Broadbeans (fava beans), mature seeds, cooked, boiled, without salt
Whole food · Legumes and Legume Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Mature broadbeans, or fava beans, are large, creamy legumes with a hearty, slightly earthy flavor and a dense, starchy texture when boiled. Nutritionally, they are a standout source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, offering a substantial, low-fat energy boost. Their mild, nutty taste makes them a versatile canvas for a wide range of savory dishes.
Calorie split: 27% protein · 70% carbs · 3% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love broadbeans for their satisfying, meaty texture and earthy flavor that absorbs herbs and spices beautifully. They are a beloved staple in many cuisines, symbolizing spring and offering a hearty, comforting element to both simple and elaborate meals.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
For some, broadbeans can be a common allergen and may cause digestive discomfort like bloating due to their high fiber and oligosaccharide content. To counteract this, introduce them gradually into your diet, ensure they are thoroughly cooked, and consider soaking dried beans overnight to reduce compounds that cause gas.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of plant-based protein (7.6g per 100g)
- Very high in dietary fiber (5.4g per 100g) for digestive health
- Low in fat (0.4g per 100g)
- Good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
- Contains naturally occurring sugars for mild sweetness
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Broadbeans are one of the oldest cultivated plants, with evidence of their use dating back to the Neolithic era in the Near East.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 71.5 g |
| Energy | 110 kcal |
| Energy | 460 kj |
| Protein | 7.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.40 g |
| Ash | 0.81 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 19.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 5.4 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 36.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 43.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 125 mg |
| Potassium, K | 268 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 5.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.0 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.26 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.42 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 2.6 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.30 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.10 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.09 mg |
| Niacin | 0.71 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.16 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.07 mg |
| Folate, total | 104 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 104 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 104 ug |
| Choline, total | 30.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 1.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 9.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 15.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.02 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.9 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.07 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.08 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.08 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.16 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.15 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.07 g |
| Threonine | 0.27 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.31 g |
| Leucine | 0.57 g |
| Lysine | 0.49 g |
| Methionine | 0.06 g |
| Cystine | 0.10 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.32 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.24 g |
| Valine | 0.34 g |
| Arginine | 0.70 g |
| Histidine | 0.19 g |
| Alanine | 0.31 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.85 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.3 g |
| Glycine | 0.32 g |
| Proline | 0.32 g |
| Serine | 0.35 g |
FAQ
Are broadbeans the same as fava beans?
Yes, 'broadbean' and 'fava bean' are common names for the same legume, Vicia faba. The name used often depends on regional preference.
Why do some people need to avoid broadbeans?
Individuals with G6PD deficiency (favism) must avoid them as they can trigger a severe hemolytic anemia. They are also a common allergen and high in fiber, which may cause digestive issues for some.
How do I prepare dried broadbeans?
Soak dried beans in cold water for at least 12 hours, then drain. Boil in fresh water for 45-60 minutes until tender. For a smoother texture and to aid digestion, you can peel the tough outer skin after cooking.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.10 kcal/g · 28% calories from protein · 5.4 g fiber · 1.8 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.02 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.