Close
App logo

Enjoy an Ad-Free Experience While Reading

Figs for Fertility – How Does It Help?

Medically Reviewed By
Megha Mukhija (Paediatric Nutritionist)
Expert Validated

One of the many reasons which cause infertility is an inadequate level of hormones in men and women. Science has proven with evidence that figs can boost fertility. Its rich iron content is essential for healthy eggs and ovulation. Figs are certainly a sweet way to improve fertility nutrition as they are an extremely rich source of fibre and vitamins. Fresh or dried figs are a rich source of calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, vitamin B6 and fibre. Figs help in improving male fertility, too, by increasing sperm count and motility. Figs can be eaten with salads, desserts, and meat. You can include figs to your diet directly or by soaking them & having them on an empty stomach. Read on to learn about figs and fertility.

ADVERTISEMENT


How Eating Figs Helps to Improve Fertility

The figs benefits for female fertility are many! The vitamin and mineral-rich bombs, figs, are small round fruits which resemble testes and ovaries. They are indeed the next superfood. The nutritive content of fig is packed with vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, copper and a whole lot of fibre which increase fertility goodness. Figs, for male fertility, can help to overcome male sterility by improving the sperm count and motility. Figs for female fertility can help in controlling menstrual irregularities and hormonal imbalances. If you nourish yourself with figs, you will do your health and fertility big favour. A wholesome and balanced diet will surely set you up for a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Recipe of Figs to Boost Fertility

The nutritionists recommend figs as they come with a variety of health benefits. Figs or anjeer for fertility is known to have a miraculous impact. Some recipes using dried figs for fertility are given below:

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

1. Poached Figs

Ingredients:

  • Apple juice – 2 cups
  • Lemon juice – 1 large
  • Cinnamon stick – 1
  • Mint leaf – large
  • Rehydrated dry figs – 8
  • Frozen/fresh raspberries – ½ pt

Instructions:

  1. Simmer the apple juice, lemon juice, mint leaf and cinnamon for 10 minutes.
  2. Add the figs and let it be on simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
  3. Remove the figs when very soft, strain the juice and boil it over high heat.
  4. Remove the syrup and drizzle raspberries and figs.

2. Avocado and Fig Salsa

Ingredients:

  • Ripe and chopped avocado – 1
  • Plum tomato chopped – 1
  • Fresh figs chopped – 2
  • Minced, ribs and seeds removed, jalapeno pepper
  • Garlic crushed – 1 clove
  • Cumin – 1/8 tsp
  • Coriander – 1/8 Tsp
  • Lime juice – 1/2 lime
  • Raw honey – ½ – ¾ tsp
  • Ground pepper – as per taste

Instructions:

ADVERTISEMENT

  1. Collect tomato, figs, avocado, and garlic in a bowl and keep aside.
  2. Whisk spices, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl.
  3. Drizzle it over the avocado mixture.
  4. Allow flavours to blend by refrigerating for an hour.

FAQs

1. Are dried figs or fresh figs better for fertility?

Both dried and fresh figs can be beneficial for fertility. However, dried figs are more concentrated in nutrients like fiber and antioxidants, which might make them a slightly better option for enhancing fertility.

ADVERTISEMENT

2. How many figs should I eat daily for fertility benefits?

When it comes to figuring out how to eat figs for fertility, know that eating 2-3 figs a day can provide fertility benefits. Consuming figs regularly as part of a balanced diet helps ensure the intake of key nutrients that support reproductive health.

ADVERTISEMENT

3. Can figs help in reducing insulin resistance linked to fertility issues?

Yes, figs have a low glycemic index and are high in fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. By improving insulin sensitivity, figs may reduce the risk of conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), which is a common cause of infertility.

4. Are figs beneficial for couples undergoing IVF?

Figs contain several antioxidants and minerals like potassium and magnesium, which help improve cellular health. This can be particularly beneficial for couples undergoing IVF, as these nutrients support a healthier reproductive system and can enhance the success rate of treatments.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you are all set to start a family, you must modify your diet and lifestyle to increase the chances of conception. Figs are a symbol of fertility. Their high-profile content of iron, potassium, calcium, and zinc are absolutely essential for a healthy pregnancy. Figs are helpful in improving male fertility too.

ADVERTISEMENT

References/Resources:

ADVERTISEMENT

1. Naghdi. M, Maghbool. M, Seifalah-Zade. M, Mahaldashtian. M, Makoolati. Z, et al.; Effects of Common Fig (Ficus carica) Leaf Extracts on Sperm Parameters and Testis of Mice Intoxicated with Formaldehyde (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4745414/; January 2016

2. Ain. N, Khan. R, Mirza. T, Fayyaz. T; The Effects of Ficus carica on Male and Female Reproductive Capabilities in Rats (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9617696/; October 2022

3. Hussain. S, Naseer. B, Qadri. T, Fatima. T; Fig (Ficus Carica)—Morphology, Taxonomy, Composition and Health Benefits (Fruits Grown in Highland Regions of the Himalayas); Researchgate; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352434402_Fig_Ficus_Carica-Morphology_Taxonomy_Composition_and_Health_Benefits; June 2021

4. Figs, raw; Food Data Central; U.S. Department of Agriculture; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173021/nutrients

5. 4 Health Benefits of Figs; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-figs

6. Sandhu. A, Islam. M, Edirisinghe. I, Burton-Freeman. B; Phytochemical Composition and Health Benefits of Figs (Fresh and Dried): A Review of Literature from 2000 to 2022 (Nutrients); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10255635/; June 2023

Also Read:

Folic Acid for Fertility
Using Coconut Oil for Fertility
Castor Oil Usage for Fertility
Ways to Increase Fertility in Men and Women

Was This Article Helpful?

Parenting is a huge responsibility, for you as a caregiver, but also for us as a parenting content platform. We understand that and take our responsibility of creating credible content seriously. FirstCry Parenting articles are written and published only after extensive research using factually sound references to deliver quality content that is accurate, validated by experts, and completely reliable. To understand how we go about creating content that is credible, read our editorial policy here.

  • Author
  • Expert Reviewer
About the Author
Mrunal

Megha Mukhija About the Expert
Megha Mukhija
(Paediatric Nutritionist)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
close icon
FirstCry Logo
Ratings
Download the FirstCry App and get access to
15000+
Articles
Ad Free
Experience
Personalised
Content
QR Code
Scan the QR code and download the app