May Help With Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

Levodopa (L-dopa), a substance that your body transforms into the neurotransmitter dopamine, is abundant in fava beans. Parkinson's disease results in the loss of brain cells that make dopamine, which causes tremors, problems with motor function, and trouble walking. The majority of the time, L-dopa-containing medicines are used to treat these symptoms. As a result, although there is little evidence, eating fava beans may aid with Parkinson's disease symptoms. After 12 hours without taking any medicine, consuming 1.5 cups (250 grams) of fava beans had a similar favorable impact on blood dopamine levels and motor performance as L-dopa medications, according to a small trial including 11 persons with Parkinson's disease.

Another research on six Parkinson's disease-afflicted people found that combining the anti-medicine Parkinson's carbidopa with 100–200 grams, or 1–1.75 cups, of fava beans reduced symptoms just as effectively as more conventional treatment regimens. Even though these findings are encouraging, additional study is required. Fava beans contain a lot of L-dopa, but it's important to remember that they shouldn't replace prescription drugs.