It’s summer, and that means the appearance of broad beans – at stalls, allotments, in shops and, increasingly, also on the menu of many restaurants. This popular legume has many amateurs, although it has some disadvantages. In the past, it was considered an element of a modest and unrefined kitchen. Today, broad beans are gaining in importance and are added to a variety of more complex dishes.
Broad beans have been known since ancient times. The most important, however, are its properties that make it one of the most valuable vegetables. It belongs to the group of legumes, which means that it contains a lot of valuable protein. So it will be a perfect substitute for other sources of it: eggs, fish and meat. It works well in a vegan diet.
In addition, broad beans have a lot of folic acid, fiber and add a lot of energy to the body. The fiber contained in it perfectly cleanses the intestines, because it frees them from fecal deposits and toxins, bile acids, etc. It is therefore a kind of “broom” for the intestines, while preventing the formation of cancerous changes and improving the processes of defecation.
Folic acid, so important for pregnant women, also has another function – it has a great effect on the circulatory system, lowering the level of homocysteine, which is dangerous for the body.
A good source of folic acid
A handful of this vegetable is the required 100% of the daily dose of folate. Women planning pregnancy should take larger amounts of folic acid at least three months or six months before conception.
The disadvantages of broad beans. When to avoid?
The smell of broad beans emitted during cooking is not the most pleasant, but the fact that it has gas-forming properties may also be a problem. In addition, after cooking, this plant gains a high glycemic index. This means that it is not recommended in this form to diabetics or people on a slimming diet.
It is also not recommended to eat broad beans in the first trimester of pregnancy, when a woman complains of nausea, vomiting, etc. Eating this vegetable will only intensify the ailments. Also, the third trimester is not a good time for broad beans – it can cause heartburn. However, if a woman does not feel any discomfort during these periods, there are no contraindications to eating this plant.
The situation is different when breastfeeding. It is not recommended to consume it during the entire lactation period due to its properties that cause wind and flatulence. It is also not recommended to eat it in large quantities by:
- Small children,
- convalescents,
- People suffering from gout (it is a source of purines),
- People with a tendency to kidney stones,
- People taking medication for Parkinson’s disease.