Fava beans: Health benefits and hidden risks you need to know

The fava bean season is in full swing. Many of us love its unique taste. Besides that, this popular legume boasts loads of nutritional value. However, it turns out it is not suitable for everyone. Sometimes, it is necessary to avoid it entirely.

Fava beans offer numerous benefits. First and foremost, they are an excellent source of fiber, which is essential for maintaining a smoothly functioning digestive system. This fiber helps keep us feeling full for longer periods, reducing the likelihood of snacking between meals. Additionally, fava beans are rich in protein, folic acid, and vitamins, and they are completely fat-free. Nevertheless, certain situations can make them harmful.

Eating or even smelling fava beans can lead to very serious consequences for people with favism, which is also known as bean disease or fava bean disease. Fortunately, this condition is quite rare. It is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to an enzyme deficiency, causing red blood cells to have a significantly shorter lifespan. This can result in anemia. In individuals with favism, consuming fava beans can trigger symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, pain in the lumbar region, abdominal pain, jaundice, and anemia.

Several other conditions necessitate the removal of fava beans from one's diet.

Gout. Fava beans contain a significant amount of purines, which are harmful to individuals with gout. Purines can increase uric acid production, which, when deposited in tissues and joints, causes permanent damage.

Diabetes. Raw fava beans have a glycemic index of 40, but after cooking, it rises to as high as 80. Thus, consuming large quantities of fava beans is not recommended for diabetics.

Uric acid kidney stones. As with gout, the high purine content in fava beans can lead to deposits in the urinary tracts, resulting in the formation of crystals and stones.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Due to their high fiber, oligosaccharides, and fructose content, fava beans can cause bloating and gas even in healthy individuals. They are absolutely contraindicated for those with digestive system conditions.

Hypothyroidism. Fava beans contain goitrogens—substances that can affect thyroid function. They can disrupt hormone production by blocking iodine absorption.