Can raw kidney beans REALLY kill you?

Question

This is an urban myth I have heard a few time and would really like to put the whole issue to bed!

Answer 1

Yes.

The red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) contains phytohemagglutinin (PHA), a protein that binds to white blood cells. PHA triggers the T-lymphocytes in the immune system to undergo mitosis (cell division) and interferes with cellular metabolism. The body gears up as if invaded by an infectious agent. When raw or undercooked kidney beans are consumed, this toxin causes nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. But PHA is easily destroyed by proper cooking.

Answer 2

Raw Kidney Beans

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

2

Answer 5

Probably if you were weak, infirm, old or already suffering from some illness.

Red kidney beans: Incidents of food poisoning have been reported associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked red kidney beans. Symptoms may develop after eating only four raw beans and include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain followed by diarrhrea. For this reason, kidney beans must not be sprouted. A naturally occurring hemaglutin is responsible for the illness, but can be destroyed by high temperature cooking, making the beans completely safe to eat. The beans must boil for 10 minutes to destroy the toxin.

Answer 6

Hives are regularly scratchy and uncomfortable, leaving big or small red patches or rings and/or bumps. There are different causes for hives urticaria which range from sensitive responses to an autoimmune issue. There are various over the counter treatments that will assist soothe the swelling and itching in a reasonably short duration of time: Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, Tavist.
If you prefer natural treatments to relieve the itching and absolute soreness of hives, here are a few of the greatest known options: Keeping It Cool, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Oatmeal and Cornstarch
For a permanent hives treatment method visit this interesting web site: http://urticaria.toptips.org
Bye

Answer 7

Red Kidney Bean Poisoning is an illness caused by a toxic agent, Phytohaemagglutnin (Kidney Bean Lectin). This toxic agent is found in many species of beans, but it is in highest concentration in red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). The unit of toxin measure is the hemagglutinating unit (hau). Raw kidney beans contain from 20,000 to 70,000 hau, while fully cooked beans contain from 200 to 400 hau. White kidney beans, another variety of Phaseolus vulgaris, contain about one-third the amount of toxin as the red variety; broad beans (Vicia faba) contain 5 to 10% the amount that red kidney beans contain.

As few as 4 or 5 beans can bring on symptoms. Onset of symptoms varies from between 1 to 3 hours. Onset is usually marked by extreme nausea, followed by vomiting, which may be very severe. Diarrhea develops somewhat later (from one to a few hours), and some persons report abdominal pain. Some persons have been hospitalized, but recovery is usually rapid (3 - 4 h after onset of symptoms) and spontaneous.

The syndrome is usually caused by the ingestion of raw, soaked kidney beans, either alone or in salads or casseroles. As few as four or five raw beans can trigger symptoms. Several outbreaks have been associated with "slow cookers" or crock pots, or in casseroles which had not reached a high enough internal temperature to destroy the glycoprotein lectin. It has been shown that heating to 80 degrees C. may potentiate the toxicity five-fold, so that these beans are more toxic than if eaten raw. In studies of casseroles cooked in slow cookers, internal temperatures often did not exceed 75 degrees C..

All persons, regardless of age or gender, appear to be equally susceptible; the severity is related only to the dose ingested.

Answer 8

I couldn't just sit around and do nothing like my doctors suggested.

They didn't want me to do anything or to take herbs or herbal remedies, but I had to try something - they just wanted me to do dialysis!

This program allowed me to take control of my health. I went from Stage 4 to Stage 3 kidney disease.

It was easy to do and my BUN, creatinine and anemia are all in better ranges.

Reversing Your Kidney Disease?

Answer 9

I have yet to see a health warning on a side of a jar/packet of Kidney Beans so that in itself would suggest that they are safe to eat raw or cooked!

Answer 10

3