This is the classic, large-seeded English broad bean with very large, tender, light-green seeds that are excellent in soups and hummus. As far as their nutritional benefits are concerned, there's no denying that broad beans are an excellent vegetable source of protein and fiber, which may be a winning combination for weight loss. There's even a study published in 2010 that found that overweight women on a high-protein, high-fiber diet lost more weight than those on the standard high-carbohydrate, low-fat regime. In addition, broad beans are rich in both folate and B vitamins, which we need for nerve and blood cell development, cognitive function and energy.