· Figs are clusters of flowers that are rich in fiber, antioxidants and essential nutrients. They can support your digestion, heart, blood sugar and gut health, but moderation is key. · Figs are packed with nutrients that offer a variety of health benefits.
Understanding the Context
Research shows figs are linked to improved digestive health, anti-inflammatory conditions, blood sugar levels, bone strength, and more. · Find out what nutrients are in figs and learn how they can help everything from high blood pressure to digestion. Figs — and their leaves — are packed with nutrients like copper and vitamin B6 and offer a variety of potential health benefits.Figs are a unique fruit resembling a teardrop. They’re about the size of your thumb, filled with hundreds of tiny seeds, and have an edible purple or green peel.
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Key Insights
The flesh of the fruit is pink and has a mild, sweet taste. The scientific name for the fig is Ficus carica.Figs — and their leaves — are packed with nutrients and offer a variety of potential health benefits. They may promote healthy digestion, decrease your risk of heart disease, and help you manage your blood sugar levels.This article reviews figs, including their nutrition, benefits, and downsides, as well as how to add them to your diet.See full list on healthline.comFresh figs are rich in nutrients while being relatively low in calories, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.One small (40-gram) fresh fig contains (1):•Calories: 30•Protein: 0 grams•Fat: 0 grams•Carbs: 8 gramsSee full list on healthline.comPromote digestive healthFigs have long been used as a home remedy or an alternative treatment for digestive problems like constipation (4). They contain fiber, which may help promote digestive health by softening and adding bulk to stools, decreasing constipation, and serving as a prebiotic — or food source for the healthy bacteria populating your gut (5, 6). In animal studies, fig fruit extract or paste helped speed the movement of food through the digestive tract, reducing constipation and improving the symptoms of digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis (7, 8).
Important Details
A study in 150 people with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) found that those who consumed about 4 dried figs (45 grams) twice daily experienced a significant reduction in symptoms — including pain, bloating, and constipation — compared with a control group (9). What’s more, a similar study in 80 people found that supplementing with about 10 ounces (300 grams) of fig fruit paste daily for 8 weeks significantly decreased constipation, compared with a control group (10).May improve vascular and heart healthFigs may improve blood pressure and blood fat levels, which can help improve your vascular health and decrease your risk of heart disease. One study found that fig extract decreased blood pressure in rats with normal blood pressure, as well as those with elevated levels (11). Animal studies have also shown improvements in total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels when supplementing with fig leaf extract (12, 13).
Final Thoughts
However, in a 5-week study in 83 people with high LDL (bad) cholesterol, researchers noted that those who added about 14 dried figs (120 grams) to their diet daily had no changes in blood fat levels, compared with a control group (14). More human studies are needed to better understand the relationship between figs and heart health.May help manage blood sugar levelsOne dated study from 1998 in 10 people with type 1 diabetes found that having fig leaf tea with breakfast may have decreased their insulin needs. In the month they received fig leaf tea, their insulin doses decreased by about 12% (15). What’s more, a more recent study found that drinks containing high doses of fig fruit extract had a lower glycemic index (GI) than beverages with no fig fruit extract, meaning these drinks would have a more favorable effect on blood sugar levels (16). However, fig fruits — especially dried figs — are high in sugar and may increase blood sugar levels in the short term. If you have trouble managing your blood sugar levels, you should limit your intake of dried figs.See full list on healthline.comFigs have some potential downsides.
For instance, as they’re sometimes used as a home remedy for constipation, figs may cause diarrhea or other digestive problems (10).Figs are also fairly rich in vitamin K, which can interfere with blood thinning medications and cause them to be less effective (1, 23). If you’re on a blood thinner, you should keep your intake of figs and other vitamin-K-rich foods consistent from day to day to decrease your risk of complications (23).Finally, some people may be allergic to figs. If you have an allergy to birch pollen, you may be more likely to have a fig allergy as well. Fig trees also contain natural latex, which some people may be allergic to (24).SummaryFigs may cause digestive upset or diarrhea due to their anti-constipation effects. They may also interfere with blood thinners, and some people may be allergic to them.See full list on healthline.comThere are a number of ways to add figs to your diet, each with its own potential benefits. Here are the four main ways you can include figs in your diet:•Fresh. Fresh figs are low in calories and make for a great snack, and they’re an excellent addition to salads or desserts. You can also make fig jam or preserves with fresh figs.•Dried. Dried figs are high in sugar and calories, so they should be eaten in moderation. They may be more effective at treating constipation than fresh figs (9, 10).•Fig leaves. Although they may be difficult to find outside of specialty grocers, fig leaves are nutritious and can be used in a variety of ways. They’re often used the same way grape leaves are, as a wrap for dishes containing rice, meat, or other fillings.•Fig leaf tea. Fig leaf tea is made from dried fig leaves. You can make it yourself or purchase premade fig leaf teas online or in specialty stores.You can enjoy figs in a variety of ways, but due to their high sugar content, you should only eat dried figs in moderation or use them as an occasional home treatment for constipation.See full list on healthline.comFigs have a variety of potential health benefits. Along with the fruit, fig leaves and fig leaf tea appear to be beneficial for health. Dried figs in particular may help relieve constipation.However, figs may interfere with blood thinning medications due to their vitamin K content, and dried figs should be eaten in moderation due to their high sugar content.See full list on healthline.comMar 25, 2025 · Figs are soft fruits that may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and fat-lowering properties. They are also high in fiber, iron, and carotenoids, which can benefit skin, hair, and digestive health. Figs are nutrient-dense fruits that may support digestive health, heart function, and overall wellness. Known scientifically as Ficus carica, figs have been enjoyed since ancient times for their natural sweetness and rich nutritional value. Are figs healthy?Figs also contain vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, all of which contribute to overall wellness. The high fiber content in figs can aid in weight management and promote feelings of fullness, making them a satisfying and nutritious snack option.Are dried figs good for You?Unlike most fruits, dried figs contain more nutritional value than fresh figs, though both are highly nutritious and good for you. Certain compounds in figs are known to be toxic to human cancer cells, making figs a good anticancer food. They are rich in antioxidants helping to keep you healthy and slow the effects of aging.Can you eat fresh figs?Consider yourself lucky if you get to eat fresh figs because they are commonly sold dried. Its scientific name is Ficus carica. Show more Fresh figs are incredibly delicious. They have a high sugar content. I love the texture and flavour of fresh figs when they are at their peak ripeness. · Yes, eating figs daily in moderation can support digestion, heart health, and overall wellness. However, balance is important, especially for people with diabetes. · Figs are soft fruits that may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and fat-lowering properties. They are also high in fiber, iron, and carotenoids, which can benefit skin, hair, and digestive health. Figs are nutrient-dense fruits that may support digestive health, heart function, and overall wellness. Known scientifically as Ficus carica, figs have been enjoyed since ancient times for their natural sweetness and rich nutritional value. · Yes, eating figs daily in moderation can support digestion, heart health, and overall wellness. However, balance is important, especially for people with diabetes.
