Who are the three types of people who should not eat broad beans?

Sep 02, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Generally speaking, there is no saying that specifies "three types of people who cannot eat fava beans." Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, favism, digestive system disorders, allergies to fava beans, or kidney disease should avoid consuming fava beans to prevent potential health problems. In daily diets, individuals should choose foods appropriately based on their own health conditions.

Generally speaking, there is no such saying as "which three types of people cannot eat broad beans." Individuals lacking glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, patients with favism, individuals with digestive system diseases, those allergic to broad beans, and patients with kidney diseases should avoid eating broad beans to prevent health problems. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency: Individuals in this group lack a specific enzyme. Consuming broad beans may trigger a hemolytic reaction, causing symptoms such as jaundice and darkened urine. Severe cases may affect overall health, so eating broad beans must be strictly avoided.

2. Favism Patients: Individuals with favism are sensitive to components in broad beans. Consumption may directly trigger disease symptoms, potentially causing anemia, fatigue, and other discomforts. To prevent worsening of the condition, broad beans and related products must be strictly prohibited.

3. Digestive System Disease Patients: People suffering from digestive conditions such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, and enteritis have weakened digestive functions. Broad beans contain significant amounts of dietary fiber and protein, which are difficult to digest. Consumption may increase gastrointestinal burden, potentially worsening symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

4. Individuals Allergic to Broad Beans: Some people have allergic reactions to broad beans. Consumption may lead to symptoms such as skin itching, rashes, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, allergic reactions may be life-threatening, so these individuals must avoid eating broad beans and any foods containing broad bean ingredients.

5. Kidney Disease Patients: Broad beans contain certain amounts of potassium and protein. Patients with kidney diseases have impaired excretory functions, and consumption may lead to potassium accumulation in the body, increasing the burden on the kidneys and negatively affecting disease management. Therefore, intake should be strictly controlled or avoided under a physician's guidance.

In daily diets, food choices should be made rationally based on individual health conditions. If unsure whether broad beans are suitable for consumption, individuals should first understand their health indicators or consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet is important to avoid adverse health effects caused by consuming unsuitable foods.