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Adzuki Beans vs Broad (Fava) Beans: How To Choose?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans, foods from the legumes and legume product group. Read on to learn more about the adzuki beans vs broad (fava) beans comparison.
Michael Whaley, Health Writer

Written by Michael Whaley, Health Writer. Updated on January 10, 2023.

Adzuki Beans and broad (fava) beans belong to the legumes and legume products food group, one of the staple food groups for people on a plant-based diet.

Legumes and most legume products are an affordable source of plant protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc, minerals that are usually harder to get on a plant-based diet.

This article will thoroughly compare adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

Adzuki Beans

Adzuki beans (Vigna angularis), also known as red beans, are a type of small, reddish-brown legume that are native to East Asia.

They have been grown and consumed for thousands of years in countries such as Japan, China, and Korea and are a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes.

One of the main health benefits of adzuki beans is their high protein content.

Adzuki beans are a good source of plant-based protein, making them a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

They are also high in fiber, which can help to improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

Adzuki beans are rich in iron, potassium, and B vitamins. They also contain a number of plant compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

In terms of health benefits, adzuki beans have been shown to have many positive effects on the body.

They are a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome.

Adzuki beans may also help to reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, due to their high content of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Adzuki Beans are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

Broad (Fava) Beans

Broad beans, also known as fava beans or faba beans (Vicia faba), are a type of legume native to North Africa and the Middle East.

They are a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes due to their high protein and fiber content, as well as their mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Broad beans are also a good source of several important nutrients, including potassium, iron, and B vitamins.

They can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, such as broad bean soup, dips such as Bigilla, and salads.

In addition to being a nutritious food, broad beans have been shown to have a number of potential health benefits.

They have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control, and may also help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Broad (Fava) Beans are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) and some Vitamin K.

Adzuki Beans vs Broad (Fava) Beans Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing adzuki beans vs broad (fava) beans.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Adzuki BeansBroad (Fava) Beans
Energy329 kcal341 kcal
Carbs62.9 g58.3 g
Sugar0.62 g5.7 g
Fiber12.7 g25 g
Protein19.9 g26.1 g
Fat0.53 g1.53 g
Saturated Fat0.191 g0.254 g

Adzuki Beans vs Broad (Fava) Beans Calories

Most calories in raw legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.

Comparing adzuki beans vs broad (fava) beans for weight loss, adzuki beans are slightly lower in calories, with 329 calories per 100 grams, compared to 341 calories per 100 grams of broad (fava) beans.

However, both adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Adzuki Beans vs Broad (Fava) Beans Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Broad (Fava) Beans offer around 24% more protein than adzuki beans.

Broad (Fava) Beans have 26.1 grams of protein per 100 grams, while adzuki beans have 19.9 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Adzuki Beans vs Broad (Fava) Beans Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 7% higher in adzuki beans than in broad (fava) beans. They have 62.9 grams per 100 grams, compared to 58.3 grams in broad (fava) beans.

There’s less sugar in adzuki beans than in broad (fava) beans, 88% precisely.

One handful of adzuki beans (28 grams) contains 0.2 grams of sugar, while the same amount of broad (fava) beans contains 1.6 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 7 grams of fiber per portion, broad (fava) beans are a better source of fiber than adzuki beans which offer 3.6 grams per portion.

Adzuki Beans vs Broad (Fava) Beans Fats

Like most other legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans are low in fat.

Fats in adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans:

  • Adzuki Beans: 0.5 grams per 100 grams
  • Broad (Fava) Beans: 1.5 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, adzuki beans are 33% lower in saturated fats.

Adzuki Beans and broad (fava) beans contain 0.2 grams and 0.3 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Adzuki Beans vs Broad (Fava) Beans Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Adzuki Beans have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

However, broad (fava) beans have a higher amount of vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and vitamin B9 (Folate).

Adzuki Beans and broad (fava) beans contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Adzuki BeansBroad (Fava) Beans
Vitamin A17 IU53 IU
Vitamin C01.4 mg
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)0.455 mg0.555 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.22 mg0.333 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)2.63 mg2.83 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)1.47 mg0.976 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.351 mg0.366 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)622 µg423 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E0.01 mg0.05 mg
Vitamin K2.4 µg9 µg

Adzuki Beans vs Broad (Fava) Beans Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Adzuki Beans are a better source of calcium, fluoride, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, and sodium than broad (fava) beans.

On the other hand, broad (fava) beans are a higher amount of copper, manganese, potassium, and zinc.

Check out the table below to learn how adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans compare when it comes to mineral content.

Adzuki BeansBroad (Fava) Beans
Calcium66 mg103 mg
Copper1.09 mg0.824 mg
Fluoride02.2 µg
Iron4.98 mg6.7 mg
Magnesium127 mg192 mg
Manganese1.73 mg1.63 mg
Phosphorus381 mg421 mg
Potassium1250 mg1060 mg
Selenium3.1 µg8.2 µg
Sodium5 mg13 mg
Zinc5.04 mg3.14 mg

The Final Word

Adzuki Beans and broad (fava) beans are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both adzuki beans and broad (fava) beans are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in beans and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes are versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.

Sources

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