Fava beans have a mixed rep in the Parkinson’s disease community. On the one hand, alternative websites tout them as a replacement for, or supplement to, a drug regimen. On the other hand, mainstream sites caution that (1) fava beans can interfere with PD medications, and (2) you can’t be sure of the potential benefits of favas, because the strength of their medicinal properties depends on when they were harvested and other factors.
The University of Maryland Medical Center website sums it up thus: Fava beans (Vicia faba) can have both good and bad effects in people with Parkinson’s disease. Fava beans contain levodopa. For some people, getting more levodopa in their diet may help with symptoms. For others, it could cause an overdose. Talk to a qualified botanical prescriber before using fava beans, and make sure all your doctors know about adding them to your diet.
Perhaps the most thorough introductory article is Kathrynne Holden’s Fava Beans, Levodopa, and Parkinson’s Disease.
Regardless, I eat fava beans occasionally and have told my neurologist, who doesn’t seem too concerned as long as I don’t overdo it. I created a tasty recipe (my husband’s opinion) that includes fava beans, flax seeds, anchovies and other healthy ingredients. As that old TV commercial (Alka-Seltzer, 1971) used to say, “Try it! You’ll like it!”
So try it, and let me know what you think!
Parking Sun’s Fava Beans and Pasta
Looks good will try!