Health Benefits and Nutrition of Fava Beans

Fava beans, forever immortalized in the classic quote by Hannibal Lector in the movie Silence of the Lambs, are actually not beans at all. Fava beans are referred to by many names, according to the region where they are cultivated, Whatever name you might choose to call them, you should be aware that they belong to the pea family, rather than the bean family. But the name is not so important as the many health benefits and nutritional qualities also inherent in fava beans.

Until that famous quote was made mainstream in America, fava beans might have been more recognizable under the moniker "broad bean". A staple of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, fava beans are enjoyed in a wide assortment of Mediterranean dishes, not just because of the many health benefits they contain, but also because of their unique flavor.

While fava beans are somewhat less common in American cuisine, you might consider making them a more frequent addition to your diet, especially if you are one of the hundreds of thousands of Americans seeking more fiber in their diet.

Fava beans are especially high in fiber (85% of the RDV), and also high in iron (30% of a day's requirement), and very low in sodium. Additionally, they contain no cholesterol and are low in fat. While the nutrition and health benefits of fava beans are quite impressive, they are also countered by the fact that favas do contain 50 grams of total carbohydrates and almost 300 calories per 3/4 cup serving.

Fava beans are also noted to contain L-dopa, which is used as a drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Additionally, as with most whole grains, consumption of fava beans can help reduce risks associated with heart disease.

Despite all the health benefits of fava beans, one reason they might often be passed over in traditional American cuisine is due to the fact they need to be shelled, cooked and then peeled. This process can be time-consuming and daunting, especially to novice cooks, but the rich, buttery flavor and the wide range of nutritional value certainly makes it worth it. If preparing fresh fava beans is too difficult, they can also be purchased in dried and canned varieties. They may sometimes be sold under the name broad beans as well.

Some ways in which fava beans might be prepared are mashed and pureed and spread on crackers, or used in risottos, various soups and stews, and accompanied by other spring vegetables, such as artichokes.

For more comprehensive information about fava beans, including buying and storing them, please visit MotherNature.com