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Benefits and Functions of Dried Figs

Feb 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, dried figs are made by dehydrating fresh figs. Dried figs offer various health benefits and functions, including promoting digestion, enhancing immunity, lowering blood sugar levels, protecting cardiovascular health, and relieving sore throat and swelling. Dried figs are rich in dietary fiber, which increases the volume of food in the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates intestinal motility, and helps food move more smoothly through the digestive system.

Generally, dried figs are made by dehydrating fresh figs. Dried figs offer various benefits and functions, including promoting digestion, enhancing immunity, lowering blood sugar levels, protecting cardiovascular health, relieving sore throat, and reducing swelling. Details are as follows:

1. Promote Digestion

Dried figs are rich in dietary fiber, which increases the volume of food in the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates intestinal motility, and facilitates smoother movement of food through the digestive system. Additionally, they absorb water in the intestines, soften stools, and help prevent and alleviate constipation, thereby maintaining normal digestive function and intestinal health.

2. Enhance Immunity

Dried figs are rich in various vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as minerals like zinc and selenium. These nutrients possess antioxidant properties that help eliminate free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative damage to cells, strengthen the body's immune defenses, and improve resistance to diseases.

3. Lower Blood Sugar

Dried figs contain abundant dietary fiber, which delays the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing rapid increases in blood sugar levels in a short period. They also contain flavonoid compounds with insulin-like effects that promote cellular uptake and utilization of glucose, thus regulating blood sugar levels.

4. Protect Cardiovascular Health

Dried figs are rich in potassium, which helps promote the excretion of sodium and regulate blood pressure, aiding in the prevention of hypertension. At the same time, the flavonoids, phenols, and other antioxidant substances they contain can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, decreasing lipid peroxidation.

5. Soothe the Throat and Reduce Swelling

Dried figs have a sweet and cool nature and act on the lung, stomach, and large intestine meridians. They have the effects of clearing heat, promoting body fluid production, soothing the throat, and reducing swelling. They can help alleviate symptoms such as hoarseness caused by excessive heat in the lungs and sore throat with swelling. Certain anti-inflammatory components in dried figs can reduce inflammation in the throat area and relieve pain and discomfort.

When consuming dried figs, it is important to control the amount eaten, as excessive consumption may lead to excessive calorie intake and increase the risk of obesity.

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Under normal circumstances, the main effects of fig and pear soup include moistening the lungs and promoting the secretion of body fluids, lubricating the intestines to relieve constipation, clearing heat and reducing dryness, supplementing nutrition, and alleviating throat discomfort. When preparing fig and pear soup, dried figs should be soaked in advance until softened, and pears should be cored, cut into pieces, and then stewed to enhance flavor extraction. The soup may include an appropriate amount of rock sugar according to taste preferences, although individuals with elevated blood sugar levels should control the quantity used.
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Can diabetic patients eat figs?
In general, whether diabetic patients can eat figs depends on their blood glucose control and the method of consumption. When blood glucose levels are stable, a small amount of fresh figs may be consumed, but dried figs are not recommended, and portion control must be strictly maintained. In daily life, diabetic patients should prioritize fruits with a low glycemic index, and combine them with adequate vegetables and high-quality protein.
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Can people with high blood sugar eat figs?
Under normal circumstances, patients with high blood sugar can eat figs, but should do so in moderation. When consuming figs, it is important to strictly control the portion size, with half to one fig per serving being appropriate to avoid excessive sugar intake at one time. Fresh figs are recommended, while processed products such as dried figs and fig jam should be avoided, as these contain higher sugar content and may cause blood sugar fluctuations.
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Can people with high blood sugar eat figs?
In general, people with high blood sugar can eat figs, but they should do so in moderation. When consuming figs, it is important to control the portion size—ideally 1 to 2 medium-sized fresh fruits per serving—to avoid excessive intake of sugar at one time. Fresh figs are preferable; processed products such as dried figs and fig jam should be avoided, as these often contain added sugars or concentrated sugars.
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What delicious dishes can be made with figs?
Under normal circumstances, figs can be used to make various delicacies such as fig jam, fig and tremella soup, fig salad, fig cake, and dried figs. Additionally, figs can also be used to prepare fig smoothies, fig yogurt bowls, and other dishes. When preparing fig-based dishes, it is important to select fresh, unspoiled fruits, which should be thoroughly washed before processing. Figs contain relatively high sugar content and should therefore be consumed in moderation.
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Can figs help with weight loss?
In general, figs can assist in weight loss but do not directly lead to weight reduction. It is advisable to choose fresh figs and avoid dried figs or candied figs with added sugar to prevent excessive sugar intake. Control portion sizes, as even low-calorie foods may result in excessive total calorie intake when consumed in large amounts. Do not rely solely on figs as the only weight-loss food.
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Can dried figs be soaked in water for consumption?
Dried figs can be consumed as a tea infusion. Dried figs are produced from fresh figs through processes such as sun-drying or oven-drying, retaining most of the nutritional components of fresh figs. Additionally, their properties are more moderate, making them suitable for consumption by various populations. Various components in dried figs have the effect of lowering blood pressure and blood lipid levels, making them suitable for consumption by individuals with hypertension or hyperlipidemia.
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Can I eat dried figs between meals?
Dried figs contain dietary fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and various vitamins, which help replenish nutrients and maintain normal physiological functions. Consuming them between meals can provide additional energy and nutrients to the body, preventing hypoglycemia or physical discomfort caused by hunger. The dietary fiber in dried figs also helps promote gastrointestinal motility.
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