The Red Kidney Bean is popularly known as Rajma in India. They are also known as chili bean since it has a dark red coat and resembles a kidney.

Raw kidney beans, and some other beans, contain the toxin phytohaemagglutinin, which is destroyed by boiling for at least ten minutes. Dry beans must be soaked in water overnight; rinse the kidney beans thoroughly and boil before cooking to avoid poisoning. Even a few beans can be toxic, and beans can be as much as five times more toxic if cooked at 175°F (80°C) than if eaten raw, so adequate pre boiling is vital.

Kidney beans are available dry like most other legumes and are also canned. The canned kidney beans require less effort and cooking time as compared to dry beans, but it is not the healthiest option to use canned beans. If the beans have been canned with salt or other additives, rinse them after opening to remove the unnecessary additions. Canned beans need to only be heated briefly for hot recipes, while they can be used as is for salads or prepared for cold dishes. Dried beans are best prepared by first soaking them overnight in an appropriate amount of water in the refrigerator to prevent fermentation. Soaking will usually cut the cooking time dramatically. It is especially good for growing children as a wholesome dish since it is rich in iron and protein, combined with the carbohydrates in the rice.

Being a major source of protein, kidney beans provide all the eight essential amino acids. These amino acids act against a number of diseases and are important to maintain a healthy immune system. It is estimated that a single cup of uncooked beans provides around 85% of the daily protein requirement. Certain natural antioxidants present in these beans also have a number of beneficial health effects. The darker the color of the skin of the beans, the higher these antioxidants.

The soluble fiber present in the kidney bean regulates the blood glucose absorption from the body. This is done by forming a gel-like substance, by absorbing water from the intestines. This gel-like substance slows down the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body, thereby regulating the blood sugar levels and preventing their sudden elevation after meals. Hence, it is essential for diabetics (insulin resistance) to consume kidney beans on a regular basis.

The dietary fiber in these beans also helps lower the blood cholesterol levels in the body. This is achieved by the bonding of the fiber with the bile acids in the intestines. Hence, the risk of certain diseases, like stroke, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, is reduced to a considerable extent. Kidney beans also have considerable amount of the mineral molybdenum, which helps in the detoxification of sulfites from the blood. The copper present in these beans aids in the reduction of inflammatory conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis. The magnesium in kidney beans helps relieve fatigue by relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels. This, in turn, prevents the adverse effects of conditions like asthma, muscle soreness, and migraine headaches.

The Red Kidney Bean is popularly known as Rajma in India. They are also known as chili bean since it has a dark red coat and resembles a kidney.

Raw kidney beans, and some other beans, contain the toxin phytohaemagglutinin, which is destroyed by boiling for at least ten minutes. Dry beans must be soaked in water overnight; rinse the kidney beans thoroughly and boil before cooking to avoid poisoning. Even a few beans can be toxic, and beans can be as much as five times more toxic if cooked at 175°F (80°C) than if eaten raw, so adequate pre boiling is vital.

Kidney beans are available dry like most other legumes and are also canned. The canned kidney beans require less effort and cooking time as compared to dry beans, but it is not the healthiest option to use canned beans. If the beans have been canned with salt or other additives, rinse them after opening to remove the unnecessary additions. Canned beans need to only be heated briefly for hot recipes, while they can be used as is for salads or prepared for cold dishes. Dried beans are best prepared by first soaking them overnight in an appropriate amount of water in the refrigerator to prevent fermentation. Soaking will usually cut the cooking time dramatically. It is especially good for growing children as a wholesome dish since it is rich in iron and protein, combined with the carbohydrates in the rice.

Being a major source of protein, kidney beans provide all the eight essential amino acids. These amino acids act against a number of diseases and are important to maintain a healthy immune system. It is estimated that a single cup of uncooked beans provides around 85% of the daily protein requirement. Certain natural antioxidants present in these beans also have a number of beneficial health effects. The darker the color of the skin of the beans, the higher these antioxidants.

The soluble fiber present in the kidney bean regulates the blood glucose absorption from the body. This is done by forming a gel-like substance, by absorbing water from the intestines. This gel-like substance slows down the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body, thereby regulating the blood sugar levels and preventing their sudden elevation after meals. Hence, it is essential for diabetics (insulin resistance) to consume kidney beans on a regular basis.

The dietary fiber in these beans also helps lower the blood cholesterol levels in the body. This is achieved by the bonding of the fiber with the bile acids in the intestines. Hence, the risk of certain diseases, like stroke, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, is reduced to a considerable extent. Kidney beans also have considerable amount of the mineral molybdenum, which helps in the detoxification of sulfites from the blood. The copper present in these beans aids in the reduction of inflammatory conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis. The magnesium in kidney beans helps relieve fatigue by relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels. This, in turn, prevents the adverse effects of conditions like asthma, muscle soreness, and migraine headaches.