Fava beans are chock-full of nutrients and offer many health benefits. They contain fiber, folate, and manganese, among many other nutrients. Fava beans may also help decrease body weight or lower cholesterol.
They have a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and are eaten by people all over the world.
Fava beans are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. They’re thought to offer impressive health effects, such as improved motor function and immunity.
They grow in green pods, and fresh favas can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried. Their versatility makes them suitable for soups, stews, salads, sauces, fillings, snacks, and more. Fava beans have an earthy, nutty, slightly sweet, and slightly bitter taste. They may taste cheesy to some people.
May Improve Symptoms of Anemia
Eating iron-rich fava beans may help with symptoms of anemia.
Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein that enables your red blood cells to carry oxygen through your body. An iron deficiency can lead to anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath (24, 25).
One study in 200 young women found that those who reported an insufficient dietary intake of iron were six times more likely to have anemia compared to those with adequate intake (26).
Regularly eating fava beans and other iron-rich plant foods may increase blood iron levels and improve anemia symptoms (27).
However, fava beans contain a form of iron that is better absorbed with vitamin C from foods, such as citrus fruits or bell peppers (28).
Furthermore, fava beans are not recommended for people with the genetic disorder glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, as eating these beans may lead to a different type of blood issue called hemolytic anemia (29, 30).
Beneficial for Bone Health
Fava beans are rich in manganese and copper — two nutrients that may prevent bone loss (18, 19).
Their exact role in bone health is unclear, but rat studies suggest that manganese and copper deficiencies may lead to decreased bone formation and increased calcium excretion (20, 21).
Human research also suggests that manganese and copper are vital to bone strength.
A one-year study in postmenopausal women with weak bones found that taking a supplement with manganese and copper, as well as vitamin D, calcium and other nutrients, improved bone mass (22).
Additional research has shown that manganese and copper in combination with calcium and zinc may prevent bone loss in healthy older women (23).
Why Fava Beans Can Kill You
FAQ
What is the best way to eat fava beans?
When should you not eat fava beans?
Do you have to boil fava beans?
Can humans eat raw broad beans?
Are fava beans ready to eat?
Ready-to-eat fava beans usually come in cans. Fresh fava beans come in their natural pods. Roasted fava beans are a crunchy snack food, and can be flavored with spices like pepper or garlic. Legumes are known for their health benefits. Fava beans, like many other legumes, are packed with nutrients that boost your health.
Can one eat fava beans unpeeled?
Fava beans should not be eaten whole without peeling. This shell cannot be digested by the human body, being harmful to health.
Are fava beans healthy?
Roasted fava beans are a crunchy snack food, and can be flavored with spices like pepper or garlic. Legumes are known for their health benefits. Fava beans, like many other legumes, are packed with nutrients that boost your health. The nutrients in fava beans can aid in weight loss, help prevent some illnesses, and promote healthy growth.
Do fava beans get a bad rap?
It seems that fava beans get a bad rap when it comes to preparing due to the time it takes to peel them. Their pods resemble a large sweet pea, but when looking to purchase, make sure you find the green pods that are tight and firm instead of bulging pods.