The diet and fitness industry is constantly championing new ‘superfoods’ that we are promised will help us to lose weight or ward off a whole range of ailments and diseases. Often this is a precursor to promoting complicated exercise routines and pricey supplements. However, the latest wonder food is the humble broadbean.
Nutritionist coaches have long recognised the importance of a well balanced diet for both our mental and physical health, and they can provide tailored advice for anyone who wants to take a more holistic approach to their wellbeing. One standard piece of advice that most of us are already aware of is to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.
While eating fruit might be relatively easy, as it can be a portable snack that does not require cooking or much other preparation, eating a good variety of vegetables can be more challenging. Many people struggle to vary the type and quantity of vegetables they include in their diet, and they may be unsure how to prepare them correctly for eating.
An often overlooked vegetable is the broad bean, a type of legume also known as fava beans. They are best consumed when they are young and tender, and can be eaten fresh or dried. They have a rich nutritional value, as they are a good source of iron, fibre and protein, and a sweet nutty flavour that is perfect for stews or salads.
Now, it seems a new drive may be gathering momentum to raise awareness of the benefits of the broad bean for both our mood and our physical health. The Guardian reports that Cambridge University researcher Nadia Mohd-Radzman thinks that the legume could help to transform the health of the nation.
She said: “The broad bean could do so much good for people in this country if they could be persuaded to eat it. And that is my mission. To get the country to love the broad bean.”
“However a great deal of that crop is used for animal feed, with much of the rest being exported to Egypt, where it is used, instead of chickpeas, to make falafels. We should be using it ourselves.”
She explains that broad beans are not only a good source of dietary fibre, but also contain a chemical called levodopa, or L-dopa. This has shown to be effective at treating a condition called anhedonia, which is the inability to feel or experience pleasure.
Mohd-Radzman comments: “We have a major problem with growing numbers of young people experiencing mental health problems in the UK today, and helping them eat a proper, healthy diet is going to be crucial in tackling this. The broad bean will be our first line of attack.”
Maybe if your mental health could do with a boost, throwing a handful of tasty broad beans into your stir fry could help you on your way to a better state of mind.
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