The durian fruit is one of the most famous tropical fruits, and it has become very popular in the recent period, despite its existence since ancient times. What are the most important health benefits of durian fruits? What are its nutritional value and calories? And the most important ways to use it. In the following article, we will explain to you everything related to this fruit, so follow along with us.

What is durian fruit?

It is a tropical fruit that grows in East Asia in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is distinguished by its large size and hard and prickly skin, with large seeds inside, but its problem is its pungent smell, which may be unpleasant to some. Therefore, it may be banned and prevented from being circulated in some areas, hotels and other public and private places.

This fruit reaches a length of 30 cm, and its width may reach 15 cm, and its flesh may vary in shades of color, as it is yellow and white, and sometimes it may be green or red.

Nutritional value

Durian fruit is a very rich source of important nutrients. One cup of this fruit, about 243 grams, contains:

• 357 calories.
• 13 grams of fat.
• 66 grams of carbohydrates
• 9 grams of dietary fiber.
• 4 grams of protein.

In addition to containing high levels of vitamin C and some B complex vitamins and folic acid, it also contains many important minerals such as manganese, potassium, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and iron.

In addition, it is rich in some compounds necessary for a healthy body, such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. These compounds are among the best antioxidants. That is why this fruit is considered one of the most nutritious fruits around the world, as it is called the queen of fruits.

Durian fruit uses

This fruit is commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes, and the flavor of this fruit is described as having almond, cheese, caramel and garlic flavors all at once. From this fruit, the inner pulp and creamy seeds can be used as well. All of this is edible, but the seeds must be cooked before eating them.

Among the most prominent forms that this fruit can be in:

• Durian fruit soup.
• Fruit seeds, whether roasted or boiled.
• juice or drink.
• It is used to make various sweets.
• It is used to make ice cream.
• It can be added as an appetizer alongside the main dishes.
• It has also been used in alternative medicine because of its medicinal and therapeutic properties.

Benefits of durian fruit

Many parts of this fruit are used in alternative medicine, such as its leaves, peel, roots, and the inner core of the fruit. Its therapeutic properties are famous, especially in Malaysian medicine, as it was used in the treatment of some widespread health problems, such as:

• jaundice
• skin diseases.
• High body temperatures.

Not only that, some studies have shown that this fruit has other important health benefits, which we will explain in the following lines:

Cancer prevention

Durian is one of the fruits that help reduce the incidence of cancer and protect the body from it, because it contains many powerful antioxidants, and thus works to neutralize free radicals that cause the formation of tumors and the emergence of cancer.

In one study, they found that an extract from durian helped prevent breast cancer cells from spreading.

Prevention of heart disease

This fruit helps prevent heart disease, because it has properties that help reduce cholesterol levels and levels in the body, and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Fight infection

The durian peel has many properties and compounds that have antibacterial benefits, and thus help reduce infection that affects the body.

Reducing blood sugar levels

This is because durian is the least tropical fruit in terms of the sugar levels it adds to the body, and thus helps to lower blood sugar levels.

Improve digestive health

Durian contains good proportions of dietary fiber, which helps improve digestion and facilitate bowel movement, thus preventing constipation. It also has an effective role in getting rid of flatulence, acidity and heartburn.

Adjust blood pressure

This is due to durian stocks of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, in addition to helping to expand blood vessels and reduce pressure on them, thus reducing the risk of some devastating problems such as heart attacks and stroke.

delay aging

Durian fruit contains vitamin C and various antioxidants, helps reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals, and the lower the level of oxidative stress, the slower the signs of aging and the appearance of wrinkles.

Important note:

Most of the studies conducted on this fruit bode well, because of the amazing benefits in this fruit, but studies are still in place so that these benefits can be confirmed at high rates after applying them to people in clinical trials.

How to eat durian fruit

This fruit has some correct steps to be taken, these steps are:

• Wear gloves to protect hands from the fruit shell.
• Open the shell and the outer shell with a knife.
• Then open it with your hand to remove the meat from the inside, but gently.
• There are people who prefer to eat the fruit fresh out of the shell.
• It can be added to rice dishes or some other food dishes.
• You may find the flesh of this fruit sold frozen, but you will find it more cohesive and flexible than fresh meat.

Durian fruit side effects

Durian fruit is one of the useful, nutritious and safe fruits to use and eat, but sometimes it may cause some health damage, such as:

• Stomach problems such as diarrhea, gas, vomiting and stomach disorders.
• Some allergic reactions.
• Eating the seeds of this fruit may make some people short of breath.

However, these damages are not 100% certain, as they may affect a group of people and not others, and research is still ongoing to ensure the validity of these damages.

• In the case of pregnancy and lactation, there is no research indicating benefits or harms, so it is better to avoid taking it during these periods or to consult a specialized doctor before taking it to avoid any harm.
• There is another note stating that this fruit has high fat levels, so it is better to avoid eating it if you are trying to lose excess weight in the body.