Are lupins poisonous?
Lupin seeds are healthy and delicious. But be careful! Not all lupins are suitable for consumption – many are even toxic.
Lupins (Lupinus) are now considered the local vegetable protein source par excellence. Unlike soybeans, lupins also grow in our region. That is why you can find more and more lupin-based products on the shelves of many health food stores. But this does not mean that every lupin seed can be eaten without hesitation. The original species are all poisonous.
Contents
Lupin seeds: protein rich super seeds
Lupins are bursting with valuable vegetable protein. At around 40%, they are in no way inferior to the soybean – but unlike soybeans, they can also be grown locally. The protein-rich seeds are now processed into a wide range of products that delight lovers of a healthy and local diet.
Poisonous wild lupin
Originally, the seeds and to a small extent the leaves of the lupin contained toxic alkaloids, lupinine and sparteine. These bitter substances have a toxic effect on humans. Fortunately, the seeds are usually spat out by children right away because of their bitter taste, so only very mild poisoning usually occurs here. Animals, on the other hand, are much more frequently affected by poisoning. Large animals such as cows, horses, goats and pigs are at risk, as are cats, dogs, rodents and birds. Wild animals, on the other hand, can tolerate the alkaloids. Cooking the lupin seeds does not make them edible either. The seeds must first be soaked in salt water for at least 14 days before the bitter substances are flushed out.
Poisonous wild lupins: symptoms of poisoning
Even after consumption of just one untreated pod, the following symptoms of poisoning can be expected:
- Palpitations
- Motor disorders
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea
In severe cases, cardiac arrest and respiratory paralysis can result. Animals also experience typical symptoms of poisoning such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach and intestinal complaints
- Salivation
- Agitation
- Trembling
If calves and cows are fed lupins, this can lead to skeletal malformations.
Poisonous wild lupins: first aid for poisoning
After consumption, it is important to drink plenty of fluids in the form of water. This dilutes the toxins. It is also advisable to consult a doctor. They will prescribe detoxification and the administration of charcoal in the case of less severe poisoning. Charcoal tablets should always be in the household medicine cabinet, especially for parents of young children, because every moment counts in cases of poisoning. In case of more severe symptoms of poisoning, call an emergency physician immediately. Animals showing symptoms of poisoning are taken to the veterinarian. Even if you are not happy about veterinary bills, you should not think twice if the visit is really necessary. After all, we are talking about a family member here.
Non-toxic sweet lupin: cultivation makes the difference
The lupin products that are offered on the market are based on the seeds of so-called sweet lupins. They were cultivated in the 1930s and, unlike wild or garden lupins, are non-toxic to barely toxic because the toxic alkaloids have been bred out. This significantly reduces the time that must be put into the preparation of the seeds. In addition, lupins can be used directly as animal feed, providing an alternative to imported soy.
- Perfect for all flowering plants in garden beds & pots
- For beautiful blossoms & healthy plant growth
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
You can find out more about harvesting and using lupin seeds in our special article.
