Why Are Fava Beans Toxic?
Fava beans contain a naturally occurring toxin called vicine, which is found in high concentrations in the beans. When consumed by some people, vicine can cause a condition called favism, which leads to hemolytic anemia. This means that the red blood cells in the body are destroyed, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and jaundice. Therefore, fava beans should only be consumed in small quantities by those who are not at risk for favism.