Black beans are a nutritious plant-based food that is high in protein. They are also rich in linoleic acid, lecithin, dietary fiber, and have kidney-tonifying and blood pressure-lowering effects. Additionally, they have beauty and skincare benefits. However, black beans are generally difficult to cook thoroughly. So, can you eat uncooked black beans?
Can you eat uncooked black beans?
No, you cannot eat uncooked black beans. Due to the fast-paced lifestyle, it is unsafe to consume black beans that are not fully cooked. Eating uncooked black beans can potentially cause digestive problems and diarrhea.
Why can't you eat uncooked black beans?
Raw black beans contain trypsin inhibitors.
Black beans, like other legumes, contain trypsin inhibitors, which can affect protein digestion. Therefore, it is important to cook black beans thoroughly to destroy the trypsin inhibitors and maximize protein absorption.
Raw black beans contain saponins.
Black beans contain saponins, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Only by cooking them can the saponins be destroyed, removing this irritating factor.
How to fully cook black beans?
Many people have experienced difficulty in cooking black beans, as even after simmering in water for an hour, the skins remain tough. So, how can you fully cook black beans?
Soak the black beans for half a day or overnight before cooking. Alternatively, dry fry them in a pan without adding any oil or salt for a few minutes until fragrant. Then, cook them as usual, and they will be easier to cook until tender.
Precautions when eating black beans
1. People with severe kidney disease should not eat black beans, as they are difficult to digest. Consuming black beans may worsen kidney problems.
2. Children should not eat black beans, as they are difficult to digest. Additionally, those with kidney yang deficiency or those who are allergic to black beans should avoid consuming them.
3. It is not advisable to eat a lot of stir-fried black beans, as they are highly heating. Excessive consumption may lead to excessive internal heat.
4. Black beans should not be mixed with certain foods. They should not be consumed with milk, spinach, tetracycline, castor beans, magnolia bark, gentian, or ginseng. Magnolia bark, gentian, and ginseng are all traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, so it is important to avoid consuming them with black beans or black bean milk to prevent poisoning or other adverse effects.
