From gut and bone health to heart care and diabetes management, figs are truly nature’s delicious medicine.
Why Figs Are a Considered a Superfood: Health Benefits & Nutritional Value. Figs, scientifically known as Ficus carica, are a rare combination of flavor and nutrition, often compared to a teardrop in shape and filled with hundreds of tiny seeds.
With pink flesh and edible purple or green skin, this sweet fruit is available both fresh and dried—although the dried version is accessible year-round.
A member of the mulberry family, figs have long been cultivated in warm, sunny regions such as the Middle East, the Mediterranean, parts of Asia, and the United States. They thrive in rocky, well-drained soils at elevations of up to 1,700 meters, especially during drought-prone seasons.
Nutritional powerhouse
Figs are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B1, B2, manganese, potassium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. They are also a potent source of dietary fiber. Just one or three figs can provide about 5 grams of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. The soluble fiber pectin in figs helps lower bad cholesterol levels, promoting heart and intestinal health.
Natural remedy for weight and sugar control
Dried figs help regulate appetite by keeping you full for longer, making them ideal for those watching their weight. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a high-fiber diet reduces body fat. Additionally, figs contain potassium, which balances the effects of sodium and helps control blood pressure.
For diabetics, figs help stabilize blood sugar levels. Their potassium content ensures a slower absorption of sugar after eating and reduces the increase in glucose, which helps with better glycemic control, especially useful for people with type 2 diabetes.
Boosts Bone and Heart Health
Rich in calcium and vitamin C, figs support bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Antioxidants like phenols and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in both fresh and dried figs help improve cardiovascular health by reducing free radicals and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
From gut and bone health to heart care and diabetes management, figs are truly nature’s delicious medicine.
