Fava Beans, Levodopa, and Parkinson's Disease

[Guest guest]

This article was taken from our New Alternative Medicine Forum. Ms.

Holden has made some very astonishing discoveries in the field of

natural medicine.

Regards, JoAnn

 

 

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/

 

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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/AIM.html