Fava beans: Health benefits, hidden dangers, and who should avoid them

Fava bean season is in full swing. Many people love its unique taste and wealth of nutritional benefits. However, this popular legume is not suitable for everyone. In some cases, it should be avoided entirely.

Fava beans offer numerous benefits. Firstly, they are an excellent source of fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps keep us feeling full for longer periods, reducing the tendency to snack between meals. Additionally, fava beans are rich in protein, folic acid, and vitamins while being fat-free. Nevertheless, there are certain scenarios where their consumption can be harmful.

Consuming or even just smelling fava beans can lead to severe consequences for individuals with favism, also known as bean disease or fava bean disease. Fortunately, this condition is very rare. It is caused by a genetic mutation that results in an enzyme deficiency, leading to a significantly shorter lifespan of red blood cells, which can cause anemia. In people with favism, after consuming fava beans, symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, lumbar pain, abdominal pain, jaundice, and anemia may occur.

There are several other conditions where it is advisable to avoid fava beans.

Gout. Fava beans are high in purines, which are harmful to those with gout. Purines can increase the production of uric acid. When uric acid accumulates in tissues and joints, it can cause permanent damage.

Diabetes. Raw fava beans have a glycemic index of 40, but once cooked, it rises to as high as 80. Therefore, large quantities of fava beans are not recommended for individuals with diabetes.

Uric acid kidney stones. The same reason as with gout applies here. 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). For people suffering from conditions like IBS and SIBO, consuming fava beans can cause bloating and gas due to their high fiber, oligosaccharide, and fructose content. Therefore, fava beans should be avoided in these conditions.

Hypothyroidism. Fava beans contain goitrogens—substances that can interfere with thyroid function by blocking iodine absorption, thereby disrupting hormone production.