Phasin is a lectin mixture that is found in raw vegetables, especially common beans.
Phasin is toxic to humans because it causes red blood cells to stick together. Above a certain dose, consumption leads to vomiting, diarrhea and stomach and intestinal problems. In the worst case, consumption can be fatal; in some cases, just a handful of raw beans was enough to cause death. In particularly phasin-rich species such as B. red kidney beans, just 4 or 5 raw seeds are enough to cause symptoms in adults.
Symptoms of poisoning appear quickly, usually 1-3 hours after consumption. They usually disappear just as quickly - around 3-4 hours after they set in.
Phasin is broken down during cooking, so vegetables containing phasin should be consumed when cooked. Phasin is also partially broken down during the germination process.
Phasin content of various legumes according to USFDA
Variety
|
Phasin content in hemagglutinating units (HAE)
|
Red kidney bean, raw
|
20,000 - 70,000
|
White kidney bean, raw
|
7,000 - 23,000
|
Broad bean, raw
|
1,000 - 7,000
|
Red kidney bean, cooked
|
200 - 400
|