![]() 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).įurthermore, 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). Regularly eating fava beans and other iron-rich plant foods may increase blood iron levels and improve anemia symptoms ( 27). 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). An iron deficiency can lead to anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath ( 24, 25). Iron is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein that enables your red blood cells to carry oxygen through your body. Since antioxidants enhance immune function, eating fava beans may boost immunity, but more research is needed.Įating iron-rich fava beans may help with symptoms of anemia. Summaryįava beans contain compounds that have been shown to boost antioxidant activity of human cells in test-tube studies. It is unclear whether fava beans have the same immune-boosting effects in people when eaten as part of a regular diet. However, these studies were conducted on isolated cells treated with extracts from fava beans. In addition, fava beans contain compounds that have been shown to enhance the ability of the powerful antioxidant glutathione in human cells and delay cellular aging ( 16, 17). One test-tube study found that treating human lung cells with extracts from fava beans increased their antioxidant activity by up to 62.5% ( 15). Antioxidants are critical to your body’s immune defense, as they fight free radicals that may lead to cell damage and disease ( 12, 13, 14). In particular, they’re rich in compounds that may enhance antioxidant activity. ![]() Regularly eating fava beans may boost your immune system. Adequate folate intake in pregnant women can help prevent neural tube defects. Summaryįava beans are loaded with folate, a nutrient that promotes proper brain and spinal cord development in infants. ![]() With 40% of the DV for folate in just one cup (170 grams), fava beans are an excellent choice for pregnant women ( 3). One study in more than 23,000 women found that the incidence of brain and spinal cord issues was 77% lower in infants of mothers who had the highest daily intake of dietary folate, compared to children of women with the lowest intake ( 11). In fact, it’s estimated that more than 260,000 infants born worldwide in 2015 had neural tube defects, many of which may have been preventable by adequate maternal folate intake ( 10). An expecting mother needs additional folate from foods and supplements to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, or issues with the development of her infant’s brain and spinal cord ( 8, 9). Still, more research on this topic is needed.įava beans are loaded with folate, a nutrient that promotes healthy fetal development.įolate is critical for creating cells and organs. Since Parkinson’s disease is characterized by low dopamine levels, eating fava beans may help with symptoms. Summaryįava beans are rich in L-dopa, which your body converts to dopamine. Keep in mind that even though fava beans are rich in L-dopa, they should not be used in place of medications. While these results are promising, more research is needed. ![]() Therefore, eating fava beans may help with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, though research is limited.Ī small study in 11 people with Parkinson’s disease found that eating 1.5 cups (250 grams) of fava beans after 12 hours without medication had a comparable positive effect on blood dopamine levels and motor function as L-dopa drugs ( 6).Īnother study in 6 adults with Parkinson’s disease showed that consuming 100–200 grams - about 1–1.75 cups - of fava beans with the anti-Parkinson’s medication carbidopa improved symptoms as well as traditional drug combinations ( 7). These symptoms are usually treated with medications that contain L-dopa ( 5). Parkinson’s disease causes the death of dopamine-producing brain cells, leading to tremors, issues with motor function and difficulty walking. Fava beans are rich in levodopa (L-dopa), a compound that your body converts to the neurotransmitter dopamine ( 4). ![]()
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