Fava beans come from annual plants. The shape of the main stem is an edged square with a green base and purplish apex. The plant can grow from 1.4 to 1.6 m in height.
Quelcao Fava Beans: Edible seeds are found inside the pods, with 1 to 4 seeds per medium-sized and seniform pod. It is light green with concentric stripes of dark green on the sides of the seed with a very long “eye”, where 100 seeds - weighing between 180 to 210 grams – are found.
Green Pacae Fava Beans: Dark green and glossy with a long light green or black “eye”. It comes in a medium to large attened-oval shape, where 100 seeds - weighing between 145 to 260 grams – are found.
Benefits:
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High-quality proteins: fava beans should be included in the vegan and vegetarian diet. It is highly recommended that - in addition to broad beans - other sources of proteins, such as egg, tofu, or textured soy, be consumed to complement the diet.
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May help to prevent anemia: due to a lack of folate or iron.
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Helps lower cholesterol: the fiber in broad beans can help lower cholesterol in the blood and prevent sharp increases in blood sugar levels, both of which represent risk factors for cardiovascular disease (*include the Harvard Nutritional Source).
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Promotes digestive health: contains fiber, resistant starches, and indigestible carbohydrates. Resistant starch acts as a prebiotic food for “healthy” bacteria, such as Bidobacteria. Over the long-term, this “healthy” bacteria supports normal intestinal function and may help in the prevention of colorectal cancer.
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Vitamin B9: an essential nutrient prior to and during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, the broad bean is a very useful food to meet dietary requirements during these important stages.
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Phosphorus and potassium content: important for the musculoskeletal system and teeth, because phosphorus forms part of the bones and teeth, while potassium is necessary to transmit the electrical impulse causing the muscles to move.
