Health Benefits Of Durian

Durian is a large, spikey fruit with a rich content of phytonutrients, antioxidants, proteins, vitamins and minerals. The term ‘durian’ has been derived from the Malay word ‘duri’, which means thorn. Durian is delicious, soft and succulent with a distinctive sulfuric smell and is covered with formidable thorn husk. It is characterized by the rich, buttery smooth and luscious flesh that is finger-licking delicious. Also known as the “King of Fruits” in the Southeast Asian countries, durian boasts of numerous health promoting effects. Native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, this exotic fruit is 30 cm long and 15 cm wide and weighs around 1 to 3 kg. Today, the fruit is cultivated in Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, southern Philippines and other Asian countries. The shape can range from oblong to round. While the husk color is green to brown, flesh is mostly pale yellow to red, depending upon the species. Just like banana and jack fruit, durian is rich in energy, vitamins and minerals. Read on to know the health and nutrition benefits of eating durian. Also explore its nutritional value.

Nutritional Value of Durian

Amount of Durian (chopped): 1 cup

Total Weight of Durian (chopped): 243 g

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Protein	3.6 g
Fat	13 g
Water	158 g
Ash	2.7 g
Calories
Total Calories	357
Calories From Carbohydrate	237
Calories From Fat	108
Calories From Protein	12
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrate	65.8 g
Dietary Fiber	9.2 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A	107 IU
Vitamin C	47.9 mg
Thiamin	0.9 mg
Riboflavin	0.5 mg
Niacin	2.6 mg
Vitamin B6	0.8 mg
Folate	87.5 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	0.6 mg
Minerals
Calcium	14.6 mg
Iron	1 mg
Magnesium	72.9 mg
Phosphorus	94.8 mg
Potassium	1060 mg
Sodium	4.9 mg
Zinc	0.7 mg
Copper	0.5 mg
Manganese	0.8 mg

Nutrition and Health Benefits of Eating Durian

Durian is a strong blood cleanser and a powerful aphrodisiac.
The roots and leaves of durian are used for preparing traditional medicines for curing fevers and jaundice.
The decoction prepared from leaves and fruits, is helpful for treating swellings and skin diseases.
The rind of durian is burned and the ash is consumed by women after childbirth.
Due to the high levels of amino acid tryptophan, durian is known to alleviate anxiety, depression and insomnia.
By raising levels of serotonin in the brain, it helps in creating feeling of happiness.
It is highly useful in lowering cholesterol.
It is a good muscle builder, due to its high content of soft protein.
Durian is a good source of vitamin C that helps in developing resistance against infectious agents and scavenges harmful free radicals.
It contains simple sugars like fructose and sucrose and some simple fats that replenish energy and revitalize the body instantly. Hence, durian is highly effective as a supplement food for underweight children.
Apart from iron, lack of folate can also lead to a type of anemia called pernicious anemia. Durian, being a good source of folate, helps in producing normal red blood cells (RBC).
Durian aids in regulating blood sugar level, due to its rich manganese content.
By promoting a normal appetite, durian helps in producing hydrochloric acid in the stomach, thereby assisting in proper digestion of food.
Packed with nutrients, durian helps in increasing energy, endurance, mental clarity and cellular health.
It enhances libido, thereby revitalizing the desire for sexual intimacy.

Caution

Durian fruit, when combined with alcohol, can trigger side effects such as strong gastro spasms and explosive flatulence.

Cooking Tips

Durian is used to flavor a wide variety of sweet edibles, such as traditional Malay candy, ice kachang, dodol, rose biscuits, etc.
It is also used for preparing ice cream, milk shakes, Yule logs and cappuccino.

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