In recent years I have been increasingly consulted for information on beans as a source of Levodopa. It is clear that many patients are trying to take beans without fully knowing their properties. This article was conceived to answer the questions raised about beans and PD. I hope it will bring some clarity to some still confused notions regarding these legumes, and stimulate patients to discuss their use with their doctors and dieticians.
This legume is called ” Fava “, Faba , (in English also Broad Bean and Horse Bean). Its botanical name is ” Vicia Faba “. There are many species of broad beans; the ” Faba Major ” is the type that interests us. It grows with a long pod, like a giant green bean, with large, flat seeds inside. It has been used for thousands of years as a food all over the world, especially in the Mediterranean regions.
How are beans related to PD?
The beans contain Levodopa, the same chemical substance contained in Sinemet, Madopar (and Dopar and Larodopa in the USA, Ed), and other drugs based on Levodopa used for the treatment of PD. In fact, the whole plant, including leaves, stem, pod and immature seeds, contains Levodopa.
The quantity of Levodopa is highly variable, depending on the species of bean, the geographical area of growth, the conditions of the soil, rainfall, and other factors. However, it seems that the young pod and the immature (green) seeds inside it contain the greatest amount of Levodopa, while the ripe or dry seeds would contain little. Three ounces (about 84 grams or ½ cup *) of fresh green fava beans, or three ounces of canned green fava beans, drained, may contain around 50-100 mg of Levodopa. By using the young pod together with the seeds, it is possible to obtain a higher quantity of Levodopa than in fresh seeds alone.
What effects do broad bean seeds have on PD?
Limited studies have shown that the Levodopa contained in bean seeds can help control the symptoms of PD, just like drugs that contain this substance. In fact, some patients report that the positive effects of beans would last longer than the effects obtained from drugs. Some researchers are convinced that beans may contain other principles, in addition to Levodopa, which could assist in its effect.
However, although some patients report positive effects, others do not derive any antiparkinsonian effects from the ingestion of bean seeds; and again, some subjects report the appearance of side effects such as nausea and dyskinesias. Further research is therefore needed to determine the degree of effectiveness of bean seeds.
Are there any problems related to the intake of bean seeds?
Yes, you need to be aware of some problems:
Variable content of Levodopa. Since bean plants contain varying amounts of Levodopa, it is possible to experience an excess or insufficient intake of Levodopa. If Levodopa is insufficient, control of PD symptoms is not achieved; an excess of Levodopa can cause overdose symptoms, such as dyskinesias, especially if other antiparkinsonian drugs are taken at the same time. Additionally, Levodopa can cause nausea in some individuals.
Allergies. Raw bean seeds can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, with general malaise and, rarely, coma. Cooking beans can prevent allergic reactions.
Use of anti-MAOs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, MAOIs). The intake of broad beans should be mentioned in patients receiving anti-MAO drugs. These drugs are: Isocarbazide (Marplan); Fenelzina (Nardil, not in use in Italy); Tranylcypromine (Parnate in the USA, Parmodalin in Italy): Selegiline (Deprenyl, Carbex, Eldepryl in the USA; Jumex, Seledat, Egibren in Italy).
The anti-MAO, taken in association with vasoactive amines (foods rich in Dopamine, Tyramine and Phenylethylamine) can cause dangerous and sometimes fatal hypertensive crises. Levodopa, present in drugs or beans, can be converted in the bloodstream into dopamine. It should be emphasized that Selegiline is a particular type of anti-MAO substance (inhibitor of MAO type B only), and in the doses commonly taken by Parkinsonian patients (10 mg / day) it is not considered risky when used in combination with Dopamine. However, subjects on anti-MAO therapy should consider taking foods containing vasoactive amines with their doctors and dieticians.
Favism (G6PD, Glucose-6-Phosphate-Dehydrogenase deficiency). Favism is a hereditary disease characterized by the lack of an enzyme, G6PD. When these people take beans, they develop a crisis of hemolytic anemia. This anemia is responsible for the rupture of red blood cells with obstruction of the blood vessels. When flow stoppage occurs in the kidneys, it can result in kidney failure and death. Although Favism is usually diagnosed as early as childhood, it can also occur in adults.
G6PD deficiency is rare, and mainly affects subjects of Mediterranean, African and Southeast Asian origin, but other subjects may also be affected. Your doctor can prescribe a laboratory test to screen for this disease, in order to determine whether you belong to the subjects at risk. Being a carrier of G6PD deficiency requires your dietician to help you identify other foods you need to worry about, and plan safe and healthy menus. For more information on Favism, see Resources at the end of the article.
If you have PD, should you eat broad beans?
Many patients with PD can benefit from taking bean seeds. Anyone wishing to try the effect should first discuss it with their doctor. In addition to the use of anti-MAO drugs and the risk of Favism, your Healer may see the need to adjust the dosage or the times of taking antiparkinsonian therapy.
If in agreement with your doctor you decide to try to use beans, you will probably be advised to start with a small amount of these legumes, to evaluate their dose-related effectiveness, provided they work. An ounce per day (about 28 grams, or 2 tablespoons * of legumes) is probably the correct starting dose for most patients. After a week, it should be evaluated whether there has been some effect or not, and in the absence of an effect your doctor may suggest you increase the daily amount of beans. If you manage to obtain an improvement in the symptoms of PD with broad beans, it is possible that your doctor wants to adjust the dosage of the other antiparkinsonian drugs.
How often should the beans be taken?
There is very little information available to answer this question precisely; also because each individual affected by PD is different from the others and has a different pharmacological need. Some patients report that half a cup * (4 ounces, 112 grams) of fava beans a day, or every other day, would give good results. It is necessary to start with small quantities, gradually increase them with the supervision of the Healer, until reaching the dose of beans which, in combination or not with the antiparkinsonian medical therapy, gives the best results for the patient.
Even if the intake of beans has clinical benefits, one must avoid eating too many. If you get full of beans, you will not be able to eat other foods, and you will lose the health benefits they can provide. A dietician will be able to assist you in planning menus that include beans but that can also better satisfy your other different personal needs.
Where can you find broad beans?
[this paragraph refers to distribution in the USA, Ed.]
Fresh pods and / or green beans are available in season from fruit and vegetable vendors and some specialized shops. They can also be on sale in Middle Eastern products shops, some supermarkets and agricultural consortia. The grocery stores can, upon request, order fresh pods or seeds in season, or the frozen ones themselves, or canned green beans, such as those produced by Krinos or Cortas. Remember to specify “green beans”, not dried or ripe. For more information, see the Resources section .
Nutritional information on broad beans
In addition to Levodopa, beans are rich in other valuable nutrients. The pods with the seeds are a good source of Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, and many Vitamins. Even the seeds alone are valid, three and a half ounces (98 grams) of fresh cooked legumes contain 56 calories, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and not negligible amounts of iron, magnesium and vitamin C. .
How are the broad beans prepared?
Pods, with the seeds inside, are great food when they are very young, before a “thread” forms along one side. They can be steamed or boiled until tender. They should be seasoned with olive oil, butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper and served as a vegetable side dish, such as peas.
To use the fresh green seeds, remove the legumes from the pod, as with green peas. Then boil or steam them until tender, usually 2 to 10 minutes, depending on size and age, six seeds. Add butter, salt and pepper, or your favorite seasoning, and serve as a side dish. It is also possible to add cooked seeds to the salad. If the beans seem too hard, cook them for 8-10 minutes, then cool them and remove the external cuticle; if necessary, cook them for a few more minutes. Some people prefer to eat them with the cuticle, others find it too tough.
In conclusion, beans are an excellent food, and can also help control some symptoms of PD. Discuss its use with your healthcare provider and a dietician. To your good health!
Editor’s note: Please note that the indication of sizes such as “spoon” and “cup” should not be considered in an approximate way, but represents precise quantities, described in the conversion tables
