Fava beans are a staple popular dish in many Arab countries, especially at breakfast. They are rich in plant protein, fiber, and beneficial minerals, making them a healthy choice for many.

However, some people question the effect of fava beans on digestion, specifically whether consuming them causes constipation. While some complain of bloating or irregular bowel movements after eating them, others confirm that they help regulate digestion. The debate about the impact of fava beans on bowel movements remains, and we will examine it in detail below.

Fava beans are rich in dietary fiber that helps improve bowel movement, making them in some cases a helpful factor in preventing constipation. However, paradoxically, this same fiber may cause bloating or increased gas in some people, especially if the digestive system is not accustomed to consuming legumes frequently.

Therefore, the effect of fava beans varies from person to person; it may act as a laxative for some while causing slowed digestion or disturbances for others.

Potential issues:

• Digestive disorders: such as bloating, gas, and abdominal distension due to difficulty digesting some carbohydrate compounds in fava beans.
• Allergic reactions: for those allergic to legumes.
• Problems for patients with favism (G6PD deficiency): consumption may worsen hemolytic anemia.
• Mood effects: excessive consumption may cause vitamin B6 deficiency, which can affect mental health.
• Increased calories and fats: especially if consumed as fried falafel in large amounts.

Legumes in general, including fava beans and falafel, contain fibers and complex carbohydrates that may be difficult to digest for irritable bowel syndrome patients, potentially increasing cramps, gas, or even diarrhea in some cases.

Common symptoms:

• Gas and bloating due to fiber fermentation in the intestines.
• Digestive problems when consumed in large quantities at once.
• Allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Possible impact on absorption of some nutrients if consumed excessively without dietary variety.

Fava beans are rich in potassium and phosphorus, two important elements for the body, but consuming them in large amounts may burden the kidneys, especially in patients with kidney failure or chronic kidney problems.

Certainly, when consumed in moderation by people without contraindicating diseases, fava beans are an excellent source of plant protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron and magnesium. They also help with long-lasting satiety and support heart and bone health.

Yes, it is known that fava beans may cause gas in some people due to their content of complex sugars that are difficult for the small intestine to fully digest, so they pass to the colon where bacteria ferment them, producing gas and bloating.