Can Red Kidney Beans Be Toxic?
Yes, red kidney beans can be toxic if they are not cooked properly. Raw or undercooked red kidney beans contain a toxin called lectin, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea, and even lead to death in extreme cases. It is important to ensure that red kidney beans are soaked overnight and then boiled vigorously for at least 10 minutes to destroy the lectin toxin before consuming.