Figs are among the sweetest fruits. Sweet enough to use in cakes and all sorts of sweets to add that sugary taste. So the idea of using them to lose weight is a bit weird. We know that figs are healthy; all fruits are. But are they really a good idea when trying to slim down?
Nutrition Data
There’s a reason why these fruits have been considered valuable since ancient times. They are packed with essential nutrients, and one look at the table below will illustrate this.
A rather unusual fruit, the fig has been used in desserts for ages in various cuisines. And now that more people are looking for alternatives to processed sugars, they are becoming even more popular.
Here’s what you get from 100 grams of figs:
If you prefer raw fruits, it also helps you stay hydrated, as raw figs are 79% water.
Health Benefits
Among fig benefits, weight loss shouldn’t be on top of the list. Not because they don’t help with your diet, but rather because there are other far more important ways you can benefit from all those nutritional elements.
Here’s what eating figs can do for your organism:
- They can help you reduce high blood pressure due to the potassium content
- They can solve digestive issues thanks to the high fiber content and the prebiotics they provide
- The calcium in figs increases bone density, thus preventing bone issues
- Figs can sustain the health of your nervous system because they contain copper
- Good for skin health – a study has revealed that using a base cream that contains fig extract provides increased hydration
- Protection against cancer, due to the phytochemicals
- Lower cholesterol
Which Figs Are the Healthiest?
We’re generally used to the suggestion to eat raw fruits as much as possible, to enjoy all the nutrients. But when it comes to figs, most of us are more familiar with the dehydrated version. That’s because the fig is a fragile fruit that doesn’t last very long. So it needs to be preserved for selling.
That raises the question – which figs have more nutrients, fresh or dried ones?
With fresh figs, you get more water, vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and much lower carbohydrate content than the dried version.
With dehydrated fruits, you get more calories and sugar but also more dietary fiber and minerals, especially manganese.
So either way, you get some great stuff out of this awesome fruit.
Of course, you can always buy dried fruits and rehydrate them.
As for how to soak figs, it’s as easy as it sounds. Just place them in warm water and leave them for a few hours or until you notice they are puffed. Then drain them, and they are ready to eat.
Are Figs a Superfood?
They are definitely worthy of this title.
For such a small fruit, figs are packed with many essential nutrients, are easy to preserve, versatile when it comes to consuming them, and, most importantly, can help you prevent many health issues and keep your body strong and balanced.
Do They Have any Side Effects?
Figs work on your body the same as other fruits rich in fiber. If you eat too much, the fiber will start working against you. That means that they can cause bloating, diarrhea, and stomach ache. On top of that, it’s possible that adding too many figs to your diet may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
How Figs Help in Weight Loss
These tear-shaped fruits can help you lose weight due to the excellent low-calorie / high-fiber content combination. Their sweetness gives you the satisfying feeling of eating something that doesn’t taste like diet food, so you won’t be tempted to overeat. You can keep to smaller portions easier.
On top of that, the fibers will make you feel full between meals, reducing the temptation of turning to snacks.
But if you really need a snack, one or two figs are a great option. They will provide nutrients instead of empty calories, processed sugar, and cholesterol.
How many figs can I eat in a day if I want to lose weight?
Given the possible side effects, it’s best to set some limits, even if they have great benefits. The rule of thumb is that 2 or 3 figs per day are sufficient. If you want to eat more, don’t go over five, especially if you plan to consume them regularly for a longer period.
Luckily, there are many fig recipes that you can try. It can be as simple as adding a couple of sliced figs to your salad. Or you can add them to your tray of roasted vegetables.
Wondering how to eat dried figs for weight loss? Fig granola bars may be popular, but make sure to check the calories. Adding a fig to your healthy shake may be a better option. Or to your yogurt, in the morning, with some buckwheat, for example.
Since we’re on the topic of fruits and weight loss, you may also like this article on a diet based entirely on a sweet and refreshing fruit: Is the Watermelon Diet Good for Quick Weight Loss?
The Verdict – Can You Lose Weight Eating Figs?
Of course, you can.
You can lose weight eating any fruit, even the particularly sweet ones like figs. The trick is to opt for the right portions and make them part of a balanced diet. It’s also important to remember that fiber can have both positive and negative effects on your body.
Still, these fruits aren’t an unexpected fix for losing weight someone has recently stumbled on. They have been valued for such a long time because their benefits were easy to discover. Adding figs to your plate is not a short-term trend but rather a healthy habit you may want to keep in the long run.
They won’t miraculously help you lose weight (nothing will, by the way). But they are a good option if you want a quick snack that can satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing many essential nutrients.
You probably won’t eat them every day. But it’s a good idea to have some dehydrated figs around. They can easily be stored for a long time, so you can turn to them when you need a quick dose of vitamins and fiber – all packed in a sweet and attractive flavor.
FAQs
Are figs high in sugar?
Figs are pretty rich in natural sugar. More precisely, 100 grams( 3.5 oz) of figs contain 16.3 g of sugars. So, while they are extremely rich in nutritional elements, they must be consumed in moderation to control your sugar intake.
Who should not eat figs?
While these sweet and nutritious fruits are beneficial for most people, there are a few categories that need to avoid eating them:
- People with asthma – because these fruits can cause or worsen allergies
- People with low blood sugar – because they can help reduce blood sugar
- People on blood-thinners like warfarin – because of the high level of vitamin K in figs
- People with digestive issues, who are prone to diarrhea, because of the fiber content
What is the best time to eat figs?
The best time of day to eat raw or dehydrated figs is in the morning. That way, you absorb the nutrients better, and the fiber can work its magic for the rest of the day.
Many people soak dry figs in water or milk overnight to rehydrate them and have them for breakfast the next morning.
However, adding them to your lunch or eating them as a snack is also a good idea.
Written by Mia Davis