Happy Wellness Wednesday!
This week, let’s shine a light on an underrated legume with powerful benefits, fava beans.
These tender, buttery beans are rich in folate, a vital B-vitamin that plays a key role in:
- Supporting hormonal balance: Folate aids in the production and regulation of hormones.
- Cell repair & renewal: Essential for tissue growth and healthy reproductive function.
- Mood & energy: Folate supports neurotransmitter production for mental well-being.
A little tradition:
In many parts of the Middle East, fava beans are a star ingredient in falafel, yes, those crispy, golden bites you love! While chickpeas are common today, the earliest falafel recipes were often made with fava beans, giving them a richer, earthier flavor.
Plant-based ways to enjoy fava beans:
You can toss cooked fava beans into fresh salads for a satisfying, protein-packed crunch or blend them into creamy dips with lemon, garlic and olive oil for a smooth, flavorful spread. They’re also delicious stirred into soups or stews, adding heartiness and extra nutrients. For a cultural twist, try making a traditional-style falafel using fava beans, a rich, earthy take on the beloved Middle Eastern classic.
By adding more folate-rich foods like fava beans to your diet, you’re helping your body stay balanced, energized and nourished, naturally.
I started out over 10 years ago watching Forks Over Knives, decided to “try out” the plant-based meal plan and had shockingly incredible results. I’ve never turned back. I have lost nearly 50 pounds, and that is just one side effect that me, my family, friends and clients have experienced after making the change.
Having been an incredible cook my entire adult life, I started my own personal chef service, NuYu Nourish, to extend my help to others. I interned under a celebrity chef, became a celebrity chef myself and have been expanding my reach and goals ever since! My plan follows strictly and simply those of Dr. Mcdougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn.
