The noble scholar Ibn al-Qayyim talked about the fig in his excellent work "The Prophetic Medicine". He said that there is no mention of figs in Prophetic Sunnah because there were no figs in the land of Hijaz and Medina. This is because the soil that is required for figs to grow on is incompatible with that which is suitable for date palms.
However, he did say that they are mentioned in the Qur'an to identify their distinct health benefits among other fruits: "By the fig, and the olive." [95:1]
Ibn al-Qayyim also said that figs are more nourishing than all other fruit, that they should be ripe and peeled before eating, and that the best type of fig is the white variety. He said that eating fresh figs can prevent the development of urotoxicity (toxic quality of urine), and can cleanse the kidney and bladder. Fresh figs are healthier and more wholesome than dried figs and can benefit the throat, chest and trachea.
He mentioned that dried figs are beneficial for the nerves and that eating dried figs combined with almonds and walnuts on an empty stomach in the morning can be exceedingly beneficial in opening up the alimentary canal (a tube that runs through the body, from the mouth to the end of the large intestine).
What Are Figs?
Figs are inverted flowers and the seeds of the fig are actually the fruit.
Figs are higher in fiber than any other fresh or dried fruit per serving. They are rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron, and are an excellent source of polyphenols (plant-based chemicals thought to play a role in fighting disease).
Research has shown that figs have "superior quality" antioxidants and are one of the healthiest dried foods. They contain a substance called Psoralens that, when combined with exposure to ultraviolet light, is successful in treating several skin disorders and lymphoma.
Other health benefits of figs are:
Tips for Enjoying Figs
References for further reading