Are long beans a food that is prone to causing poisoning?
Apr 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Broad beans are a type of food that may cause poisoning. Although they are a nutritious vegetable, they contain certain amounts of oxalic acid and cyanogenic glycosides. Improper consumption may lead to poisoning. Therefore, attention should be paid to cooking methods when preparing broad beans—for example, they should be thoroughly cooked before eating, or blanched in boiling water before stir-frying—to reduce the levels of oxalic acid and cyanogenic glycosides. Additionally, excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent poisoning.
Hyacinth beans are a type of food that may cause poisoning. Although hyacinth beans are a nutritious vegetable, they contain certain amounts of oxalic acid and cyanogenic glycosides. Improper consumption may lead to poisoning.
Hyacinth beans are nutrient-rich and high in dietary fiber. Due to their low requirements for growing conditions and high yield, they are widely popular among the general population. However, poisoning incidents often occur due to improper cooking methods. Hyacinth beans contain a substance called saponin, which is not destroyed if insufficient heat is applied during cooking. When not properly broken down by adequate temperature, saponin can harm the human body. Oxalic acid binds with calcium in the body to form calcium oxalate, impairing calcium absorption and utilization, potentially leading to calcium deficiency. Cyanogenic glycosides can be converted into hydrogen cyanide in the body, producing toxic effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, causing symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations.
Therefore, proper cooking methods should be observed when preparing hyacinth beans—such as thoroughly boiling them before consumption or blanching in boiling water prior to stir-frying—to reduce levels of oxalic acid and cyanogenic glycosides. Additionally, excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent poisoning.
