Fava Beans
Cost per kilo 4,40 €

Select Weight

Fava beans or broad beans are large, flat, light green pods that are usually eaten shelled for their delicious beans. Fava is one of the ancient cultivated crops, most probably originating in the fertile valleys of Asia Minor or the Mediterranean region. Unlike other green beans, where whole immature pods can be consumed, fava beans possess thick indigestible peel that is generally shelled to extract their broad, thick and flat seeds inside. 

The fava plant is a small annual, glabrous herb with an erect stem growing to the height of up to 6 feet. Light green, beaded fruit pods which develop out of the pant's flowers hold about 6-10 flat, broad, irregularly oval-shaped beans. 

Medicial Applications:

•       Fava beans are very high in protein and energy as in any other beans and lentils. A hundred grams of beans carry 341 calories per 100 g. Besides, they are also composed of plentiful health-benefiting antioxidants, vitamins, mineral and plant sterols.

•       Fava beans are very rich in dietary fiber which acts as a bulk laxative. Dietary fiber acts in protecting the colon mucosa by decreasing its exposure time to toxic substances as well as by binfing to cancer-causing chemicals present in the colon. Dietary fiber is also extensively used to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing re-absorption of cholesterol binding acids in the colon.

•       Fava beans are very rich in phytonutrients such as isoflavone and plant sterols. Isoflavone such as genistein and daidzein have been found to protect against breast cancer. Phytosterols also aid in lowering blood cholesterol levels in the body.

•       Fava beans contain Levo-dopamine, or L-dopa, a precursor of neuro-chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. In the brain, dopamine is associated with the smooth, coordinated functioning of body movement. Adequate amounts of these beans in one's daily diet can help prevent Parkinson's disease and dopamine-responsive dystonia diseases.

•       Fava beans are an excellent source of folates. Along with vitamin B-12, folate is one of the essential components of DNA synthesis and cell division. Adequate folate consumption, also during pregnancy may help prevent neural-tube defects in newborn babies.

•       These beans also contain vitamin B-6 also known as pyridoxine and B-1 or thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. These essential vitamins function as coenzymes in cellular metabolism of carbonhydrates, protein and fat.

•       Additionally, fava beans are a very fine source of iron, copper, manganese, calcium and magnesium. It also contains the hightest amounts of potassium among plants. Potassium is an electrolyte that controls body fluids and helps counter pressing effects of sodium on heart and blood pressure. 

Safety Profile:

Some people suffer from a G6PD deficiency called favism and consuming fava beans can cause oxidative stress and hemolytic anemia. It is best for these individuals to avoid consuming these beans. Also, like other class beans, fava beans contain oxalic acid, a naturally occuring substance found in some vegetables, which may crystallize as oxalate stones in the urinary tract in some people. Therefore, individuals with known oxalate urinary tract stones are advised against eating fava beans. 

nutrition facts