Belonging to the Fabaceae family, the Vicia faba, or broad bean (as its fruits and seeds are also known), is an annual herbaceous legume plant of the genus Vicia.
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Belonging to the Fabaceae family, the Vicia faba or bean (as its fruits and seeds are also known), is an annual climbing herbaceous legume plant of the genus Vicia. Its fruit are elongated and thick pods, inside which are the seeds, the beans. These are consumed as a legume and are rich in carbohydrates and proteins. As they mature, they increase the amount of starch, so it must be collected before they mature.
They are rich in vegetable proteins, carbohydrates and fiber, the latter essential to regulate intestinal transit.
As for their vitamin content, they are rich in vitamin B9 or folic acid and B1, so they are recommended during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in periods of stress or depression. They also contain vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, making them a perfect complement in cases of anemia, cholesterol, hypertension, poor blood circulation or fluid retention problems.
They are also indicated in people with diabetes, because they have a low glycemic index, helping to control blood sugar levels.