9 Unexpected Side Effects Of Figs

Dry fruits and nuts have always been a healthy snack option! Fig or anjeer is one such fruit that is mostly dried along with other nuts and berries. Figs stand out for their unique nutritional profile, making them not just delicious but also a powerhouse of health benefits. Whether consumed fresh or dried, they can help regulate blood sugar, support healthy digestion, and promote general well-being (1). However, given its many health-benefiting properties, it is easy to go overboard with it! That’s when you may come face to face with some of the side effects of figs. Yes, there is an appropriate amount of figs that you should have every day to avoid the possible risks. Read on to know more about these possible side effects of figs to help you get the most out of these nutritious fruits!

Know The Flip Side: Figs

Short-Term Effects
Bloating, stomach ache, retinal bleeding, lower blood sugar levels, and allergic reactions.

Long-Term Effects
Damage to the liver and intestines and interferes with calcium absorption.

Drug Interactions
Can interfere with blood thinners, insulin, and anti-diabetes drugs.

When To See A Doctor
If you experience retinal bleeding,shortness of breath, skin rashes, nausea, or unexplainable abdominal ache.

Side Effects Of Figs

Here are 9 top figs side effects that you should be aware of before you give in to the temptation of emptying the whole jar of anjeer.

1. Heavy On Stomach

Overeating figs can be heavy on the stomach and may cause stomach aches. This is likely due to their high fiber content that, when consumed in excess, may cause bloating, gas, or even diarrhea, especially if your body isn’t used to a fiber-rich diet. While those suffering from constipation can benefit from it, it might end in a bad stomach for others (2) (1). Drinking plenty of fluids like cold water after eating figs may help with stomach-related issues (2).

Stomach pain after fig consumption may also indicate anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. A case study involving a 50-year-old woman published in the Clinical and Translational Allergy Journal highlights this rare instance. The woman experienced nasal and eye irritation, along with severe abdominal pain, shortly after eating a fig. Allergy tests, including skin and blood tests, confirmed an allergy to fresh and dried figs, with no cross-reactivity to latex or tropical fruits, which are commonly associated with similar allergies (3).

2. Bloating

Apart from stomach ache, figs may also cause bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort. This is because figs are rich sources of fiber, and eating too many of them in a short period may lead to bloating (2). You can avoid this by slowly increasing the amount of fiber in your diet and drinking a lot of fluids. Drinking aniseed water may help treat these gastrointestinal problems (4).

3. Sun Sensitivity

While figs are useful in treating chronic skin diseases and also beneficial in the treatment of skin tumors, they may also harm the skin by increasing its sensitivity to sun rays (5), (6). Any contact with fresh fig juice followed by sun exposure may lead to skin discoloration. Research suggests that this reaction is caused by furocoumarins, chemicals in the juice that become phototoxic when exposed to sunlight (6). UV rays are harmful for the skin and can result in conditions like premature aging, melanomaⁱ  The most dangerous type of skin cancer that develops in melanin-producing cells, called melanocytes, and has the tendency to grow quickly. and skin cancer (7). It can also result in skin rashes. So, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun if you consume figs or use them topically to avoid skin-related problems.

4. Harms Liver And Intestines

Anecdotal evidence suggests figs can be harmful for the liver. They can also cause obstruction in the intestines because of their seeds. While it may not seem so while eating, the seeds present in figs are hard enough to get digested easily. While you should be aware of all the potential risks of eating figs, it is important to note that they are not supported by scientific evidence. Instead, figs are generally considered beneficial for overall health, including liver health. They contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that may support liver function (1). You should, however, consume them in moderation.

5. Calcium Absorption

Avoid taking figs with high oxalic or phytic acid containing foods like beans, seeds, nuts, and dark leafy vegetables like spinach and collard greens. Figs are a rich source of calcium (1). However, oxalic or phytic acids may interfere with the absorption of calcium in the body. Calcium deficiency may lead to weak bones and other diseases (8). However, research in this regard is limited. More information is warranted.

Quick Tip

Consume foods high in vitamin D, such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mushrooms, and vitamin D-fortified foods with figs to improve calcium absorption.

6. Bleeding

Figs are warm in nature, and anecdotal evidence suggests that it may cause bleeding. Overeating figs can result in retinal bleeding, rectal bleeding, and slight vaginal bleeding. It can also result in hemolytic anemiaⁱ  A blood disorder that involves hemolysis – when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made. . However, further scientific research is needed to confirm these claims. It is best to consume figs in moderation to avoid these issues. In case of rectal and vaginal bleeding, stop eating figs and see if the bleeding stops. If not, then check with your doctor.

7. Lowers Blood Sugar Level

Figs help control the blood sugar level in the body (9). This helps those with diabetes but can be harmful for those with low blood sugar levels. If you are suffering from low blood sugar levels, avoid eating figs.

However, in some cases, depending on how many figs you consume, you may also notice a spike in blood sugar levels. Justin Richards, a health-conscious YouTuber, shared his experience eating 90 grams of dried figs that contained 56 grams of carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber. After a few hours, he monitored the blood sugar spike on his glucose monitor. He reports, “This went up to 49 mg/dl and that is a significant spike (i).”

8. Allergy

If you are allergic to figs, it can cause conjunctivitis, rhinitisⁱ  A reaction that involves a congested, drippy nose or chronic sneezing due to air allergens that trigger the release of histamine. and anaphylactic shockⁱ  A rare and serious allergic reaction that may lead to a sudden blood pressure drop and narrowed airways that obstruct breathing. . It can also cause asthma. Check if you have any allergic problem to figs before consuming them (10).

Further, different parts of the fig may cause different levels of allergic reactions. A study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology examined this. The study considered two cases of fig-related oral allergy. Both patients experienced oral and respiratory symptoms after eating figs, with tests showing that fig skin was significantly more allergenic than the pulp (11).

9. Harmful Oxalates

Figs are high in oxalates (12). Oxalates can bind to minerals such as calcium and form insoluble crystals, potentially leading to kidney stones in susceptible individuals (13). Therefore, the oxalates present in figs may be harmful to those who are already suffering from kidney or gallbladder problems and diseases. In this case, the consumption of figs can worsen the condition.

If your oxalate levels exceed a certain threshold, it can interact with calcium to produce painful kidney stones that can lodge in the urinary tract. Eating oxalate-rich foods, such as figs, may result in higher oxalate levels. According to a study, the amount of oxalate excreted in the urine increases concurrently with dietary oxalate intake, raising the possibility of kidney stone development. To find out more, see the graph below.

Urinary Oxalate Excretion Of Subjects On Controlled Diets

Apart from the above-mentioned adverse effects of figs, the fruit may also harm the spleen, which is responsible for producing white blood cells. However, research in this regard is very limited. Consult your doctor for more information.

Trivia

Spinach, beets, almonds, and soy products are also high in oxalates and are not recommended to be taken along with figs.

Even though figs have these side effects, it does not mean that they are completely bad for your health. Check out the next section to learn about the impressive nutritional profile of figs.

Nutrition Value Of Figs

100g of raw fig contains (15):

• Calories: 74 kcal
• Protein: 0.75 g
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbs: 19.2 g
• Fiber: 2.6 g
• Calcium: 35 mg
• Magnesium: 17 mg
• Phosphorous: 14 mg
• Vitamin C: 2 mg
• Folate: 6 µg
• Vitamin K: 4.7 µg
• Beta carotene: 85 µg
• Vitamin A: 142 IU

This shows that figs are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals and relatively low in caloric content, making them a good addition to any healthy diet. The only thing you need to take care of is to have them in moderation. Scroll down to the next section for some more tips you can follow to mitigate or avoid the side effects of figs.

Tips To Avoid The Side Effects Of Figs

Here are some simple tips you can follow to prevent the potential downsides of consuming figs:

• Always consume figs in moderation. You can have 2-3 dried figs per day or consult your doctor for the right dosage.
• Some individuals may be allergic to figs. In this case, it is best to avoid them. You may instead consume other fruits with similar flavors, such as dates, prunes, or dried apricots.
• If you are new to eating figs, introduce them gradually into your diet to see how your body reacts. If you notice any adverse reactions, consult a doctor immediately.
• Drink plenty of water after consuming figs, as they are rich in fiber. Excess fiber may cause bloating or constipation (2).
• Try soaking dried figs overnight before consumption. Anecdotal evidence suggests doing so may enhance their digestibility and help reduce potential stomach discomfort.
• If you have underlying health conditions or are on any medication, check with your healthcare provider to ensure figs are suitable for your diet.

So, these are most of the side-effects that can result from overeating of figs. Some anecdotal evidence also claims that overconsumption of figs may cause skin irritation, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration and weight gain. However, these claims are not quite backed by scientific research. You can avoid most of them if you eat only the required amount without heeding to the demands of your tongue. But if you are suffering from any allergic reactions and low blood sugar levels, then you should avoid figs and consult your doctor to know more about figs benefits and side effects.

Infographic: Common Side Effects Of Figs

Figs are healthy snacks options that one can look for. But one should reconsider eating too many figs because of their adverse effects. While we have listed all adverse effects in the article, there are a few very important negative reactions of figs you must know before eating extra ones. Check out the infographic below to learn about common side effects of figs.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should not eat figs?

Pallini Winnifred, RDN, says, “Individuals who are allergic to figs should avoid eating them. Symptoms of a fig allergy can include itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating figs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.”

Why do vegans avoid figs?

Winnifred adds, “Vegans may avoid figs because they are sometimes pollinated by wasps, which can be considered an animal product. However, this is not a general case, as the majority of figs that are commercially available are self-pollinating, which means that the flowers are pollinated without the help of the wasps, and they are considered vegan.”

What is the best time to eat figs?

Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital opines that mornings are the best time to eat figs. He adds, “This is because they are packed with fiber and healthy nutrients to get your day started. The fiber can help fill you up quicker and keep you full for longer periods of time. This can help control your appetite throughout the day. This is especially useful for those looking to lose weight.”

Can we drink water after eating figs?

According to Winnifred, “It is generally fine to drink water after eating figs. Drinking water can help wash down any bits of food left in the mouth and also help to keep the body hydrated. However, it is always good to consult with a physician or a dietitian to know about the best practices that apply to your specific case.”

Do figs cause diarrhea?

Due to their high fiber content, overconsumption of figs may cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

Can figs cause diverticulitis?

No, figs don’t cause diverticulitisⁱ  The development of small, bulging, inflamed pouches in the digestive tract that lead to pain, nausea, fever, and constipation. . The high fiber content may actually prove beneficial for gut health. However, some people prefer to stay away from nuts and fruits containing seeds including figs, apprehending a trigger attack.

Illustration: Unexpected Side Effects Of Figs ( Anjeer)

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

While figs’ benefits for maintaining overall health cannot be ignored, taking them in excess can cause adverse effects. Hence, moderation is key. Learn more about their side effects from the video below.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Jesse FederRDN, CPT

   

Jesse is a registered dietitian, personal trainer, and a certified strength and conditioning specialist with 6 years of experience in training people from all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. From athletes, crossfitters, powerlifters, Olympic lifters, and bodybuilders to the average person looking to get into shape, Jesse provides nutritional counseling for various needs and health conditions.

Read full bio of Jesse Feder

• 
  Pallini WinnifredRDN Pallini Winnifred, RDN, serves over 200 clients in the NYC area. She has a bachelor's degree in Nutrition Science from Stony Brook University and two years of experience in nutrition counseling.
  
  Pallini Winnifred, RDN, serves over 200 clients in the NYC area. She has a bachelor's degree in Nutrition Science from Stony Brook University and two years of experience in nutrition counseling.

Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

Read full bio of Tanya Choudhary

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla

Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

Read full bio of Moksha Gandhi