Health Tips

Myths and Facts about the King of Fruits - Durian 

Myth 1

“Eating durian with beer can kill you”

Although there is no scientific evidence to show that durian and alcohol is a lethal combination, eating durian with alcohol can cause bloating, indigestion, and discomfort. This is because your liver has to work extra hard to metabolize both fats and sugars in the durians and the alcohol, especially if you have consumed both in excessive amounts.

Also, due to its relatively high fiber and carbohydrate content, excessive consumption may cause heartburn and bloatedness in some people, which can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption.  

Myth 2

“Durian is loaded with cholesterol”

Fun fact - Durians are cholesterol-free! Not only cholesterol-free, but durians are also a rich source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which help to reduce your bad cholesterol levels. This, in turn, reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Myth 3

“Eating durian boost libido”

Some may heard the myths about durian can boost one’s sex drive, but in fact, there is no scientific research has yet to prove it. Durians may cause your body temperature to rise, but it’s unlikely to qualify the fruit as an aphrodisiac. 

Durian facts 

1. People with diabetes need to limit their durian intake

People with diabetes may experience a rise in blood sugar if too much of durian is eaten. Individuals with diabetes need to limit their consumption of durians as durians has high sugar content which include sucrose, fructose and glucose. Besides suger, durian  also contains a substantial amount of carbohydrates. As a guide, it is advised that diabetic patients can only eat up to two seeds a day. 

2. Durian boosts energy

Durians contain high level of carbohydrate (this is why diabetic patient should limit thier consumption of durians). Three seeds of durians (depanding on the size) can contain between 20 - 30 grams of carbohydrates. This makes durian a natural energy booster. Eating durians can help replenish low energy levels quickly (in healthy individuals).  

The fruit’s high potassium content can also help reduce fatigue and relieve mental stress and anxiety. 

3. Durian is rich in nutrients

Durian is very high in nutrients compared to most other fruits. The incredible nutrient profile of durians make it one of the most nutritious fruits worldwide. At the same time, durians have more calories than most fruits including bananas and similar calorie content with avocadoes.  

Nutritional content of Malsysia durian per 100 grams (about 3 fruits with seed) 

4. Durian promotes weight gain

Due to high amount of sugar, carbohydrate and also calories contained in durians, it can  cause weight gain. 

So how many seeds are considered too many?

Dietitian’s advice: 2 - 3 seeds for durian consumption will suffice for healthy individuals. Even though it’s highly nutritious, like all any other food intake, it is always advisable to consume in moderation. For those with health problems, best is to consult your doctor for advice and dietary suggestions. 

A WORD FROM DOC2US

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REFERENCES

1. Durian Fruit: Smelly but Incredibly Nutritious

2. Durian myths and facts: The truth about its connection to ...
   https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com › durian-myths-facts-trut...

3. Durian Myths: The Truth About Durian and Alcohol ...
   https://www.healthxchange.sg › food-tips › durian-myt...

4. Five Myths about Durians » Raffles Medical Group
   https://www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com › health-article 

Written by

Ms. Tracy Yen