Fava Beans Lysine and Arginine Info Sheet
Overview
Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are a type of legume that is rich in protein and fiber.They have a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and are often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Fava beans are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including folate, manganese, and copper.
They are also high in plant-based protein and fiber.
| Name | Lysine (mg/100g) | Arginine (mg/100g) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fava Beans | 486mg | 702mg | 0.692 |
Fava Beans contains 486mg of Lysine and 702mg of Arginine per 100g of product.
This means Fava Beans has a low Lysine-Arginine ratio of 0.692.
Because Fava Beans contains slightly more arginine than lysine, reducing its consumption may help people who suffer from herpes, as it may lower the viral activity.
Lysine Considerations
Fava beans are a good source of lysine, an essential amino acid that is important for protein synthesis and collagen formation.
Lysine has the potential to prevent or treat cold sores, which are blisters caused by the HSV-1 virus, also known as herpes.
Lysine operates by working against the proliferation of HSV-1, which relies on another amino acid, arginine, to reproduce and infect cells.
Lysine can only be acquired through our diet, and is present in a variety of high-protein foods such as eggs, dairy, fish, meat and poultry.
Arginine Considerations
Fava beans contain a moderate amount of arginine, a semi-essential amino acid that plays a role in several bodily functions, including wound healing and immune function.
Arginine has many functions in the body, including wound healing, helping the kidneys remove waste products from the body, and maintaining immune and hormone function.
Arginine also plays a role in the replication of the herpes virus, making it a key factor in cold sore outbreaks.
The herpes virus requires arginine to grow, replicate, and create new herpes viruses.
Foods high in arginine, such as nuts and chocolate, may increase the frequency and severity of these outbreaks.
Lysine-Arginine Ratio
Fava beans have a lower lysine-arginine ratio, which means they have more arginine relative to lysine.
This can be beneficial for people who need to increase their arginine intake for health reasons.
Both lysine and arginine are important for protein synthesis and other bodily functions.
The two compounds can affect the herpes simplex virus, which is responsible for cold sores and genital herpes, in opposite ways.
Lysine can the human system or stop the virus from reproducing, while arginine can help it propagate.
Eating foods with a high lysine-arginine ratio could help lower the appearance and severity of herpes flare-ups.
Some foods that have a high lysine-arginine ratio are dairy products, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.
These foods can give the body enough lysine to prevent the virus from taking up arginine, and thus stop its growth and spread.
Dietary Considerations
Legumes are plant-based foods that are high in protein, fiber, and minerals.
Legumes also contain lysine and arginine, but the amount varies depending on the type of legume.
Soy-based products, such as tofu, tempeh, soybeans, and soy milk, have more lysine than arginine, which makes them suitable for people with herpes.
Other legumes, such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas, have more arginine than lysine, which makes them less favorable.
These legumes can still be consumed in moderation, as they have other health benefits.
For example:
A well-balanced and healthy diet that strengthens your immune system and lowers inflammation is important.
This means you should eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and good fats, and avoid processed foods, added sugars, alcohol, and caffeine.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine which can overstimulate your body, leave you dehydrated, and compromise your immune system.Consider taking l-lysine supplements, which can help prevent herpes outbreaks and stop a cold sore before it emerges by limiting the availability of arginine for the virus, which it requires to produce a cold sore.
Other food supplements, such as vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants, can help you boost your immunity and protect your cells from oxidative stress.
Your immune system can be weakened and inflammation can be increased by foods that can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities, such as gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, or shellfish. Avoid these foods to avoid outbreaks.
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