Broad bean entrepreneurs

Broad bean entrepreneurs must be experienced gardeners who can supply those suffering from Parkinson's disease with a regular supply of this organic green legume.

I guarantee you have not ever seen broad beans, also known as favas, in the greengrocer; not for many years anyway. There are numerous reasons but it is still a tragedy.

Folk do not like them because by the time they get to the consumer they are usually old and starchy; seed is often not available.

If you are banting, one of the keto diets, all legumes are strictly off-limits; that is why we have modified it^[4].

Broad beans have one very important phytonutrient that you cannot easily get from any other natural source; it is called levodopa.

This compound is utilised by a part of the brain called the Substantia Nigra, and the gut, to produce dopamine; the happy hormone.

If you want to be happy, plant broad beans!

Actually lima beans do also have a small amount of L-dopa.

Researchers have found that many, but not all, sufferers from Parkinson’s disease benefit greatly from ingesting broad beans to boost their supply of dopamine; it does not have any of the side-effects of the drug. The influence is smoother and lasts longer.

You do have to be careful not to overdose though if you are also on meds.

There are many caveats though, and it is advisable that if you have Parkinson’s disease that you only start eating broad beans after a discussion with your doctor;

One metric cup of broad-beans weighs 160 grams.

As with with diabetics who start banting immediately having to halve their insulin, so those suffering from PD must reduce their medication; or they may have increased dyskinesias and nausea.

Broad beans, their pods and especially the young shoots are the richest source of the nutrient; half a cup may contain as much as 100mg of L-dopa. That’s how much we enjoy between us every day at our green home; they are simply delicious straight from the garden.

They are also rich in vegetable protein and an excellent source of minerals such as iron, magnesium and zinc; and many vitamins.

Legumes in general are a good source of magnesium^[5]. 1 cup of broad beans contains about 10% of the RDA.

That's all very well you say but what is the point if you cannot purchase fresh, young broad beans? The whole world urgently needs entrepreneurs who will start growing them, planting a row each week for much of the year; they do not like hot weather, so you would have to freeze some for midsummer.

Or simply eat the seedlings which have 20 times as much L-dopa as the beans themselves.

Broad beans from just two plants.

Of course he would have to build his business, find his clients and arrange to supply them with fresh young broad beans each week; perhaps even daily. Parkinson’s medication is extremely expensive; it could be a very profitable venture.  

I made a small estimate; five pods will supply 25 young seeds, weighing about 20g. That is roughly two tablespoons or a 1/4 cup.

So to begin testing yourself, you would need 40 beans every week but only 20 if you include the shells. I would not give you the time of day for old broad beans.

In fact the pods of young broad beans have even more dopamine; then you would not have to shell them either which is time-consuming.

Planted directly in the ground we had difficulty persuading the seeds to germinate, but kept moist in a warm dark place between sheets of newspaper, they sprouted very quickly.

Alternatively if you are suffering from PD you could grow them yourself, if you can find the seed. We keep back some of the pods each year.

This broad bean entrepreneurs page is just a thought for someone who is out of work and loves to till the earth; and enjoy its benefits.

Seedlings

Many researchers have shown that broad beans improve the clinical features of Parkinson's disease, often far better than medication. However they are not readily available during the whole year. The solution is to grow seedlings; and then freeze them.

The L-Dopa content of broad bean seedlings is 20-times greater than in the fruit^[1].

Aphids

Aphids and black fly particularly love broad beans. The entrepreneur must be watchful or he may lose his whole crop.

There is an organic solution; it is known as white oil.

He will also need to become a white oil manufacturer; it is very easy to make at home.

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Broad bean entrepreneurs

Broad bean entrepreneurs are needed to grow the legumes for Parkinson's patients; and of course for those who are looking to eat less red meat and want them for protein.

Organic red meat is difficult to get and expensive; and frankly you are never really sure that it is what is claimed, unless you know the farmer personally. I know that for a fact.

Of course, it is exactly the same for honey and most foods. Shopping at your local farmers' market or Reko is the solution; get to know the supplier and even ask if you can visit them so you can see for yourself.

If your potential clients are skeptical, persuade them to try fava beans with cream and thyme. It can be made in only fifteen minutes using the young pods.

The broad beans season is important for those suffering from tremors; it's all about L-dopa.

Parkinson's disease

It is accepted that whilst medication works reasonably well in the treatment of Parkinson's disease for a few years, it soon tapers off, leaving the victim miserable. Research shows that the L-Dopa in broad beans is much more effective than the drugs for about two thirds of patients.

There is alas no research confirming that consuming broad beans regularly prevents Parkinson's disease; but it is not unreasonable to assume that it probably would.

A caution

An oversupply of dopamine to the brain has bizarre side effects on Parkinson's patients; they may develop impulsive behavioural traits such as gambling and shopping sprees.

Whilst adding broad beans to the diet can be marvellous of those suffering from the disease, medication has to be gradually reduced and even eliminated. This needs to be done in collaboration with the family and their doctor. Read more at Parkinson's pill shock^[3].

This case history confirms that Parkinson's patients can be well controlled with the L-dopa from broad beans; however the authors caution against overconsumption, particularly if also taking medication^[2].

Poached eggs on fried sourdough bread can be quick and healthy; it's perfect to add a few lima or broad beans.

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South Africa

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