8 Amazing Health Benefits of Fava Beans

Fava beans, alternatively known as broad beans or Vicia faba, belong to the Fabaceae family and come in diverse forms—pods, dried, canned, and frozen. They've long been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine due to their protein richness, but their appeal has transcended borders owing to their mildly sweet, earthy taste and remarkable health advantages.

# Treat the Symptoms of Parkinson’s

Fava beans, given their rich L-dopa and C-dopa content, help improve the motor performance in those suffering from Parkinson’s disease by increasing the blood dopamine levels. These beans can also be combined with other Parkinson’s disease medications like carbidopa for an improvement in symptoms. Having said that, it is important not to replace your medically prescribed drugs for Parkinson’s disease with fava beans, as more research on this topic is still needed.

# May Prevent Birth Defects

Fava beans have a huge supply of folate. Folate is one of the most important nutrients for fetal growth. It helps in the creation of cells and organs for the fetus, thereby preventing the risk of neural tube defects. Women who get an ample supply of folate in the first few months of their pregnancy have a markedly lower risk of spinal cord and brain issues in their infants, thereby making broad beans a good dietary option for them.

# Improve Bone Health

Fava beans, being rich in manganese, copper, zinc, and calcium, are known to help improve bone health. Manganese helps in reducing calcium deficiency in the body, thereby reducing the risk of bone-related ailments like osteoporosis and bone loss in older women.

# May Help Fight Anemia

Due to the high iron content in fava beans, they help fight the symptoms of anemia, such as tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and more. Iron promotes the production of hemoglobin in the body which helps in carrying oxygen to your cells. Hence, regular consumption of fava beans may help prevent anemia too. Although an important point to note here is that those suffering from a G6PD deficiency, should not consume these beans as they may lead to another blood disorder called hemolytic anemia.

# Manage Blood Pressure

Given the high manganese and potassium content in fava beans, they can help in managing your blood pressure. Foods high in manganese and potassium are known to relax the blood vessels and lower high blood pressure, also lowering the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

# May Promote Weight Loss

One cup or 170-gram serving of fava beans contain around 180 calories, which makes them a good food option for those looking to lose weight. They also have a rich supply of protein and fiber, which helps improve the feeling of fullness in your stomach thereby curbing the need or urge to eat more.

# Help Lower Cholesterol Levels

Fava beans are rich in soluble fiber, which helps in binding and removing cholesterol from your body. Soluble fiber helps in decreasing the LDL cholesterol and glucose levels in the body.

# Boost Immunity

Fava beans are a rich source of copper, which is an important mineral to regulate the production and growth of healthy blood cells. Copper also promotes the functioning of white blood cells, which destroy the disease-causing pathogens in the body. Fava beans can promote antioxidant or free-radical fighting abilities in people as they age.