Are Figs Aphrodisiac? Fig Benefits for Male & Female Sexual Health

Legend has it that eating a fresh fig while naked, in front of a woman, is one of the world’s most erotic acts. (I cannot vouch for this, since I’m not in the habit of eating naked in front of other women.)

But, as the story goes, when a fig is split down the center and cradled in your palm, its pink flesh is said to resemble a woman’s sweet unmentionables. This is only one of the weird and wonderful fig benefits.

Are figs an aphrodisiac?

It is perhaps the allure of the fig’s pink flesh that has captivated poets, authors and artists for many centuries. One of my favorite examples involves one of literature’s dirtiest birds, author D. H. Lawrence. His poem, entitled “Figs,” is dedicated entirely to what he views as the erotic powers of this one summer fruit.

Another interesting note that may lead to the fig’s allure, some historians suspect that the fig’s original home was the Garden of Eden.

And so, this belief follows that the fig was the original temptress, the true forbidden fruit. (Of course, there are others who say the true fruit of temptation is the pomegranate, so I’m not sure how much weight this line of thought holds.)

Some notable fig benefits for both men and women

Even those who still cling to the myth of the apple, (or the pomegranate), find the fig’s charms to be undeniable. However, if you look at figs from a nutritional standpoint, it’s clear that figs offer greater benefits than a slight resemblance to a lady’s most secret parts.

From a nutritional standpoint, the health benefits of figs are impressive.

The fruit is a fine source of magnesium and potassium. Both of these minerals are essential to sexual performance. And, according to the USDA’s Food Data Central, a single fig also offers a healthy dose of vitamins K, B6, copper and iron.

Figs are also a source of fiber. And while that may not sound sexy, dietary fiber is key not only to maintaining a healthy weight and heart health but also to helping you feel your most sexy.

Are there dried fig benefits for male and female sexual health?

Dried figs are higher in fiber than fresh figs. And they also contain the nutrients found in fresh figs that are beneficial to sexual health.

But there are a few things to consider before you choose the benefits of figs that are dried over fresh. Dried figs are remarkably higher in calories and sugar than the fresh fruit and can cause a spike in blood sugar.

The benefit of figs for men – can they help treat erectile dysfunction?

One study published in 2015 offers a theory that fig may directly aid in treating erectile dysfunction.

However the study included extracts from three plants and it is difficult, from the research provided, to determine if one of the plants was the effective agent in improving male sexual performance, or if it was the combination.

Fig benefits for female sexual health

While we may not know if the benefits of figs include treating erectile issues, we do know that figs offer some nutritional benefits to women that can help support overall sexual health.

This alluring summer fruit is a source of folate, which is important for fertility. A serving of raw, fresh figs also offers about 4% of daily manganese intake. And manganese is essential to the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body.

Figs for sex – how they may boost women’s libido

And as for women’s libido, figs may have more benefits than we know.

As I mentioned earlier, figs are a source of potassium, a nutrient recognized as important for heart health. This is good for both men and women’s overall health as well as sexual health. (Without heart health, you may not have the blood flow to achieve orgasm.)

But there may be more to the story for women. According to one 2008 study, potassium could be a key to women’s sexual arousal. And figs make a tasty source of added potassium in your diet!

Benefits to skin health

There is some buzz in the beauty world that fig extract may offer key benefits to anti-aging skin health. Although it is accepted that fig can help treat allergic skin reactions, there is now research into the thought that antioxidants in fig may have anti-aging effects on the skin including slowing the breakdown of collagen. One 2015 study showed the positive effects in both test tube and animal testing.

Benefits to hair health

And according to NaturallyCurly.com, figs may also help your hair thick and healthy. The vitamins C, E and K found in figs help prevent hair loss and can even improve shine.

Recipes & serving suggestions

If you’re ready to start eating more figs, the summer is a great time to start. Fresh, ripe figs make a delicious and healthy snack. In winter, dried figs can be tossed into salads and cereal as well as finely chopped and used in place of raisins in cookie and quick bread recipes.

For even more inspiration, here are a few of my favorite sexy fig recipes:

Homemade Fig & Basil Lassi

Braised Short Ribs with Black Mission Figs

Grilled Fig and Arugula Salad

Fig Clafoutis with Homemade Caramel Sauce

Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods

This article was written in 2010 and most recently updated in August 2022. 

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Amy Reiley

An award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks with an MA in Gastronomy, Amy Reiley has spent the past 18 years studying the history and science behind aphrodisiac foods. She speaks on aphrodisiacs globally and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac foods to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health writer and wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine. Most importantly, Amy is a mother to 2 human children and 1 standard poodle.

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