🫘 Legumes and Legume Products

Calories in Beans, kidney, light red

Eating just a handful of raw kidney beans can trigger severe food poisoning due to a specific toxic lectin they contain.

Beans, kidney, light red — 127 calories per 100g, nutrition facts
127 kcal
per 100g
Protein 7.31g
Carbs 21.4g
Fat 1.3g

What makes beans so powerful?

Raw kidney beans contain exceptionally high levels of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), a lectin that serves as a natural defense mechanism against pests. When ingested, PHA binds to the carbohydrates lining the intestinal tract, disrupting the cell membranes and preventing nutrient absorption. This triggers a severe inflammatory response, leading to extreme nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea within hours of consumption. In fact, ingesting as few as four or five raw kidney beans can cause acute toxicity. The critical culinary detail is that slow cookers operate at temperatures too low to destroy this lectin. If raw beans are placed directly into a slow cooker, the toxin remains active. To safely neutralize PHA, kidney beans must be vigorously boiled on a stovetop for at least ten minutes before any slow cooking or simmering. Once properly heated, this defensive lectin is completely degraded, transforming the bean into a safe, protein-rich staple.

🫘
Complex carbohydrate source
Their slow-digesting carbohydrates provide sustained energy without causing rapid blood sugar spikes.
⚠️
Requires thorough boiling
Boiling destroys phytohaemagglutinin, a natural toxin that low-temperature slow cookers fail to neutralize.
💪
Dense plant-based protein
They offer a robust amino acid profile that pairs well with grains to form complete proteins.
💡 When & how to use it

Always soak dry light red kidney beans overnight, then drain and boil them vigorously in fresh water for at least ten minutes before reducing to a simmer. This ensures the complete destruction of toxic lectins. Because they hold their shape well under heat, they are excellent for chili, stews, and rice dishes. Pair them with a vitamin C source like tomatoes or bell peppers to significantly enhance the absorption of their non-heme iron. Store cooked beans in their cooking liquid in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Calories by Serving Size

100g
127 kcal
P 7.31g C 21.4g F 1.3g
1 RACC (130g)
165 kcal
P 9.5g C 27.8g F 1.7g
200g
254 kcal
P 14.6g C 42.8g F 2.6g
50g
64 kcal
P 3.7g C 10.7g F 0.7g
grams = 127 kcal

Full Nutrition Facts

Per 100g — daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 100g
Calories 127
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1.3g 2%
Sodium 158mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 21.4g 8%
Protein 7.31g 15%
Calcium 60.2mg 5%
Iron 1.3mg 7%
Potassium 209mg 4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

How does Beans fit your daily goals?

🏃
25 min
Walking to burn 127 kcal
🎯
6%
of 2,000 kcal daily goal
💪
7.31g
protein (15% of daily 50g)
16
servings until 2,000 kcal
🍎

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Beans, kidney, light red?

Beans, kidney, light 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, light red have?

Beans, kidney, light red provides 7.31g of protein per 100g, which is 15% of the 50g daily recommended value. It is not a primary protein source.

How many carbs are in Beans, kidney, light red?

Beans, kidney, light red contains 21.4g of carbohydrates per 100g .

Is Beans, kidney, light red good for weight loss?

Beans, kidney, light 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, light 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.

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