Lectins in red beans
MANY types of beans contain toxins called lectins, and kidney beans have the highest concentrations – especially red kidney beans.
As few as four or five raw beans can cause severe stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhea. Lectins are destroyed when the dried beans are soaked for at least 12 hours and then boiled vigorously for at least 10 minutes in water.
Tinned kidney beans have already had this process applied and so can be used without further treatment.
