6 Health Benefits of Figs

Figs are Nutritional Powerhouses: They restore vital vitamins and minerals to your whole body. They are good sources of vitamin A, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin B6 and potassium.

Figs Help Fight Constipation: Research shows that enjoying figs on a regular basis can alleviate constipation in chronic sufferers. That’s likely because figs are a good source of fiber. Just three figs provide 5 grams of fiber. We should be aiming for 35 grams of fiber daily.

They Help Prevent Macular Degeneration: Our eyes need plentiful amounts of critical nutrients to ensure their health as we age. A diet high in nutrient-rich fruit has been shown to help prevent macular degeneration—a common age-related condition of the eyes that can be linked to vision loss.

Figs May Help Prevent Breast Cancer: A diet high in fruit fiber, which is definitely the case with figs, has been linked to a reduction in the risk of breast cancer. 

Figs May Help with Weight Loss: Research links a high fiber diet to weight loss. Eating just 3 figs daily can provide one-seventh of your needs for a high fiber diet.

Figs Can Help Reduce High Blood Pressure: Because figs are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral needed to regulate blood pressure, figs may be helpful in regulating blood pressure.

Ways to Enjoy More Figs

It’s easy to get more figs into your diet:

-Enjoy them fresh with some soft dairy-free cheese

-Eat them fresh on their own as a snack or dessert

-Eat dried figs as a delicious on-the-go snack or treat

-Coarsely chop dried figs and add one cup to your favorite bread recipe for a rich and delicious fig bread that is perfect for the holidays

-Mince dried or fresh figs and stir into your favorite dairy-free soft cheese to turn it into a new seasonal favorite—fig cheese

-Chop fresh figs into quarters and place atop your favorite leafy green salad

-Chop fresh or dried figs and add to your favorite savory stew for a rich and flavorful addition

-Add a handful to the oddly fig-free “figgy pudding” mentioned in “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”