Broad beans - Nature Cures®

Also known as Vicia faba or fava beans

It was 7,000 years ago, when the Hoabinhian people utilised the broad bean in their path towards agriculture, as shown by the seeds found in Spirit Cave, Thailand. Broad beans remained prominent and the seeds are mentioned in Hittite and Ancient Egyptian sources dating from more than 3000 years ago as well as in the Bible.

It is no wonder as they are one of the most nutritious legumes with powerful properties for optimum health.

Broad beans can help to control blood sugar levels in those suffering with diabetes, lower the risk of colon cancer, prevent anaemia and reduce the risk of heart disease. Regular consumption can help to maintain the proper levels of iron and calcium in the body and they are very low in fat and cholesterol.

To balance the diet, when meat and dairy products are reduce for cholesterol problems, or vegetarian or vegan diets are chosen, all legumes are a healthy alternative providing the daily amounts of protein needed and especially broad beans.

Levodopa, also called L-dopa, is produced in the human body via biosynthesis from the amino acid tyrosine. Levodopa is converted to the neurotransmitters epinephrine (adrenaline), dopamine and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) by the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase in the brain.

Levodopa, phenylalanine and tyrosine are precursors to the biological pigment melanin. Phenylalanine is also used to produce a number of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Neurotransmitters are chemicals the brain and nerves use to communicate.

Broad beans are a rich natural source of Levodopa providing from 50-100 mg per 100 grams depending upon maturity. Younger pods and beans being far richer in this amino acid.

Levodopa has shown to be pharmacologically active in patients with Parkinson’s disease and can be incorporated into dietary strategies to manage Parkinsonian motor oscillations. L-dopa can help to correct the underlying deficiency of endogenous dopamine release in the striatum.

Having sufficient levels of L-dopa can also combat depression and anxiety while enhancing mood and improving the ability to concentrate and focus.

Significant nutrients in broad beans

Significant minerals in broad beans

WARNING: Some people, about 400 million, but more in the malarial regions of the world like Africa or the middle east, have a genetic condition called “favism”, which is a form of acute haemolytic anaemia in which fava beans can cause a blood cell destroying reaction.

Broad bean and salmon risotto

This healthy lunch or snack will provide sufficient amounts of the nutrients Levodopa and tyrosine mentioned above plus healthy omega-3 fatty acids and is only around 311 calories per portion.

Ingredients

300g (10oz) small new potatoes, halved
250g (8oz) broad beans, fresh or frozen
200g roasted artichoke hearts in oil, drained (reserve the oil)
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
4 spring onions, trimmed and sliced
2 raw salmon fillets (about 300g/10oz)
Handful of mint leaves (about 10), cut into slivers
100g (3½ oz) wild rocket or watercress
Grated zest of one lemon
One lemon, cut into wedges or slices, for serving
Large handful of pumpkin seeds
Freshly ground black pepper

Method

Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 10 mins, add the beans and cook for another few minutes until the vegetables are just soft (fresh broad beans will take about 5 minutes; frozen, about 3 minutes).
Drain, then rinse under cold running water to cool them.
Take out the potatoes and put in a salad bowl, mixing in the oil from the artichokes, if any, or a tablespoon of the olive oil. Set aside to finish cooling.
Add the artichoke pieces (cut into smaller chunks if you prefer), sliced spring onions, lemon zest, seasoning and the rest of the olive oil to the beans then mix together and set aside.
Heat a small pan until hot, add the fish, skin-side down, and cook for about 3 minutes.
Turn fish over, cover and cook over a lower heat for another 2-3 minutes, until just cooked through.
Leave for 5 minutes in the pan until cool enough to handle, then skin the fish and flake it (discarding any bones) into the bean mixture.
Add the mint and rocket and toss well.
Spoon on top of the potatoes in the salad bowl then sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and ground black pepper and serve with lemon wedges or slices while the fish is still warm.

Grow your own broad beans

Broad beans are very easy to grow in the garden or a container but need plenty of water and feeding and support using canes and string. Black fly may be a problem and ants often farm black flies protecting them from predators.

Food grade diatomaceous earth, flower of sulphur and vinegar can be used to repel ants as can peppermint plants or a few drops of peppermint essential oil in a water spray. This can help to remove their pheromone trails and discourage them from visiting your broad beans. Vinegar diluted in a water spray will also remove the black flies.

Broad beans can be frozen for use during the winter months without losing their texture or nutrient content..

Ailments that broad beans can help to prevent and treat

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