Fava beans nutrition facts

Fava beans – facts

This particular typeof the beans is also known as the vicia faba, another name originating in the factthat it belongs to the bean species of Fabaceae, which isNorth African/Southwest Asian in origin. Aside from these two more technicalnames, it bears numerous other more names among which are also fava bean, broad bean, bell bean, filed bean, as well as tic bean. What has beendiscovered in the recent pasts is that this type of beans is actually themember of the family of peas, which are characterized by extremely strong andspecific taste. As far as their beneficial characteristics are concerned, it isknown that they abound in nutrients that are essential for the properfunctioning and the overall health of our body. Some of the most prominent areiron, Vitamin A and K, and potassium and phosphorus.

Nutritional richnessof the fava beans

What we should bear in mind is that the following statistical data relate to a specific amount ofthese particular beans, that being the following – 170 g. In continuation is presented a detailed list of all the nutrients contained in fava beans, aswell as their specific amount.

Proteins 12.9 g

Water 122g

Ash 1.4g

Fiber 9.2g

Fats

Total Fat 0.7gSaturated Fat 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat 0.1 gPolyunsaturated Fat 0.3 g

Calories

Total Calories 783KJFrom Carbohydrate 569KJFrom Fat 23.9kJFrom Protein 188KJ

Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids 20.4 mgOmega-6 Fatty Acids 258 mg

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates 33.4 gDietary Fiber 9.2gSugar 3.1g

Vitamins

Vitamin A IU 25.5IUVitamin A (retinol activity equiv) 1.7 mcgBeta Carotene 15.3mcgRiboflavin 0.2mgNiacin 1.2mgThiamin 0.2mgVitamin B6 0.1mgFolate 177mcgVitamin K 4.9mcgDietary Folate Equivalents 177 mcgVitamin C 0.5mgPantothenic Acid 0.3mgCholine 52mg

Minerals

Calcium 61.2mgIron 2.5mgMagnesium 73.1mgPhosphorus 212mgPotassium 456mgZinc 1.7mgCopper 0.4mgSelenium 4.4mcgSodium 8.5mg

Benefits

This specific varietyof beans is known to be rich in amino acid L-dopa (i.e. dopamine), which isknown to perform the function of a very important neurotransmitter. Another favorablefact is that its calorie count is extremely low while cholesterol is nowhere tobe found. Also it is a good source of fibers, phosphorus, potassium,Vitamin A and thiamin. It is important to be well-informed about the way in which fava beans needs to be prepared, because, for example, fresh fava beans need to be cooked within a week and used in a day or two after that.