These are the most common and widely used legumes for a very long time since they are very easy to grow. Fava beans are employed mostly as cover crops because they take part in nitrogen fixation because they are also legumes. However, they can survive harsh environmental conditions including freezing temperature and high salt content in the soil, unlike other crops.

Harvesting them when they are still young and consuming them at such time gives an opportunity to eat their leaves. The pods that have not fully grown can also be eaten as a potherb. They are prepared by removing the grains from their pods and boiling them to remove their outer coat. One can choose to have them fried and salted to develop a crunchy seeds or nuts.

They have immense health benefits to humans as they are rich in plant protein and vitamins such as vitamin k and B6 which are essential for growth and development of humans. It also contains substances such as folic acid which enhances the metabolic activities of the body leading to high energy production. They also play a role in the proper function of the immune system and blood.

Horse beans can reduce the risks of defects during birth, and many pregnant women are advised to include them in plenty in their diet. The rich folic acid content ensures that there are no deformities in the fetus during fetal development inside the uterus. Pregnant women are urged to eat these berries especially during the primary stages of pregnancy when the fetus is just starting to develop.

Manganese is also a major and essential component that is mainly found in grains. It is important in the formation of bones and prevents calcium deficiency in the body leading the formations of very strong bones formation. Manganese, together with other elements such as copper and zinc can prevent the occurrence of diseases such as osteoporosis.

This type of grain also has magnesium which is deficient in many people and very important for the health of a heart. Magnesium can lower the blood pressure thus eliminating the chances of hypertension and the risk of other heart diseases. Consumption of the horse grains alongside other magnesium supplements, fruits and vegetables may prevent cardiac diseases.

The susceptibility or resistance to certain diseases is entirely based on the ability of the immune system. The broad berry contains a small amount of copper which ensures that there is the production of healthy blood cells. The copper destroys the free radicles in the blood thus preventing the occurrence of cancer and tumor cells. These elements are also found in plenty from the supplementary diet.

With all these benefits, broad grain has adverse effects. Some people have a specific genetic deficiency that prevents them from eating these beans while others under specific medication cannot eat these seeds. Some suffer favism which results in hemolytic anemia as the blood cells are being destroyed at a higher rate than the rate of their formation. This is as a result of the genetic disorder which may leave a consumer predisposed to this disease.