The fig tree is native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean, and was the world’s first cultivated tree.

Adam and Eve made the fig famous after having covered their nakedness with fig leaves as told in genesis 3:7. 

The fig tree gave shelter to the famous Roman mythical characters Romulus and Remus while the she-wolf nursed them.

In Greek mythology, the Titan Sykeus was hidden from Zeus by his mother in the guise of a fig tree. The village Vidurashwatha, in the Kolar district of India, gets it’s name from an ashwatha (fig) tree said to have been planted by Vidura, a court member of King Dhritarashtra.

Alkaline Figs are highly alkaline, thereby supporting the body’s pH.

Dietary Fiber Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, necessary for the health of the intestines, and helpful for weight management.

Blood Pressure Figs are a good source of potassium, an important mineral to help control blood pressure.

Cancer Preliminary tests show that fig leaves have the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Further research is needed to confirm the validity of these tests.

Obesity Studies have shown the ability of fig leaves to lower the levels of triglycerides. Triglycerides are the major form of fat produced and stored in the body, and elevated levels of triglycerides are commonly linked to obesity and heart disease.

Diabetes Numerous studies have demonstrated that fig leaves have anti-diabetic properties, and reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetics.

Nutrient Values of Raw Figs per 100g
Calories 74kcal	Energy Value 310kj	Total Fat 0.30g	Carbohydrates 19.18g	Sugars 16.26g
Dietary Fiber 2.9g	Protein 0.75g	Sodium 1mg	Zinc 0.15mg	Potassium 232mg
Iron 0.37mg	Magnesium 17mg	Copper 0.070mg	Calcium 35mg	Vitamin C 2.0mg
Vitamin E 0.11mg	Vit. B3 (Niacin) 0.400mg	Vitamin B6 0.113mg	Vit. B1 (Thiamin) 0.060mg	Vit. B2 (Riboflavin) 0.050mg

References:
1. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, Joseph Pizzorno, and Lara Pizzorno.
2. Benders' Dictionary of Nutrition and Food Technology.
3. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
4. Serraclara A, Hawkins F, Pérez C, Domínguez E, Campillo JE, Torres MD. Hypoglycemic action of an oral fig-leaf decoction in type-I diabetic patients. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 1998 Jan;39(1):19-22. PMID: 9597370.