Faba Beans Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits & Guide

Faba beans (broad beans, fava beans) are one of humanity's oldest cultivated legumes — eaten since Neolithic times. They provide the highest folate content of any legume (157% RDI), exceptional fibre (25g/100g) and 26g protein. Australia grows faba beans primarily in SA and VIC. Important note: people with G6PD deficiency must avoid faba beans entirely due to favism risk.

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Serving size calculator

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Serving:100g

341Calories (kcal)

58.3Carbs (g)

26.1Protein (g)

25.0Fibre (g)

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📊 Full nutrition facts — per 100g

Based on Australian NRV. Source: FSANZ Australian Food Composition Database.

This page is being expanded with full nutrition details. Use the calculator above for serving-size calculations, and the compare tool to see how faba beans stacks up against other foods.

📈 Glycaemic index (GI)

Glycaemic IndexLow GI

0 · Low (<55)Medium (56–69)High (70+) · 100

✅ Health benefits

Detailed health benefits section coming soon. Use the compare tool to explore faba beans versus other grains and legumes.

⚠️ Who should limit or avoid

⚕️ General nutritional information only. Consult your doctor or dietitian for personal advice.

🧊 Storage tips

Whole dry grain stores 1–2 years in a sealed airtight container. Cooked grain refrigerates for 5 days. Freeze cooked portions for 3–6 months.

💡 Key facts about faba beans

G6PD deficiency warning: Faba beans can cause severe haemolytic anaemia (favism) in people with G6PD deficiency — a genetic condition more common in people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, African and Southeast Asian descent. Seek a blood test before eating regularly.

Highest folate: At 628µg/100g (157% RDI), faba beans provide more folate than any other common legume — critical for pregnancy.

L-DOPA: Faba beans contain L-DOPA — the same compound used to treat Parkinson's disease. Do not eat if on MAO inhibitor medications.

Faba Beans — Nutrition Facts & Health Guide