Calories in Beans, kidney, dark red
Eating just a few raw kidney beans can trigger severe vomiting due to a natural insecticide they produce.
What makes beans so powerful?
Kidney beans contain a naturally occurring lectin called phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), which acts as a defense mechanism against pests and herbivores. If raw or undercooked kidney beans are consumed, PHA binds to the carbohydrates on the surface of the cells lining the intestinal tract, disrupting their ability to absorb nutrients and causing severe gastrointestinal distress, including extreme nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The onset of symptoms can occur within just a few hours of ingestion. The key to neutralizing this toxin is heat. Boiling kidney beans at 100°C (212°F) for at least ten minutes destroys the lectin, rendering the beans completely safe to eat. Slow cookers, which typically operate at lower temperatures around 80°C (176°F), are actually dangerous for cooking raw kidney beans because this environment can increase the toxicity of the lectin rather than destroy it. This is why kidney beans must always be soaked and boiled vigorously before slow cooking or simmering in stews and chilis.
To safely prepare dried dark red kidney beans, soak them overnight in water, then drain and boil them vigorously for at least ten minutes before reducing the heat to simmer until tender. Never use a slow cooker for raw kidney beans, as the low temperature fails to destroy the natural lectins. Once cooked, they are excellent in chili, stews, or salads. Pair them with a vitamin C source like tomatoes or bell peppers to enhance the absorption of their non-heme iron content.
Calories by Serving Size
Full Nutrition Facts
Per 100g — daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Beans, kidney, dark red?
Beans, kidney, dark red contains 127 calories per 100g. A standard serving of 1 RACC (130g) provides 165 calories. It is a moderate-calorie food that can fit into most healthy diets.
How much protein does Beans, kidney, dark red have?
Beans, kidney, dark red provides 7.8g of protein per 100g, which is 16% of the 50g daily recommended value. It is not a primary protein source.
How many carbs are in Beans, kidney, dark red?
Beans, kidney, dark red contains 21g of carbohydrates per 100g .
Is Beans, kidney, dark red good for weight loss?
Beans, kidney, dark red has 127 kcal per 100g, which is relatively moderate. It can fit into a weight-loss diet as long as portion sizes are managed.
How do I track Beans, kidney, dark red calories accurately?
The easiest way to track beans is with CalRay. Simply snap a photo of your meal and the AI will automatically identify the food and calculate calories and macros based on the estimated portion size — no manual lookup required. You can also search by name and adjust gram weight manually.