If you’re a durian lover, you’ve got to admit that there’s something really unique about biting into the milky pulp of the fruit.
Every bite of a well-ripened durian gives you a high level of satisfaction. It’s not only about the taste or the unique smell of the fruit. Did you know that durians contain a type of amino acid that helps your body and mind to relax?
At the same time, there’s a lot of information or possibly myths going around about the possible health and life damage that durian can cause if eaten with a wrong combination of food and drinks.
Dietitian, Reshmy Ranee reveals some benefits of eating durians, debunks ongoing myths about durians and also the harsh reality of eating more durians than you should.
1Twenty80: What are the nutritional benefits of eating durians?
Reshmy Ranee: Like most fruits, the durian is mainly rich in carbohydrates (sugars). This high carbohydrate fruit gives energy. Two seeds may give you as much energy as a medium-sized banana and 10 seeds may give you as much energy as two small rice bowls.
Besides that, durian is also rich in an amino acid, tryptophan that converts to serotonin and is responsible for helping the body and mind to relax. Tryptophan can also convert to melatonin which is a hormone involved in sleep regulation. Hence, durian might help you to have a deeper and longer sleep.
Plus, vitamin C content in durian is rather high and can strengthen immune system.
Durian is also rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, copper and potassium, all of which are essential for maintaining strong bones. They’re a rich source of monounsaturated fats too, which can help lower bad cholesterol level.
Since durian is high in carbohydrates, diabetics should be careful with the amount of consumption as it may cause blood sugar to spike (hyperglycemia).
1Twenty80: Are there any possible health hazards associated with eating durians?
Reshmy: Since durian is high in carbohydrates, diabetics should be careful with the amount of consumption as it may cause blood sugar to spike (hyperglycemia).
Besides, those with high blood pressure should also avoid overeating durian. The high sugar consumption from the durian fruit can inhibit the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the blood vessels. Nitric oxide functions to help blood vessels dilate (vasodilation). Without NO, vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels) can occur, leading to an even higher level of blood pressure.
1Twenty80: Is it true that one should not consume alcohol when eating durians?
Reshmy: There is no concrete scientific evidence to show that this is a lethal combination. It is more likely to cause bloating, indigestion and discomfort as your liver has to work extra hard to metabolise both fats and sugars from eating durian and drinking alcohol, especially if you have consumed both in excessive amounts.
However, there is one theory to note, durian is high in sulfur content. The sulfur inhibits the enzyme that helps to break down alcohol in the body. So if you are drunk, you’re most probably going to stay that way for awhile as alcohol will take a longer time to be broken down. You may also experience severe heartburn and indigestion. Nevertheless, this theory has not yet been confirmed in actual human or animal studies.
1Twenty80: Are there any other beverages that one should avoid when eating durians?
Reshmy: No. If you are talking about taking milk, coffee and cocoa after eating durian, that is more of a Traditional Chinese Medicine belief.
You see, durians are very ‘heaty’ and when you eat them, you can actually feel that your body is hotter than usual. Coffee, milk and cocoa are all classified as ‘heaty foods’ and in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that if your body is too heaty, it can cause high blood pressure or affect your heart.
There is no restriction on fruits. You can consume any fruit with durian. The belief of not eating mangosteen and lychee with durian comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine.
1Twenty80: Is it also true that one should not consume other types of fruits together with durian?
Reshmy: There is no restriction on fruits. You can consume any fruit with durian. The belief of not eating mangosteen and lychee with durian comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine.
For example:
- Mangosteen and durian is apparently ‘bad’ because you’re mixing ‘cool’ and ‘warm’ foods, which confuses the digestive system and therefore leading to an upset stomach.
- Lychee and durian is apparently bad because mixing two ‘warm’ foods increases your body’s ‘heatiness’ and causes inflammation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine can be rather confusing because the idea is that we aren’t supposed to balance the hot with cold. However, in the case of eating mangosteen and durian, it is not advised to consume these fruits together.
1Twenty80: Can eating durians put a person’s life at risk?
Reshmy: Continuously overeating durian for diabetics will raise their blood sugar levels and result in kidney, eye and nerve damage. Also, for those with high blood pressure, overeating durian may cause a heart attack and stroke.
1Twenty80: Lastly, how much durian should a healthy person eat in one sitting?
Reshmy: Two to three durian seeds will be just right. Enjoy the durian, savour the taste and creaminess as well as feel the texture on your tongue. Mindful eating and moderation is the key.
Two things you probably did not know about durians!
- Fact #1: The strong odour of durian in the wild attracts animals to eat it and disperse its seeds.
- Fact #2: Some people find that durian smells good and some find it smelling horrible and this is due to the makeup of our nose sensors. The trick to get used to the smell is to eat durian often.
