Calorie Chart / Vegetables / Fava beans
How Many Calories Are in Fava beans?
Calculation of the nutritional value & Recommended Dietary Intake of fava beans
For g and a calorie requirement of kcal
| Calories 162 kcal | Proteins 11 g | Lipids 0.6 g | Carbohydrates 28 g |
| 8% | 15% | 1% | 10% |
Health benefits of fava beans
Fava beans - 100g
Calories 81 kcal
Proteins 5.5 g
Lipids 0.3 g
Carbohydrates 14 g
Fava beans belong to the group of moderate-calorie legumes: their calorie density is low enough to fit into slimming plans while still offering satiety. Because the calories they provide come mainly from complex carbohydrates and plant proteins, they release energy slowly and help stabilize blood sugar.
They are naturally rich in folate (vitamin B9), vitamin K, vitamin B1, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. The high-fiber content supports digestive comfort and may contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol; this makes each serving of fava beans a smart way to balance calories against cardiovascular risk.
Fava beans contain L-dopa, a precursor of dopamine, whose supposed benefit is to ease certain Parkinson's symptoms; this effect is still under study and should be considered a "supposed" property. In any case, their antioxidant phenolic compounds (including ferulic and caffeic acids) help limit oxidative stress without adding unnecessary calories.
Historically, fava beans fed Mediterranean civilizations for millennia and even served as a vote counter in ancient Greece. Including them today is an easy way to enrich texture, flavor, and nutrients while keeping overall calories in check.
Tips for incorporating fava beans into a balanced diet
To keep your daily calories tidy, prepare a spring salad with blanched fava beans, diced tomato, fresh mint, and a drizzle of lemon juice; adding a spoonful of quinoa turns it into a balanced, high-fiber lunch that feels generous without exploding calories.
For a satisfying post-workout plate, toss warm fava beans with grilled salmon flakes and steamed spinach. The mix delivers quality proteins while the modest calorie load of the legumes helps you refuel cleanly.
If you crave comfort food, replace part of the potatoes in a shepherd's pie with mashed fava beans: you will cut calories and boost fiber. The same purée pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken breast or seared leg of lamb, giving a creamy texture without the calorie surge of cream-based sides.
Finally, try a Mediterranean pilaf: simmer fava beans with brown rice, garlic, and herbs. One single pot delivers plant protein, slow carbs, and controlled calories, making portion management effortless.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many calories are in fava beans?
- Fava beans provide 81 kcal per 100 g.
- Are fava beans good for weight-loss diets?
- Yes. Their combination of fiber and proteins offers satiety for few calories, making them helpful when you aim to reduce overall calories without feeling hungry.
- Do fava beans contain enough protein to replace meat?
- They supply about 5.5 g of protein per 100 g. Pairing them with grains such as brown rice completes the amino acid profile while keeping calories moderate.
- Are fava beans low in fat?
- Very much so: less than 1 g of fat per 100 g, which means almost none of their calories come from lipids.
- Can fava beans cause bloating?
- Like other legumes (e.g. lentils or chickpeas), their oligosaccharides can ferment and produce gas. Soaking and discarding the soaking water before cooking reduces the effect without changing calories.
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Information provided by Calorie Menu may contain inaccuracies or errors. It cannot, under any circumstances, substitute medical advice or medication.
