Don’t Underestimate Figs! Their Benefits Might Make You Rethink Your Diet

In ancient times, people believed that this tiny fruit could stimulate appetite, moisten the lungs, improve digestion, and even help detoxify the body.

Figs, also poetically known as the “Fruit of England and Japan” or the “Honey Fruit,” have long been valued in traditional medicine. With their warm nature and sweet taste, figs not only nourish the spleen and stomach but also support the colon, clear heat, detoxify, and promote bowel movements.

General Benefits of Figs

• Stimulate appetite, strengthen the digestive system: Especially beneficial for those who often experience poor appetite or indigestion.

• Moisten the lungs, ease coughing: Polysaccharides in figs help soothe throat dryness and support respiratory health.

• Promote bowel movement: Rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, figs are effective in relieving constipation.

• Clear heat and detoxify: Figs can be used in soups or decoctions to gargle, helping treat sore throats and mouth ulcers.

Figs and Their Role in Supporting 4 Common Chronic Conditions

1. Stabilizing Blood Pressure
   Figs contain a high level of potassium (212mg/100g), comparable to bananas. Potassium helps flush out excess sodium, thereby stabilizing blood pressure. For people with hypertension, regularly but moderately consuming figs can serve as a useful natural aid.

2. Supporting Diabetes Management
   Despite their sweetness, figs have a low glycemic index due to their fructose content and high soluble fiber. A study in Diabetes Care showed that a pectin-rich diet for four weeks reduced post-meal blood sugar by an average of 23%. However, diabetic patients should limit intake to just 1–2 figs per day to avoid overconsumption.

3. Soothing Chronic Sore Throats
   Figs help nourish the lungs, cool the body, and relieve throat discomfort. A popular folk remedy is a soup made with figs, white fungus, and goji berries, which both moistens the throat and strengthens lung function—especially beneficial during dry autumn months.

4. Regulating Blood Lipids
   Figs contain enzymes such as lipase and hydrolase, along with dietary fiber, which help break down fats, reduce cholesterol absorption, and lower triglycerides. This makes figs helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Văn Tiến (former Vice Director of the National Institute of Nutrition):
“Figs are rich in fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. However, for effective health protection, people should combine them with a balanced diet, reduce salt intake, and limit fried foods instead of relying solely on a single food.”

He also emphasized that while figs are nutritious, people with a cold constitution or those prone to diarrhea should eat them in moderation to avoid digestive issues.

From both scientific and traditional perspectives, figs truly deserve a place on the list of “golden foods” for health. Not only are they delicious and easy to prepare, but they also help support the treatment and prevention of many chronic diseases. Perhaps it’s time to consider adding figs more regularly to your daily meals—not just for variety, but also for long-term health benefits.