Legume known since ancient Egypt, the broad bean can be eaten fresh in spring
A legume already known in ancient Egypt, very widespread in southern Italy, which is precisely in the spring season could be consumed fresh, (in the form of salad for example) its best version to preserve its supply of vitamins and nutrients.
And the broad bean, plant of the Fabaceae family, whose seeds, contained in their elongated pod, have always been used for food purposes.
Let's deepen together with Raffaella Melani, nutritionist biologist, the interesting properties and contraindications for our health.
Thanks to a high level of lysine and arginine, the beans help build muscles
As told by the Dr. Melani "Unlike cereals, beans contain a fair amount of protein and a high level of lysine and arginine, two very important amino acids for the muscle growth and that help us maintain physical form and tone, at the same time decreasing the levels of bad cholesterol ".
But not only: by inducing a sense of satiety, they are excellent in slimming dietary regimes
Furthermore, lysine and arginine seem to induce a sense of satiety; that's why they can be shown in slimming diet regimes and in cases of reduced caloric intake.
The amount of fiber contained in the beans helps fight constipation, favoring bowel regularity
The beans are also beneficial for the intestine.
Specific Raffaella Melani "In fact they possess a good amount of fibers, or those components present especially in plants and legumes that they fight constipation, helping the intestinal regularity. When the intestine is in shape, our body is able to properly assimilate all the nutrients – such as calcium – which is necessary for the health of our bones and teeth ".
Vitamin C protects against viruses and bacteria, B6 promotes good mood and folates are essential during pregnancy
The beans also contain vitamins, minerals and other essential substances for our health.
Primarily C vitamin, fundamental for cope with viruses and bacteria, but also the B6, which supports the nervous system, favoring good mood. They also represent a source of folate, (such as cauliflower) essential for the healthy growth of maternal tissues pregnant.
They also possess good amounts of minerals and flavonoids.
The beans are functional for the well-being of the nervous system thanks to the amino acid L-dopa, precursor of dopamine
Finally, they are good for the nervous system.
As clarifies the Dr. Melani “In the fresh product there is a good amount of an amino acid (L-dopa) precursor of dopamine, a substance produced by the responsible brain of the control of muscles and many others that influence mood, sleep and the nervous system. It has even been observed that the consumption of broad beans can increase the levels of this molecule in the blood, improving the motor performance of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, in which this substance is lacking, without any side effects ".
The only contraindication: the presence of favism, a congenital defect of red blood cells which results in anemia
The good news is that they are suitable for almost everyone. The doctor explains "The only one contraindication is the presence of favismo, a congenital defect of the red blood cells that causes the sudden destruction, with the important consequence of anemia.
Some substances present in the beans favor, in some genetically predisposed subjects, an accumulation of free radicals inside the red blood cells and cause their destruction. "
Elisa Nata
April 2018
Updated by Marianna Tognini
March 2019
Photo credit featured image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jpck/3470999153/
Other toto: bass_nroll gymnast via photopin (license) – Image by © Michael A. Keller / Corbis
DISCOVER THE COOKING COURSES OF SALT & PEPE
This recipe has already been read 155 times!