Fava Beans Nutrition Facts

The botanical name of fava bean is Vicia faba, and it is also known as broad bean, horse bean, bell bean, or field bean. Its cultivation can be dated back to 6000 BCE or even earlier. Archaeologists have traced the cultivation of these beans along the borders of Syria and Turkey, and the Middle East.

They are one of the staple diets of the people from the Middle East, and also an integral part of the Mediterranean and Chinese cuisine. One of the main characteristics of these beans is that, they taste like meat, and consequently, they are counted among some of the tastiest types of beans.

They are also known for their high protein and fiber content. They are among the rare sources of naturally occurring L-dopa, which is one of the significant chemicals used for treating Parkinson's disease.

Given ahead is a data that provides the nutritional information for one cup of canned fava beans.

Vitamins

• Vitamin C - 4.6 mg
• Riboflavin - 0.1 mg
• Vitamin B6 - 0.1 mg
• Vitamin A - 25.6 IU
• Thiamin - 0.1 mg
• Niacin - 2.5 mg
• Folate - 84.5 mcg
• Pantothenic Acid - 0.3 mg

Minerals

• Calcium - 66.6 mg
• Magnesium - 81.9 mg
• Sodium - 1160 mg
• Potassium - 620 mg
• Iron - 2.6 mg
• Zinc - 1.6 mg
• Phosphorus - 202 mg
• Selenium - 4.6 mcg

Fats

• Total Fat Content - 0.6 g
• Polyunsaturated - 0.2 g
• Monounsaturated Fat - 0.1 g
• Cholesterol - 0.0 mg

Other Macro Nutrients

• Protein 14.0 g
• Carbohydrate 31.8 g
  

Given here is the data that provides information on the nutritional value in one cup of raw fava beans.

Vitamins

• Vitamin C 2.1 mg
• Riboflavin 0.5 mg
• Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
• Vitamin A #79.5 IU
• Thiamin 0.8 mg
• Niacin 4.2 mg
• Folate 634 mcg
• Pantothenic Acid 1.5 mg

Minerals

• Calcium - 155 mg
• Magnesium - 288 mg
• Sodium - 19.5 mg
• Potassium - 1593 mg
• Iron - 10.1 mg
• Zinc - 4.7 mg
• Phosphorus - 632 mg
• Selenium - 12.3 mcg

Fats

• Total Fat Content - 2.3 g
• Polyunsaturated - 0.9 g
• Monounsaturated Fat - 0.5 g
• Cholesterol - 0.0 mg

Other Macro Nutrients

• Protein - 39.2 g
• Carbohydrate - 87.4 g

# - International Unit

As mentioned earlier, fava beans are rich sources of L-dopa (Levodopa), which is basically a chemical substance used in medicines for treating Parkinson's disease. According to some studies, consumption of these beans can help to reduce the symptoms of this disease, because the effect of its consumption is similar to medications used for Parkinson's disease.

Some researches and surveys also state that their effect lasts longer as compared to effects of the medication. But some people have found no effects on the symptoms of Parkinson's disease even after the consumption of fava beans. Thus, we can say that there are no strong results to prove that their consumption helps to treat the disorder.

The patient may, therefore, consult a physician, and ask him about the amount of beans to be consumed. Like all other legumes, these beans are high in fiber and protein, and provide a number of health benefits. They also contain high amounts of minerals like iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium.

All these minerals play an important role in the overall development of our body. They are rich sources of vitamin A and C; vitamin A is required for good vision, skin, and bone development, while vitamin C is necessary for boosting the immune system.

Potassium is an important mineral required by body for proper regulation of blood pressure and other cardiovascular functions. These beans are very low in calories, and they contain zero cholesterol. Thus, they are healthy foods that can help to lose or maintain weight.

Though there are so many significant health benefits, there are some health concerns that should be kept in mind. "Favism" is a hereditary health ailment that causes allergic symptoms due to consumption of fava beans. These allergic reactions are due to the deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD).

Though this deficiency is very rare, one should consult a physician if he/she notices any allergic reactions on consuming the beans. Also note that these legumes contain high amount of complex carbohydrates, and hence, excess consumption can cause pain in the abdomen and gastric problems.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.