Broad beans (fresh)

legumes

Broad beans (fresh)

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.5

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid
Is Broad beans (fresh) Healthy?

It depends — Broad beans (fresh) is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

Keto2/10AVOID

Fresh broad beans contain approximately 11g net carbs per 100g. A typical serving of 150g exceeds daily keto carb limits significantly. Legumes are starchy and incompatible with ketosis.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

Whole plant legume, nutrient-dense, unprocessed, excellent protein and fiber source. Fully compliant with all vegan standards.

Paleo2/10AVOID

Broad beans are legumes, which are explicitly excluded from the paleo diet due to high lectin and phytate content that can damage gut lining and reduce nutrient absorption. Even fresh preparation does not eliminate these anti-nutrients.

Mediterranean9/10APPROVED

Fresh broad beans are a legume staple in Mediterranean cuisine, rich in fiber, protein, and micronutrients. Minimal processing, plant-based, and widely consumed across Mediterranean regions.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Legume with significant carbohydrate and plant antinutrient content. Completely incompatible with carnivore diet principles.

Whole301/10AVOID

Broad beans are legumes and explicitly excluded from Whole30. All legumes including beans are prohibited regardless of preparation method.

Low-FODMAP2/10AVOID

Broad beans are high in GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), a fermentable oligosaccharide. Monash University testing confirms high FODMAP content even at small portions during elimination phase.

DASH9/10APPROVED

Excellent legume source. High in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and plant-based protein. Very low sodium when fresh and unsalted. Core DASH food aligned with NIH/NHLBI guidelines.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Legume with moderate protein and fiber, but carb-dominant. Fresh form has lower glycemic impact than dried. Fits Zone as a carb block but requires pairing with lean protein and monounsaturated fat. Typical portion ~1/2 cup cooked to maintain ratio.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

High in polyphenols, fiber, and L-DOPA. Anti-inflammatory antioxidants and phytonutrients. Fresh preparation preserves heat-sensitive compounds better than dried.

GLP-1 Friendly8/10APPROVED

Fresh broad beans provide 9g protein and 8g fiber per cooked cup with minimal fat (0.4g). Excellent protein-to-calorie ratio, high fiber supports digestion and prevents constipation. Easy to digest, nutrient-dense (folate, iron, manganese). Works well in small portions.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.5Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Broad beans (fresh)

Vegan 9/10
  • whole food legume
  • high protein
  • high fiber
  • no processing
  • no animal derivatives
Mediterranean 9/10
  • legume-based
  • high fiber
  • plant protein
  • traditional Mediterranean ingredient
  • minimal processing
DASH 9/10
  • High fiber content
  • Rich in potassium
  • Plant-based protein
  • Low sodium (fresh)
  • Supports cardiovascular health
Zone 5/10
  • legume carbs
  • moderate GI
  • decent fiber
  • plant-based protein
  • portion-sensitive
  • polyphenol antioxidants
  • L-DOPA neuroprotective compound
  • high fiber content
  • plant-based protein
  • High protein density
  • High fiber
  • Very low fat
  • Easy to digest
  • Nutrient-dense
  • Supports constipation prevention
Last reviewed: Our methodology