by Marion Nestle
Sep
12
2023
Fruit-industry study of the day. II. Figs.
For this one I thank Jerry Hagstrom, who writes The Hagstrom Report (Ag news as it happens) to which I subscribe.
This too begins with a press release: “REDISCOVER FIGS: THE ANCIENT FRUIT WITH MODERN APPEAL: Newly Published Literature Review Suggests the Intake of Figs Regularly in the Diet, Alone or with Other Dried Fruits, Increases Select Micronutrient Intake and is Associated with Higher Diet Quality.”
The study: Sandhu AK, 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. 2023 Jun 3;15(11):2623. doi: 10.3390/nu15112623.
Conclusion: Data suggest that the intake of figs regularly in the diet, alone or with other dried fruits, increases select micronutrient intake and is associated with higher diet quality, respectively. Research in animal and human models of health and disease risk provide preliminary health benefits data on figs and their extracts from fig parts; however, additional well-controlled human studies, particularly using fig fruit, will be required to uncover and verify the potential impact of dietary intake of figs on modern day health issues.
Funding: This research was funded by California Fig Advisory Board.
Comment: The title of this study triggered my usual question: “who paid for this?” In this case, the authors get high marks for cautious interpretation of their findings and explicit statement about what is and is not known.
Despite the promising preliminary research of figs and extracts from fig parts, additional well-controlled human studies, particularly using fig fruit, will be required to uncover and verify the potential impact of dietary intake of figs or nutraceutical applications on critical health issues such as managing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and supporting gut health. Other areas such as satiety and cognitive function may also be worthy of exploration as evidence develops.
