Short Answer: Figs are good for PCOS. Because they have fiber, calcium, potassium, vitamin B6, and polyphenols and they can lower blood sugar and insulin levels, regulate hormones, and protect cells.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects your ovaries and hormones.
In PCOS, your body produces too much androgen (a male hormone) and has problems with insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar).
This can lead to various health problems, such as irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, infertility, weight gain, and diabetes.
One of the key factors in managing PCOS is diet.
What you consume can affect your blood sugar and insulin levels, which can impact your PCOS symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage PCOS, you should consume fiber-rich foods like oats, beans, and broccoli and avoid sugar-rich foods like candy, soda, and pastries.
Now, figs are a type of fruit that have a sweet taste and a chewy texture.
People usually eat them fresh, dried, or cooked in jams, pies, or salads.
Figs are good for PCOS because they contain dietary fiber, essential nutrients, and polyphenols.
Dietary fiber can help lower blood sugar and insulin levels, improve digestion, and reduce appetite.
Essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin B6 can support bone health, blood pressure, and hormone balance.
Polyphenols are antioxidants that can protect your cells from damage and inflammation.
One medium fresh fig can give you 1.4 grams of fiber (6% of your daily needs), 35 milligrams of calcium (4% of your daily needs), 116 milligrams of potassium (3% of your daily needs), and 0.1 milligrams of vitamin B6 (6% of your daily needs).
Fiber can positively affect PCOS by slowing down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream and enhancing insulin sensitivity.
Calcium can positively affect PCOS by regulating the production and function of hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Potassium can positively affect PCOS by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Vitamin B6 can positively affect PCOS by helping your body metabolize carbohydrates and proteins and supporting the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
Furthermore, figs are a low glycemic index (GI) food and low GI foods are good for PCOS.
Because, low GI foods cause a smaller and slower rise in blood sugar and insulin levels than high GI foods, which can prevent insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism.
You can eat two to three medium fresh figs per day safely.
More than that can cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Because, figs contain a natural laxative called ficin, which can stimulate bowel movements.
Also, you shouldn’t eat figs if you have a latex allergy to prevent an allergic reaction.
Because, figs contain a substance called ficusin, which is similar to latex and can cross-react with it.
You can buy fresh figs in your local market or can order them from online.
Always choose figs that are plump, soft, and free of bruises or mold. Because, these are signs of freshness and quality.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing PCOS effectively.
I always recommend my PCOS patients to follow a PCOS-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.