Fava beans could boost mood and ease depression, according to a scientist. She shared her 3 favorite ways to eat them.

Make the beans into a dip

If you add oil and a bit of seasoning, you can mash the blanched fava beans and make them into a dip too, Mohd-Radzman said.

She tends to go with something very simple like salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Pair it with pita bread or spread it on toast like you would mashed avocado, she said.

Snack on them

Fava beans are high in protein and can be ready to eat in minutes, making them a great snack.

When she’s preparing the beans to use them for a recipe, Mohd-Radzman likes snacking on the softened beans.

You can sprinkle some salt or soy sauce over them, squeeze the beans out of their pods, and eat them like you would edamame beans, she said.