9 benefits of high nutritional value beans
Broad bean is a vegetable that has been loved and consumed all over the world for centuries. This food, which stands out for its taste and health benefits, is high in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Broad beans, which provide benefits in many different areas, from digestive system health to heart health, from reducing cancer risk to supporting bone health, can contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
In this article you will learn more about what broad beans are, what benefits they offer and how they should be consumed. When you’re ready, let’s travel to the bean world together!
What Are Pods?
Broad bean is a plant that usually has brown skin and green kernels. Pods are from the legume family and usually consist of round or oval grains. The colors of the pods can vary, some are green and some are yellow or brown. Broad beans have a delicious, sweet and slightly earthy taste. There are different types of fava beans and it is used in many food cultures around the world.
Nutritional value of beans
Broad beans are considered a rich source of many nutrients. Broad beans contain high amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. The high amount of fiber in the fava bean aids the health of the digestive system. Broad beans are also rich in minerals such as B vitamins, folic acid, iron, magnesium and potassium. All these vitamins and minerals are very important for the health of the body.
9 Benefits of broad beans
1. Aids Digestive System Health
Thanks to its high fiber content, fava beans help with the health of the digestive system. Fiber regulates the digestive process and prevents constipation. Also, consuming fava beans can reduce inflammation of the digestive tract and prevent gas formation.
2. Helps control blood sugar levels
Fava beans may be helpful in blood sugar control due to their high fiber content. Some studies show that consuming fava beans can reduce insulin resistance and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
3. Supports heart health
Broad beans may be helpful in supporting heart health. Broad beans contain high amounts of fiber and folate, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Also, consuming fava beans can lower blood pressure and control cholesterol levels.
4. May Reduce Cancer Risk
Broad beans are rich in antioxidants and may be effective in reducing the risk of cancer. Broad beans contain compounds that slow the growth of cancer cells and protect the cells’ DNA.
5. Supports bone health
Broad beans are rich in minerals that support bone health. Broad beans contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These minerals strengthen bones and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
6. Lowers cholesterol
You’ll get about 40 grams of protein from a 1-cup serving of fava beans. According to the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, they explained that people following a high-protein, high-fiber diet can achieve better results than those on a low-carb, low-fat diet. Those who consume fava beans have lower cholesterol and higher overall fat loss.
7. Boosts Immunity
Broad beans are a very good source of manganese and folate. While protein and carbohydrates are very important in human metabolism, folic acid is very important for heart health, immune system and red blood cell synthesis.
8. Fights Parkinson’s Disease
Pods are a good source of levodopa. Levodopa is the chemical you can find in medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease. According to studies on Parkinson’s disease, fava beans have been observed to be more effective than Parkinson’s drugs and reduce symptoms better.
9. Fights Depression
Studies have shown that fava beans, which contain amino acids and dopamine, can work wonders in elevating mood. Thus, it helps to ease your depressive states.
How are fava beans consumed?
Broad beans can be eaten raw or cooked. Broad beans can be used in salads, soups and meals. Various dishes such as broad bean hummus and broad bean paste can also be made. Broad beans can also be eaten dried.
There are some points to keep in mind when consuming fava beans. Cooking the fava bean can cause gas in some people. Therefore, when consuming fava beans, quantity should be controlled and slow cooking methods should be used.
How do you control the amount while consuming fava beans?
You can control it by gradually increasing the amount as you consume fava beans.
What vitamins do fava beans contain?
Broad beans contain vitamins such as B vitamins and folic acid.
What minerals do fava beans contain?
Broad beans contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
What side effects can bean consumption cause?
Consumption of fava beans can cause gas, bloating and digestive problems.
What health benefits do fava beans have?
Broad beans help keep the digestive system healthy, control blood sugar levels, support heart health, reduce cancer risk and support bone health.
For which diseases is the consumption of fava beans recommended?
Consumption of fava beans can be helpful in preventing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor before consuming fava beans.