Broad Beans Histamine Information

Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are a healthy and versatile ingredient often used in a variety of dishes. However, their impact on histamine levels is a subject of interest due to the potential health implications. From a histamine perspective, broad beans are generally well-tolerated unless a person is histamine intolerant. They do not significantly increase histamine levels if the product is fresh and cooked correctly. This is because they are not classified under high histamine foods nor do they contain major amounts of histidine, the amino acid that becomes histamine (1). However, broad beans do contain tyramine, another biogenic amine, which is worth considering for those who are sensitive to foods high in amines. Some individuals may experience a similar reaction to tyramine as they would to excess histamine, though it is not a histamine liberator (2). Interestingly, broad beans also contain levodopa (L-dopa), a precursor to neurotransmitters including dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. It can influence the way your body metabolizes histamine (3) and lower histamine levels in some cases. However, it’s worth mentioning that these positive effects on histamine levels should not be the sole reason for including broad beans in the diet, and the individual's overall diet and health condition should be taken into consideration. In conclusion, unless broad beans are processed or fermented, they are generally safe and do not raise histamine levels significantly. It is always best for individuals to monitor their symptoms and work in conjunction with health professionals if they suspect they have food sensitivities or intolerances. Please see the references below for further details: 1. Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196. 2. Joneja, J. M. V., & Carmona-Silva, C. (2017). Outcome of a histamine-restricted diet based on chart audit. Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, 16(4), 277-284. 3. Pardridge, W. M. (2010). Delivery of L-Dopa to the Brain. Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology, 3-18.