Can eating undercooked green beans cause poisoning?

Nov 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, consuming undercooked green beans can cause poisoning. If discomfort occurs, stop eating them immediately. Individuals with mild symptoms may drink more warm water to help eliminate the toxins. Temporarily choose mild foods such as rice soup or thin porridge to avoid increasing gastrointestinal burden. Ensure adequate rest, avoid fatigue, and monitor body temperature and bowel movements.

Under normal circumstances, consuming undercooked green beans can lead to poisoning. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Undercooked green beans contain two harmful substances: saponin and phytohemagglutinin. These substances are especially abundant in fresh green beans such as flat beans and string beans, and they cannot be destroyed unless the beans are thoroughly cooked. After consumption, these toxins may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Some individuals may also experience dizziness, headache, chest tightness, and other discomforts. In severe cases, dehydration or electrolyte imbalance may occur. Symptoms typically appear within 1 to 5 hours after ingestion.

Once discomfort occurs, stop eating the beans immediately. Individuals with mild symptoms should drink plenty of warm water to help eliminate the toxins. Temporarily switch to a diet of mild foods such as rice soup or thin porridge to avoid further burdening the digestive system. Ensure adequate rest and avoid physical exertion, while monitoring body temperature and bowel movements. If vomiting and diarrhea become frequent, dizziness worsens, or symptoms such as palpitations and cold sweats develop, seek medical attention promptly to prevent further progression of the condition.