Good source
Protein
15.9 g · 32% DV target
Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are one of the oldest cultivated legumes, valued for their buttery texture and a unique profile of L-dopa (a precursor to dopamine) that has made them a focus of neurological research.
Fava beans are a significant source of L-dopa (levodopa), a compound used in the clinical management of Parkinson's disease, which may help improve motor function in some individuals when consumed regularly.
They contain high levels of resistant starch and non-starch polysaccharides (types of fibre), which act as prebiotics to fuel beneficial gut bacteria and support metabolic health.
For individuals with a genetic G6PD deficiency, fava beans can trigger favism (a condition causing the breakdown of red blood cells), making them an essential ingredient to avoid for this specific group.
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
15.9 g · 32% DV target
19.9 g · 7% DV target
16.9 g · 60% DV target
16.0 mg · 18% DV target
0.27 mg · 23% DV target
2.90 mg · 18% DV target
No diet tags available.
Keep in pods until ready to use for maximum freshness.
Blanch before freezing to preserve colour and texture.
As nitrogen-fixing legumes, they improve soil health and require minimal synthetic fertilisers. [2]
In ancient Greece, fava beans were used as ballots for voting, with white beans representing 'yes' and black beans representing 'no'.