Fava beans

legumes

Fava beans

6/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.9

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid
Is Fava beans Healthy?

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

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
341kcal
Protein
26g
Carbs
58g
Fat
1.5g
Fiber
25g
Sugar
5.7g
Sodium
13mg

Diet Ratings

Keto2/10AVOID

Fava beans contain approximately 19g net carbs per cooked cup, exceeding keto daily limits in a single serving. They are starchy legumes incompatible with ketosis.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

Fava beans are whole plant legumes with no animal products. They provide protein, fiber, and micronutrients, and are a traditional plant-based food.

Paleo1/10AVOID

Legume explicitly excluded from paleo diet. Contains high levels of antinutrients and lectins. Not part of ancestral diet.

Mediterranean9/10APPROVED

Fava beans are a traditional Mediterranean legume with exceptional nutritional profile including protein, fiber, and minerals. They are central to Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Middle Eastern and North African regions.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Legume (plant-derived). Contains vicine and convicine compounds, high carbohydrates. Excluded from carnivore diet.

Whole301/10AVOID

Fava beans are legumes and explicitly excluded from Whole30.

Low-FODMAP1/10AVOID

Fava beans are extremely high in GOS and fructans. Monash rates them as high-FODMAP even at very small portions (25g cooked is high-FODMAP).

DASH9/10APPROVED

Nutrient-dense legume aligned with DASH principles. High in fiber, protein, potassium, and magnesium. Low sodium when prepared without added salt. Supports blood pressure reduction.

Zone6/10CAUTION

Low-glycemic legume with good protein and fiber content. Acceptable Zone carb source but requires portioning to balance macronutrient ratios.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Fava beans are nutrient-dense legumes with high fiber, plant protein, and polyphenols. Contain L-DOPA and other bioactive compounds with potential neuroprotective properties. Excellent anti-inflammatory profile.

GLP-1 Friendly8/10APPROVED

Fava beans deliver 13g protein and 9g fiber per cooked cup with minimal fat. Nutrient-dense and support muscle preservation. May cause mild bloating in sensitive individuals but generally well-tolerated when cooked thoroughly.

Controversy Index

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

Consensus7.9Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Fava beans

Vegan 9/10
  • Whole plant food
  • Complete amino acid profile
  • High in fiber
  • Unprocessed
Mediterranean 9/10
  • traditional Mediterranean staple
  • high plant protein
  • excellent fiber
  • culturally significant
DASH 9/10
  • High fiber
  • High protein
  • Rich in potassium
  • Rich in magnesium
  • Low sodium when unsalted
  • Plant-based
Zone 6/10
  • low-glycemic carbs
  • good protein content
  • good fiber
  • portion control needed
  • high fiber and protein
  • polyphenols
  • bioactive compounds
  • low inflammatory markers
  • resistant starch
  • High protein (13g per cup cooked)
  • Good fiber content (9g per cup)
  • Very low fat
  • Rich in folate and polyphenols
  • May cause mild bloating in sensitive patients
Last reviewed: Our methodology
Is Fava beans Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai