Often referred to as the “King of Tropical Fruit”, durian fruit is a succulent fruit based in Southeast Asian countries. It is a soft fruit that is guarded by thorns and it normally grows in a season from June to August. Durian fruits are large in size as they can typically grow to a diameter of 30 centimeters. You will normally see durian in the rainforests of Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. There are 30 different species of durian, but only 9 of these species are known to produce edible fruit.
Durian gives off a famously strong odor which polarizes people, some loving it and some hating it. However, once the core of durian fruit is consumed you will realize that it has an amazingly sweet and buttery taste. The round seeds found in durian fruit can also be consumed, and taste sweet too. Durian contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help the human body fight off various illnesses and deficiencies.
1) Durian Improves the Digestive System
Durian is rich in dietary fiber and can be used as a laxative to flush out the toxins the digestive system may have. Durian fruit cleans up the colon through the mucous membrane, which decreases the exposure time the body has to toxins. Chemicals from the gut that cause cancer are promptly eliminated by the consumption of durian. Dietary fiber is a stimulant for the peristaltic motion, and the process of producing and discharging of digestive and gastric juices is made easier because of that fiber.
2) Durian Strengthens the Immune System
Parasites, viruses, and free radicals are common enemies of the immune system. Consuming durian fruit helps the body to destroy these pathogens before they can cause harm. Durian is very high in Vitamin C, which is a key antioxidant that strengthens the immune system. Durian provides additional resistance to potential health problems such as catching the flu or a cold. The molecules and room for oxygen are expanded in the body after consuming durian. Eating a combination of durian with another fruit that is rich in Vitamin C, such as amla, is a great way of fighting off illnesses.
3) Durian Prevents Anemia
Anemia is a condition where hemoglobin in the bloodstream is unable to send sufficient amounts of oxygen throughout the body. When the level of hemoglobin in the blood is low multiple symptoms can start occurring such as headaches, insomnia, breathlessness, and fatigue. One advantage in durian fruit is that it has a high volume of folic acid. Folate is critical for the functions of hemoglobin, as when folate is properly added to the body the blood production is properly stimulated.
4) More Sleep Is One Great Health Benefit of Durian Fruit
If using visualization isn’t helping you get to sleep, eating durian fruit might be the next best thing. Many people suffer from insomnia, which means they lack a good night’s sleep. Tryptophan is an organic chemical, and the reason you fall asleep in front of the tv after a big meal. Tryptophan enters the brain and converts to serotonin, which relaxes you and makes you feel happy. Excessive amounts of serotonin increases the amount of melatonin in the bloodstream, encouraging natural sleepiness.
5) Durian Promotes Bone Health
Durian contains a great amount of potassium, which is an important electrolyte for the body. The human body requires a daily consumption rate of 9.5% potassium. Calcium has potassium to thank for proper distribution throughout the body because potassium ensures that the bones receive the deposited calcium instead of allowing the calcium to dissolve and get excreted out. Having durian fruit as part of a meal can prevent calcium deficiency. Along with potassium, durian fruit contains 7.5% magnesium, 14% manganese, and 23% copper, all of which strengthen the bones and improves the body’s durability.
6) Durian Improves Blood Pressure
The potassium the body receives from durian also allows cells and body fluids to better control heart rate and blood pressure. Potassium enables better muscle functions and regulates the heartbeat, which allows a more fluent pumping of the blood. Sodium can act as an enemy to normal blood pressure due to extra strain on the delicate blood vessels leading to the kidneys. By consuming durian you can maintain low sodium levels, making it a preferred fruit for those who suffer from hypertension or other blood pressure related ailments. A great way of maintaining good blood pressure and preventing heart disease is to mix fruits such as durian and pomegranate in a salad or a smoothie .
7) Durian Helps Fight Cancer
During the process of cell metabolism, byproducts are created, known as free radicals. The DNA of regular cells is destroyed by these free radicals and can be converted into cancer cells, which can grow into fatal tumors if not treated. This event occurs when oxidative stress is put on the body’s organs. Antioxidants are needed to combat this event, and durian fruit is loaded with antioxidants. Along with Vitamin C, durian also has 24% of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin B-6 (also known as Pyridoxine), 31% of Vitamin B-1 (also known as Thiamin), and 15% Riboflavin, which are all antioxidants.
8) Durian Is Useful During Pregnancy
Dr. Patrick Chia, who specializes in fetal medicine, says that it is safe for women to eat durian fruit during the course of pregnancy. The antioxidant effects of durian have positive health benefits on infants. Durian fruit has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, it’s important to note that durians have high amounts of sugar – two seeds of average size amount to 60 calories.
9) Durian is High In Beneficial Fats
A single cup of durian contains 357 calories, which means that eating in moderation is encoraged. However, durians contain the good kind of fats that are heart-health boosting. These good fats combat and lower LDL cholesterol. While durian fruit contains plenty of fat, a single cup of durian only amounts to 13 grams. It is recommended that 5 servings of durian fruit are consumed to get the daily amount of carbohydrates the body needs. Having 1 serving of durian fruit amounts to 243 grams of carbohydrates.
