Fig Benefits & Aphrodisiac Use

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

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.

Dried figs are higher in fiber than fresh figs. 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 figs 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 includes treating erectile issues, we do know that figs offer some nutritional benefits to women.

Figs for 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 skin including slowing breakdown of collagen. One 2015 study showed positive effects in test tube and animal testing.

Figs and skin health

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

Figs for sex

And as for women’s sexual health, 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.

How to serve figs

If you’re ready to start eating more figs, here are a few of my favorite sexy fig recipes:

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 June 2021.