We carefully select our broad beans which are rich in protein and energy with plentiful of health benefiting antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and plant-sterols
Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are an ancient cultivated crop, with exact origins of this legume still unknown. Although, it is clear from scientific evidence that broad beans had been cultivated for some 8,000 years in the Middle East before they were introduced to Western Europe.
Broad beans are very high in protein and energy. In terms of nutrition, broad beans carry 341 calories per 100g, along with plenty of health benefiting antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and plant-sterols.
Broad beans are a particularly rich source of dietary fibre, with 66% of daily recommended allowance per 100g serving. Dietary fibre helps to protect the colon mucosa by decreasing its exposure time to toxic substances as well as by binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon.
Broad beans contain L-dopa, a precursor of neuro-chemicals in the brain such as dopamine, epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. Dopamine, in brain chemistry, is associated with smooth functioning of body movements. Thus, consumption of adequate amounts of broad beans in everyday diet may help to prevent Parkinson's disease.
Fresh broad beans are an excellent source of folates. Consumption of 100g of broad beans provides 106% of recommended daily allowance of folates. Folate together with vitamin B12 is one of the crucial components of cell division and DNA synthesis. Adequate amounts of folate in the diet around conception and during pregnancy may help to prevent neural-tube defects in the newborn baby.
In addition, broad beans are one of great sources of minerals like calcium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium. At 23% of recommended daily allowance, broad beans are one of the highest plant sources of potassium. Potassium being an important electrolyte of cell and body fluids, helps to counter pressing effects of sodium on heart and blood pressure.
Moreover, broad beans contain a fair amount of vitamin B6, thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin and niacin. These vitamins mainly function as co-enzymes in cellular metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, and fat which makes broad beans an important food in supporting a healthy body and mind!