a lot of fiber. Also, the fig tree fruits have other healthy ingredients: they provide the body with vitamin A, which is beneficial to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Dried figs are also very plump.
Conclusion
To get the best health advice, always ask your doctor about the benefits and side effects of fig.

See Also:
- Green Tea Benefits And Side Effects – Healthy or Unhealthy?
- Moringa benefits and side effects – Most Asked Questions
- Celery Benefits And Side Effects – Most Asked Questions
- What are the avocado benefits for health? (Why and How)
Last Updated on 18/04/2022 by Buzz This Viral