What are they?

Fava beans, also known as broad beans or vicia faba, are a bright green member of the legume family. They grow in pods and have been a very popular addition to Middle Eastern cuisine for nearly 6000 years.

Fava beans contain protein, fibre, minerals and nutrients that can deliver some awesome benefits.

So what are the benefits of fava beans?

Protein Rich

If you incorporate these magical beans into your regular diet you may notice a positive difference in digestion and weight management. Protein is essential to assist with muscle mass, tissue building and repair & the maintenance of health bones.

For every 100g of raw beans, there is 13g of protein. Protein is important for weight loss as it boosts metabolism and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. 

Fibre Rich

Just like protein, fibre aids in weight management by actively decreasing cholesterol, stabilising bowel movements and normalising blood sugar levels.

There is 7.5g of fibre in every 100g of raw beans. The fibre present in fava beans is soluble fibre which works by reducing cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. 

Folate Rich

Folate is a nutrient that helps your body create new cells and encourages the healthy development of the brain and spinal cord in unborn children that may assist minimise defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. 

For every 100g of raw beans, there is 148mcg of folate on average.

Manganese and Copper Rich

Manganese and copper are essential nutrients for the healthy promotion of bone density, reduction of bone loss and prevention of osteoporosis-based injuries. 

There is 0.661mg of manganese and 0.402mg of copper in every 100g of raw beans. In addition to bone health, manganese when combined with calcium may be a helpful tool for controlling symptoms of PMS.

Iron Rich

Iron is the element responsible for drawing energy from oxygen, and when the body doesn’t get enough oxygen it turns anaemic. Symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, yellowish skin, dizziness, weakness and shortness of breath.

For every 100g of raw beans, there is 1.55mg of iron. Pregnant women, teens and women who menstruate heavily, frequent blood donors, infants, and people suffering from cancer or gastrointestinal disorders require a higher iron intake than usual. 

Antioxidant Rich

Antioxidants boost immunity by neutralising free radicals and preventing or minimising damage to cells. The antioxidant present in fava beans is l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, or L-dopa.

L-dopa is the compound responsible for dopamine, a neurotransmitter that provides feelings of reward and helps with memory, attention and motivation. Dopamine can aid in slowing Parkinson’s disease and reversing symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Magnesium Rich

Magnesium acts as an anti-inflammatory that relaxes blood vessels, helping to control blood pressure, reduce migraine and PMS pain, and enhance exercise performance.

For every 100g of raw beans, there is 33mg of magnesium. Although magnesium deficiency is rare, it can be beneficial to include fava beans in your regular diet that may assist with high blood pressure, asthma attacks, and pain.

Versatile and Adaptable

There are many ways you can cook fava beans. Our favourite is by mixing our Digestion, Immunity, or Movement-enhancing blends with either water or milk, or adding them to your favourite recipes.

Cooking fava beans; Shell, blanch, skin, then saute.

Dried fava beans can be soaked or boiled and added to dishes like pasta. Alternatively, you can take the dried bean, peel it, then crush it to add some nutritious crunch to a salad.

So what about our Fava Bean Blends and why are they different? 

Our Fava Bean protein blends are a highly concentrated isolate. A process to turn the fava bean into a silky smooth powder-like substance that is highly concentrated. It means boosting up the protein level and making it super smooth for consumption. It contains up to 90%-95% protein per 100g as the bae protein. A complete protein that contributes to the growth of muscle mass, maintenance of normal bones and tissue building and repair. 

We then formulate with Australian native ingredients such as Kakadu Plum and Lemon Myrtle plus we use many other 100% natural ingredients formulated for health.

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You can find our amazing fava bean protein powders on our website www.herbalwellbeing.com.au or at one of our stockists. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at sales@herbalwellbeing.com.au

*This article is for information purposes only. Not  intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice. We advise you to use our products in conjunction with a well balanced diet and regular exercise program  Please refer to our ingredient list and packaging claims that have been independently validated in reference to product benefits and uses.  Herbal Wellbeing does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided within this article.