Health Benefits of fig.
Figs are a versatile food option that can be incorporated into a nutritious diet daily. This fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, cooked, baked, or added to tea for a healthy dose of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Because figs are high in fiber and contain a moderate amount of sugar, people who live with digestive issues or are watching their sugar intake should be mindful of how often they consume figs. In any case, figs can be consumed daily if desired.
7 benefits of fig according to Science
1. Blood Sugar
Though fruit is generally known for having a high natural sugar content, some evidence suggests that eating dried fruits, like figs, could improve blood sugar levels.
Research shows that eating figs regularly helps regulate blood sugar levels, supporting healthy weight management and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.4 Another study suggested that drinking fig leaf tea daily reduced blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes.7
The rich fiber content in figs also likely slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.2
2. Digestive Health
Figs contain nutrients and beneficial compounds that can support digestive health. Evidence suggests that the fiber content in figs encourages regular bowel movements, while the prebiotics help feed the healthy bacteria naturally found in the gut.3
Another study found that people with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) reported less pain and fewer hard stools when eating dried figs twice daily.4
3. Heart Health and Blood Pressure
Some initial research suggests that figs may promote heart health by improving high blood pressure (hypertension) and cholesterol levels. One animal study showed that fig extract consumption helped lower blood pressure.5
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as "good cholesterol," was found to rise in levels in fig extract, while total cholesterol, which is made up of HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides—blood fat—were found to decrease.6 While these preliminary results are promising, additional human research is needed.
4. Osteoporosis
Figs could be a good source of calcium and potassium that can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones.13 One review also found that figs might block the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that contribute to bone disorders by breaking down bone tissue.1415
5. Reduce Inflammation
Thanks to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients, figs may be able to combat inflammation-causing compounds known as cytokines.16
There is evidence that cytokines cause inflammation and accelerate body damage, potentially encouraging the onset of autoimmune conditions.17 8. May Help With Erectile Dysfunction
Researchers have been exploring how figs might help treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Some animal studies found they could help improve sexual function and hypertension.1819
Another animal study concluded that consuming figs and a mix of two other plants seemed to help increase sexual activity.20
6. Cancer Growth
Some initial findings show that figs' antioxidants work toward stopping cancer cells from growing and spreading. Studies have been performed in animals and in the laboratory. Human clinical trials are needed to confirm this potential connection between figs and cancer risk reduction.
7. Skin and Hair
Figs, with their high iron content, may help maintain healthy strands.9 In some people, not getting enough iron can result in hair loss. Additionally, there are a few ways that fig fruit extract appears to promote healthy skin. The antioxidant properties found in figs may improve the appearance of wrinkles and reduce collagen breakdown in the skin. When applied topically daily, fig is more successful at treating dermatitis (skin irritation) symptoms than the standard hydrocortisone cream.
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