Fava Beans, Levodopa, and Parkinson's Disease

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Fava Beans, Levodopa, and Parkinson's Disease

by Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD

 

http://www.scienzavegetariana.it/nutrizione/favabeans.html

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Ms. Holden is a registered dietitian specializing in Parkinson's disease. She

has published research, books, articles, and manuals on nutrition and PD,

including " Eat well, stay well with PD. " For more information you may call (USA)

877-565-2665, or 970-224-5066; or visit her website:

 

http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/

 

--

Beans and Parkinson's disease

In the past few years, I've been increasingly asked for information about fava

beans as a source of levodopa. It's clear that many people are trying fava beans

without fully understanding their properties. This article is designed to answer

questions that have arisen about fava and Parkinson's disease (PD). I hope this

may clear up some of the confusion about the bean, and encourage people to

discuss its use with their doctors and dietitians.

 

This bean is a legume called " fava " (fah-vuh), faba, broad bean, and horse bean.

Its botanical name is " Vicia faba. " There are many species of faba; however, the

" faba major " is the bean of concern here. It grows in a long pod, like a giant

green bean, with large, flat seeds inside. It has been eaten for thousands of

years throughout the world, especially in the Mediterranean region.

 

How are fava beans related to PD?

Fava beans contain levodopa, the same chemical in Sinemet, Madopar, Dopar,

Larodopa, and other levodopa-containing medicines used to treat PD. In fact, the

entire fava plant, including leaves, stems, pods, and immature beans, contains

levodopa.

 

The amount of levodopa can vary greatly, depending on the species of fava, the

area where it's grown, soil conditions, rainfall, and other factors. It appears

that the young pod and the immature (green) beans inside the pod contain the

greatest amount of levodopa, and the mature, or dried bean, the least. Three

ounces (about 84 grams or ½ cup) of fresh green fava beans, or three ounces of

canned green fava beans, drained, may contain about 50-100 mg of levodopa. If

using the young pod as well as the beans, the amount of levodopa may be greater

than that in the fresh beans alone.

 

What effect do fava beans have on PD?

Some small studies have shown that the levodopa in fava beans can help control

the symptoms of PD, just as medications containing levodopa do. In fact, a few

people report that the effects from fava last longer than the effects from

medications. Some researchers believe fava beans may contain other substances

besides levodopa that could be helpful.

 

However, although some people report good effects, others find no antiparkinson

effect from fava beans at all; and still others report adverse effects, such as

nausea and dyskinesia. Much more research needs to be done to determine how

effective fava beans may be.

 

Are there any problems associated with eating fava beans?

Yes, there a number of concerns to be aware of:

 

Variable levodopa amounts. Because fava plants have varying amounts of levodopa,

it's possible to get either too much or too little levodopa. Too little levodopa

will not relieve PD symptoms; and too much levodopa can cause overmedication

effects, such as dyskinesia - particularly if other PD medications are being

used at the same time.

 

 

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) use. Another consideration is the use of fava

for people who take MAOIs. These include: isocarboxazid (Marplan); phenelzine

(Nardil); tranylcypromine (Parnate); and selegiline (deprenyl, Carbex,

Eldepryl).

 

MAOIs taken in combination with pressor agents (foods high in dopamine, tyramine

and phenylethylamine), can bring about a dangerous, and sometimes fatal,

increase in blood pressure. Levodopa in medications or in fava can convert to

dopamine in the bloodstream. It should be noted that selegiline is a different

type of MAOI (MAOI-type B), and in the amount normally used by people with PD

(10 mg daily), it is not thought to pose a risk when used with dopamine.

However, people using any MAOI should discuss foods containing pressor agents

with their physicians and dietitians.

 

Should you eat fava beans if you have Parkinson's disease?

Many people with PD can benefit from use of fava beans. If you'd like to try

them, discuss it with your physician first. Besides MAOI use and risk for

favism, your doctor may want to adjust the amount and/or timing of your PD

medications.

 

If your doctor agrees that you should try using fava beans, he or she will

probably ask you to start out with a very small amount at first, to see what

effect, if any, fava has for you. An ounce (about 28 grams, or two tablespoons

of beans) a day is probably right for most people to begin with. After a week

you should notice whether there is any effect, and if not, your doctor may

suggest that you increase the amount. If the fava beans reduce PD symptoms, your

doctor may want to adjust your other PD medications.

 

How often should I eat fava beans?

There is too little information available to give an exact answer; also, each

person with PD is different, and has different medication needs. Some people

report a half cup (4 ounces, 112 grams) of fava a day, or even every other day,

gives good results. Begin with a small amount, increasing gradually under your

doctor's supervision, until you find the combination of fava and/or PD

medications that's right for you.

 

Even if fava beans help, you shouldn't eat too much. If you fill up on fava,

you'll be too full for other foods, and will miss out on the benefits they

offer. A dietitian can help you plan menus that include fava beans and will best

meet your personal needs.

 

Where can I get fava beans?

Fresh pods and/or green fava beans are available in season at specialty produce

markets and some specialty foods shops. They may also be found at Middle Eastern

markets, some supermarkets, and farmers' markets. Grocery stores may be willing

to special order the fresh pods or beans in season, frozen pods/beans, or canned

green fava beans, such as produced by Krinos or Cortas. Be sure to specify

" green fava beans, " not dried or mature beans. For more information, see

Resources.

 

Nutrient information for fava beans

Besides levodopa, fava beans are rich in valuable nutrients. Fava pods with

beans are a good source of iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, selenium,

and many vitamins. The beans alone are also good - 3 ½ ounces (98 grams) of

cooked fresh beans contain 56 calories, 20 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams protein,

2 grams fiber, and substantial amounts of iron, magnesium, and vitamin C.

 

How do I prepare fava beans?

The pods, including beans, are best eaten when very young, before a " string "

forms along the side. They can be steamed or boiled until tender. Add some olive

oil or butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and serve as a vegetable side dish,

like snow peas.

 

To use the fresh green fava beans, shell the beans from the pods, like green

peas. Then boil or steam them till tender - usually two to 10 minutes, depending

on size and age. Add butter, salt and pepper, or your own favorite seasoning,

and serve as a side dish. You can also add the cooked beans to salads. If the

beans seem too chewy, cook for 8-10 minutes, then cool and slip off the outer

skins; cook a few more minutes if needed. Some people like to eat the skins,

others find them too tough.

 

In conclusion, fava beans are an excellent food, as well as a possible way to

help fight the effects of PD. Discuss use of fava with your doctor and

registered dietitian. Here's to your good health!

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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