Broad (Fava) Beans vs Full-Fat Soy Flour: How To Choose?

Broad (Fava) Beans and full-fat soy flour 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 broad (fava) beans and full-fat soy flour and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

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.

Full-Fat Soy Flour

Full-fat soy flour is a type of flour made from ground, dehulled soybeans.

It is high in protein and fiber and is a good source of several important nutrients, including potassium, iron, and B vitamins.

Full-fat soy flour has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and can be used in a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes, including breads, cookies, and other baked goods.

It can also be used as a protein supplement in smoothies and other plant-based drinks.

In addition to being a nutritious food, full-fat soy flour has been shown to have a number of potential health benefits.

It is a good source of antioxidants, and has been linked to lower levels of cholesterol and improved blood sugar control.

Full-Fat Soy Flour is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin K.

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin E and some Vitamin A.

Broad (Fava) Beans vs Full-Fat Soy Flour Nutrition

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

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

Broad (Fava) Beans vs Full-Fat Soy Flour 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 broad (fava) beans vs full-fat soy flour for weight loss, broad (fava) beans are slightly lower in calories, with 341 calories per 100 grams, compared to 434 calories per 100 grams of full-fat soy flour.

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

Broad (Fava) Beans vs Full-Fat Soy Flour Protein

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

Full-Fat Soy Flour offers around 31% more protein than broad (fava) beans.

Full-Fat Soy Flour has 37.8 grams of protein per 100 grams, while broad (fava) beans have 26.1 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Broad (Fava) Beans vs Full-Fat Soy Flour 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 broad (fava) beans and full-fat soy flour.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 45% higher in broad (fava) beans than in full-fat soy flour. They have 58.3 grams per 100 grams, compared to 31.9 grams in full-fat soy flour.

There’s less sugar in broad (fava) beans than in full-fat soy flour, 24% precisely.

One handful of broad (fava) beans (28 grams) contains 1.6 grams of sugar, while the same amount of full-fat soy flour contains 2.1 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in broad (fava) beans and full-fat soy flour.

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 full-fat soy flour which broad (fava) beans offer 2.7 grams per portion.

Broad (Fava) Beans vs Full-Fat Soy Flour Fats

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

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

Total fat in broad (fava) beans and full-fat soy flour:

• Broad (Fava) Beans: 1.5 grams per 100 grams
• Full-Fat Soy Flour: 20.6 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, broad (fava) beans are 90% lower in saturated fats.

Broad (Fava) Beans and full-fat soy flour contain 0.3 grams and 3 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Broad (Fava) Beans vs Full-Fat Soy Flour Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of broad (fava) beans and full-fat soy flour.

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

Broad (Fava) Beans have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

However, full-fat soy flour has a higher amount of vitamin C, and vitamin B9 (Folate).

Broad (Fava) Beans and full-fat soy flour contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

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

Broad (Fava) Beans vs Full-Fat Soy Flour 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 broad (fava) beans and full-fat soy flour comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Broad (Fava) Beans are a better source of calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc than full-fat soy flour.

On the other hand, full-fat soy flour is a higher amount of iron, and selenium.

Broad (Fava) Beans and full-fat soy flour contain the same amount of fluoride, and sodium.

Check out the table below to learn how broad (fava) beans and full-fat soy flour compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Broad (Fava) Beans and full-fat soy flour are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both broad (fava) beans and full-fat soy flour 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.