scored 93/100
Broadbeans are nutrient-dense legumes exceptionally high in plant-based protein, fiber, and folate, making them a longevity-supporting staple food.
30.0 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 93.
Broadbeans (Vicia faba), also known as fava beans, have been cultivated since ancient times across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. These legumes are nutritional powerhouses, delivering 26g of protein per 100g—rivaling many animal sources—alongside exceptional fiber content (25g) that supports gut health and metabolic stability. Their micronutrient density is remarkable: 423mcg of folate supports DNA synthesis and homocysteine metabolism, while 1062mg of potassium aids cardiovascular regulation. Broadbeans contain unique alkaloids including L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, alongside polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. Their high resistance starch and prebiotic fiber content promote beneficial gut microbiota composition, which correlates with improved longevity markers. The combination of plant compounds, complete amino acid profile, and mineral density positions broadbeans as a food particularly aligned with blue zone dietary patterns. One important consideration: individuals with G6PD deficiency should avoid broadbeans due to potential hemolytic reactions from vicine and convicine compounds.
High potassium content (1062mg/100g) promotes vasodilation and sodium balance, while fiber reduces LDL cholesterol and improves endothelial function
L-DOPA and choline (95.8mg) are precursors to dopamine and acetylcholine, neurotransmitters essential for motivation, focus, and neuroplasticity
High resistant starch and soluble fiber act as prebiotics, selectively feeding beneficial bacteria and producing short-chain fatty acids that improve insulin sensitivity
Rich in phosphorus (421mg), magnesium (192mg), and folate which regulate calcium metabolism and bone mineralization pathways
Polyphenolic compounds and isoflavones modulate inflammatory pathways and upregulate antioxidant enzyme systems
Broadbeans' complete amino acid profile and resistant starch provide sustained satiety and stable blood glucose through afternoon hours, optimizing cognitive performance and preventing energy crashes. Consuming at midday allows 4-6 hours of digestion before evening, preventing sleep disruption from fiber fermentation.
Breaks a fast
Individuals practicing intermittent fasting should consume broadbeans during eating windows. Not suitable as a pre-bedtime food due to fermentation and potential digestive activity.
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower broadbeans (fava beans) is than the average across 26 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Broadbeans (Fava Beans) is classified as a legume. Broadbeans are nutrient-dense legumes exceptionally high in plant-based protein, fiber, and folate, making them a longevity-supporting staple food.
Broadbeans (Fava Beans) scores 93/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Folate, Copper, Manganese. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Yes — it's a high-protein food. A 90 g serving provides about 23.5 g of protein (~47% of the 50 g daily value).
Yes — it's a high-fiber food. A 90 g serving provides about 22.5 g of fiber (~80% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 90 g serving, broadbeans (fava beans) is highest in Folate (~95% DV), Copper (~82% DV), Manganese (~64% DV), Thiamin (~42% DV), Magnesium (~41% DV).
Not really. A 90 g serving has about 30 g of net carbs (52.5 g total minus 22.5 g fiber).
Best in the midday. Broadbeans' complete amino acid profile and resistant starch provide sustained satiety and stable blood glucose through afternoon hours, optimizing cognitive performance and preventing energy crashes. Consuming at midday allows 4-6 hours of digestion before evening, preventing sleep disruption from fiber fermentation.
A typical serving is around 90 g (~307 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating broadbeans (fava beans) alongside several other legume sources.
Broadbeans (Fava Beans) pairs nicely with: Pair with citrus (lemon, orange) because vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption from broadbeans, increasing bioavailability by up to 3-4 fold; Combine with olive oil because fat-soluble compounds in broadbeans are better absorbed with dietary fat, and polyphenols show enhanced anti-inflammatory effects; Eat with leafy greens (spinach, kale) because synergistic folate and magnesium support homocysteine reduction and cardiovascular health; Pair with fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut) because probiotics optimize fiber fermentation and increase production of short-chain fatty acids.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients broadbeans (fava beans) contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients broadbeans (fava beans) contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.