MEDICAL BENEFITS OF DURIANS?

People have taken durians orally for medical purposes, such as lowering fever, reducing swelling, lowering high blood pressure, treating jaundice, malaria, parasites, and even to increase sexual desire. Durian paste can be applied to the skin to treat skin diseases and reduce swelling. Scientific evidence to back up any of these claims can be exceedingly paltry.

 

1. A good source of energy:

The average 1 kg sized durian contains on average 25 seeds, each seed containing about 54 calories, so that the whole durian as close to 1,350 calories. If your daily recommended calorie intake is about 2,000 to 2,500 kilocalories, then eating one entire durian can reach 54 to 68 percent of your daily intake.

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2. Has anti-depressant activities:

The whole durian has about 0.8 mg of vitamin B6, which is about 50% of the daily recommended amount. It is argued that vitamin B6 is required for the synthesis of serotonin, which has antidepressant activities. The potassium content of durians is also quite high, and this might reduce mental stress and anxiety. The reasoning seems plausible, but I cannot find any scientific data to back up these claims.

 

3. Promotes healthy bones and teeth:

Durian is a good source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and copper, all of which play an essential role in bone and teeth development and strength. The potassium enhances nutrient uptake by cells, and assists in improving bone health. It is postulated that durians might prevent osteoporosis where bones become weak and brittle.

 

4. Aids in delaying aging:

There is a folklore claim that durian can battle aging. This may be due in part to the abundant amount of vitamin C which has antioxidant properties that helps keep the oxidative stress provoked by free radicals at bay. Lowering oxidative stress levels can slow down the aging process. The rich potassium in durians keeps the blood pressure under control and thereby reduces a cardiovascular cause of dementia (memory loss). It is claimed that durians can reduce or delay the appearance of as wrinkles, age spots, hair loss, macular degeneration of the eyes, and heart diseases. In other words, durians can make you look and feel younger.

 

5. Enhances a healthy digestive system:

Durian contains quite a lot of dietary fiber, which helps to increase the bulk of the intestinal contents and thereby assist in the peristaltic bowel movement. This reduces constipation and other intestinal problems like excessive burping and farting and indigestion.

 

6. Maintaining good blood sugar levels:

Manganese is an important mineral involved in blood sugar regulation, and durians have desired amounts. This will help diabetics lower their blood glucose.

 

7. Maintaining normal blood pressure levels:

There is a study that shows durians can help maintain a lower blood pressure and heart rate. This is believed to be due to the rich source of potassium it possesses. The lowered blood pressure can contribute to reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as contributing towards the prevention of cardiovascular dementia.

 

8. Beneficial for anaemic patients:

The durian contains iron and copper which help in haemoglobin synthesis. It also has high levels of folic acid which is integral to the production of red blood cells. An adequate amount of haemoglobin will reduce fatigue, anxiety, migraine and prevent cognitive malfunction.

 

9. Enhances one's libido:

Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences Malaysia has conducted a research project showing that durians can intensify sexual libido and stamina. It can also increase sperm motility in men. Some claim that durians possess aphrodisiac properties. I'm not sure how one can test this hypothesis scientifically.

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ADVERSE EFFECTS OF DURIANS

 

Side Effects & Safety of Durians:

The high caloric and sugar content means that if durians are consumed in excessive amounts, it can lead to obesity or exacerbate diabetes. Some experience stomach discomfort, diarrhea or vomiting.

 

The safety of durian consumption during pregnancy or breast-feeding remains uncertain, and some doctors recommend avoidance.

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DURIAN MYTHS DEBUNKED

 

1. Durian is loaded with cholesterol

Not true. Durians have zero cholesterol. Cholesterol is found in animal foods such as red meats, seafood and dairy products. It is not found in plants. Durians have monounsaturated fats which help reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and hence reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.

 

2. Mangosteen must be eaten with durian to reduce heatiness

The Chinese believe that durians are heaty. Hence to counteract this, a cooling fruit, such as mangosteen should be taken. However, the concept of heatiness or cooling, is not based on any objective scientific research.

 

3. Eating durian and drinking beer at the same time may kill you

There is no scientific evidence to demonstrate any adverse interaction between durians and alcohol. However, it is possible that the liver has to do double duty because it has to metabolize both fats and sugars found in durians and alcohol. Even without eating durians, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol over a period of time can lead to liver cirrhosis.