Durian fruit benefits – The durian fruit is an exotic fruit that grows in the tropics like many found in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and others. This fruit is very smelly, the aroma is distinctive but very delicious on the tongue. Durian fruit is recognized as the king of fruit. That is, it is a fruit that is well-liked and rich in nutrients. However, durian is also a fruit that has many taboos for people with certain conditions because durian fruit also has side effects for certain people.
Now there are many food products and sweets that are made by taking the taste of the durian fruit. Durian fruit has many benefits such as increasing energy instantly, good for immunity, skin, hair and so on.
What is Durian?
Durian is a fruit name that comes from the Malay language, namely “thorn”, this is because this smelly fruit has large thorns on the skin of the fruit.
Durian fruit comes from Indonesia, namely the islands of Kalimantan and Sumatra. There are more than 30 types of durian plants, but only 9 types of durian are fruitful and can be eaten. In addition, there is a durian tree from a similar plant but has fruit that cannot be eaten. Of the 9 types of durian, there is only one type of durian whose fruit is often commercialized in general in various parts of the world. This is a durian tree with the scientific name Durio zibethinus.
Durian fruit has a hard, thick and thorny fruit skin all over the fruit body. So when opening it feels difficult because it is quite difficult to hold it, which is why they usually open the durian fruit using a machete. The color of the durian fruit is light brown or slightly greenish brown. The size of the durian varies, some are small and some are large. However, in general, durian fruit weight is in the range of 1 to 3 kg per fruit. It’s delicious, soft, and very tempting, as well as sweet and makes the appetite swell. Durian fruit also contains many nutrients that are important for health as long as it is consumed in moderation.
Durian Nutrition Facts
The flesh of durian that has a sweet taste and rich in flavor is actually loaded with nutritional values that are needed by the human body. Among the nutrients obtained from consuming durian fruit are vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, niacin, folic acid, vitamin B complex, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin B6.
Durian fruit is also rich in minerals, among which are commonly known to contain zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and contain potassium. In addition, durian fruit is also rich in fiber and fat and contains cholesterol.
Here we see how much nutrition is in a cup of durian flesh as determined by the USDA. So in 1 cup (243 grams) contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 357
- Carbs: 66 grams
- Fat: 13 grams
- Fiber: 9 grams
- Manganese: 39%
- Vitamin C: 80%
- Protein: 4 grams
- Thiamine: 61%
- Potassium: 30%
- Vitamin B6: 38%
- Calcium 20%
- Niacin: 13%
- Riboflavin: 29%
- Iron 14%
- Magnesium: 18%
- Copper: 25%
- Folate: 22%
This super nutritional content makes durian fruit an exotic fruit and is called the “king” of fruit among other fruits. Not only is it rich in nutrients but also has a delicious taste and is loved by many appetites.
However, durian fruit is sometimes also a taboo fruit, its very strong smell sometimes makes some people feel disturbed. So, in some places it is forbidden to bring durian. If you want to enjoy it, just eat durian fruit at home with your family or in a place that is not prohibited. Well, maybe you are wondering, why is durian fruit banned? Is it because of the sweet smell, or for what?
Why is durian fruit banned?
A question that crosses many people’s minds, the characteristic of durian is that it emits a smell, some people think this is a bad smell and is very disturbing because the smell is very strong. But this smell for some people is not like rotten, but appetizing and difficult to find and this is also disturbing to the public. Actually, this smell comes out of durian because of its sulfur content.
Ok, it’s clear that this fruit is banned in some places because the smell is considered disturbing because it is synonymous with a bad smell. The strong smell of durian fruit makes this fruit banned at airports and in hatel-hotels.
The Durian Fruit Benefits for Health
Before we look at the side effects of eating durian, let’s first see what the benefits are. This is a fruit that smells and is popular as an exotic fruit, where it tastes delicious and contains a lot of nutrients. Based on its nutrition, there are several health benefits of durian fruit, including the following:
1. Improve digestion
Durian fruit is rich in fiber so it helps waste disposal, this causes consuming durian to prevent us from constipation. Fiber-rich foods are very important for digestive health because it will clean waste in the digestive tract by increasing the density of feces so that they are easy to expel.
While the thiamine content in durian also provides its own benefits, where it is good for maintaining appetite and increasing well-being for those who are elderly. Fiber that enters the intestine will be a peristaltic activator, which means it helps the performance of the intestine. It is also great for treating excess gas, bloating, and heartburn. If you have problems with digestion, consume durian fruit in medium quantities because this is good for restoring your digestion.
2. Maintain blood sugar stability
Durian fruit contains manganese which one of the functions of manganese is to maintain blood sugar stability. But you should not consume too much because durian is also rich in sugar content. Durian can also improve insulin response in diabetic patients, so by consuming this fruit diabetics can reduce the production of sugar in the blood.
In addition, durian fruit also contains antioxidants which are quite important for body health. Antioxidants are useful in overcoming oxidative stress thereby lowering the risk for the severity of diabetes. Durian is also an exotic fruit with a low glycemic index, so it does not immediately cause a spike in blood sugar for those who consume it.
3. Increase body metabolism and immunity
The immune system is the body’s defense system from various forms of disease, so its role is very important in keeping our bodies healthy. The body’s immunity is like a fortress that prevents the entry of viruses, bacteria and fungi in the body so that the body remains healthy and free from disease.
Also see: Incredible Benefits of Himalayan Salt
Well, durian fruit contains vitamin C which is very high so it is good in increasing immunity. However, consuming durian should not be excessive because there are side effects of eating too much durian which can give bad symptoms to the body.
4. Lowers the risk of cancer
One of the benefits of eating durian for health is that it can reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidant content, namely polyphenols in durian, is useful for preventing the formation of cancer cells, even these antioxidants can also kill cancer cells that are not yet at a severe stage.
In addition, cancer is also formed from free radicals that enter the body through various ways, either through food, drink, air and others. Antioxidants have a role in fighting the bad effects of free radicals so that they can prevent the formation of cancer cells.
5. Strengthens bones and joints
Consuming durian fruit is also beneficial for increasing bone and joint strength. This fruit contains minerals that support bone health such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. In addition to strengthening bones, it can also increase joint flexibility.
If we consume durian regularly in moderation, it is very good for maintaining overall body health.
6. Prevent cardiovascular disease
If you often consume this Durio zibethinus fruit, you will avoid with the risk of heart disease. In durian, there is a substance called organosulfur whose role is to regulate inflammatory enzymes so that it does not cause inflammation which adversely affects the heart. We also can say that durian is a fruit that suitable to included in the list of heart healthy diet.
Fruits rich in soluble fiber such as durian can reduce the risk of excessive bad cholesterol or excess LDL (low-density lipoprotein). This is very good because LDL is the cause of heart disease, high blood pressure and even stroke. By reducing LDL, we will avoid the risk of these dangerous diseases.
7. Lowering high blood pressure
Durian is also a food that contains potassium, which is a mineral that plays a role in maintaining stable blood pressure. Potassium is mentioned as a substance that functions as a balance or vasodilator between fluid and salt in the cells. Well, this mineral content serves to reduce blood vessel stress and the risk of heart disease and even stroke.
8. Gain weight
For those of you who want to gain weight, one of the foods you should consume is Durio zibethinus or durian. but if you are on a diet to lose weight as in a low-carb diet, then foods such as durian that contain carbohydrates you should limit.
Durian is a carbohydrate-rich food that is good for those of you who want to gain weight. The calorie content also has an effect on your gradual weight gain.
9. Benefits of durian for anemia
Durian contains iron and folate, both of which are associated with anemia. So, someone who lacks iron and folate is at risk for anemia. By consuming this tropical fruit, we can keep our bodies healthy and avoid diseases or bad symptoms of anemia.
In addition, the durian fruit also contains various other minerals related to the production of blood cells.
10. Treats Insomnia
Insomnia is a health problem related to not being able to sleep. Someone who can’t rest at night or can’t fall asleep is called insomnia.
Durian fruit contains tryptophan which is beneficial for inducing feelings of relaxation and happiness. Consuming foods rich in tryptophan can also release melatonin in the bloodstream. Melatonin is a hormone that makes a person feel tired and sleepy. When this hormone is released in the bloodstream and up to the brain, then a person feels tired and the brain orders the body to rest. So by consuming durian we can treat insomnia.
Durian also contains vitamin B complex, calcium, iron and others that support the quality of your sleep at night.
11. The benefits of durian as an anti-depressant
Durian fruit contains vitamin B6 which is useful for relieving depression. The way it works is by producing serotonin in the body’s system. While serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is produced by nerve cells, it is found mostly in platelets and the digestive system. Its function is sufficient and among them is to reduce depression, anxiety and improve mood.
Durian Uses For Skin And Hair
Durian fruit is not only beneficial for health as we already know, but this very smelly tropical fruit is also beneficial for your beauty. Among them are the benefits of durian for skin and hair beauty. Below we see one by one.
1. Increase collagen production
Collagen is an essential amino acid that is useful for giving the skin shape and structure, so by eating durian we can repair the skin so it looks more beautiful and beautiful.
Also see: 12 Foods That Are Very High in Omega-3 (Awesome)
The benefits of durian for the skin are also because the durian fruit contains various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and antioxidants such as: polyphenols, phytonutrients, and flavonoids. It is beneficial in protecting skin cells from the threat or damage caused by free radicals.
2. Treat skin pigmentation
Diligent consumption of durian fruit is also associated with improving pigmentation or skin color. The content of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, phytonutrients, flavonoids, polyphenols, all of which will detoxify skin cells and give light to the skin by clearing dark spots and brown color. In addition, it also reduces signs of aging such as wrinkles and premature aging lines.
3. Benefits of durian fruit for hair
Durian fruit can also promote maximum hair growth. This antioxidant rich fruit makes it possible to increase blood flow throughout the hair roots so that each hair will be properly nourished and this will prevent hair fall and support new hair growth well.
The content of antioxidants and other nutrients such as vitamin B complex, zinc, iron is quite good in providing benefits for the treatment of dandruff, hair loss, split ends, and ensuring your hair grows healthy and long shiny.
Also see: 4 Healthy 5 Perfect Food
Side Effects of Eating Durian
Well, after a long time we learned about the benefits of durian fruit and its nutritional content, now when we see what are the side effects of eating durian.
Actually, durian fruit has great health benefits, it’s just that it must be consumed in medium quantities. If you consume too much durian, then there will be some side effects that may occur. What are the side effects, let’s see below.
- A person who experiences hypersensitivity conditions, if consuming durian is at risk for allergies.
- In some cases, durian fruit is difficult for some people to digest, resulting in intestinal problems, such as stomach cramps and stomach pain.
- Consuming durian along with alcohol can cause vomiting, nausea, or even death. So, for those of you who want to eat durian, avoid alcohol before and after.
- The next side effect of durian is for people with digestive and kidney problems, they should avoid durian fruit because it can cause accumulation of toxins in the body and cause diarrhea.
- For young pregnant women should also avoid eating too much durian because this fruit can have a hot effect on the fetus. In some cases, it can lead to miscarriage. In addition, durian fruit also affects the fetal brain. For those of you who want to eat durian during pregnancy, consult your doctor.
How To Cut Durian Fruit
Durian fruit is a hard thorny fruit and can cause thorns to prick your hand if you are not proficient in holding it. So, to open the durian fruit, you must have its own technique. So, how to open a durian, please see the following tips.
- Use gloves to protect hands from thorns
- First, slice with a sharp knife and hard on the top (stemmed part)
- Now, turn the durian from the top to the bottom, plug the hard tip of the knife into the durian skin, making sure to put the durian on the floor or a clean object.
- Cut the durian from the tip, and help with your hands to split it or pull the skin.
- Open the durian fruit carefully, with extra effort (to be safer, you can wrap some of the durian fruit with a thick cloth)
- Once open, now take the large pods and are ready to eat one by one.
You can also enjoy durian with various food recipes using durian flesh. Check out the recipe below!
See too: The Best Onion Substitute for Cooking
Some Durian Fruit Recipes
We usually enjoy durian fruit directly. However, in addition to enjoying directly, durian fruit can also be made a variety of foods that are appetizing. Here are some durian recipes for you.
1. Durian Ice Cream
The taste of durian is like pudding and soft, so this is suitable for making ice cream and making it is also quite easy.
You only need to beat the durian for 1 hour, and all you need is egg yolks, whole milk, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla paste and durian flesh, beat for 1 hour and ready to served as ice cream (but don’t forget to froze it first)
2. Durian Pudding
Durian pudding is a delicacy that only takes 20 minutes to prepare. This is an easy way to increase your appetite. To make durian pudding you need durian ice cream (as in number 1). So, we have explained how to make durian ice cream in number one.
If you already have durian ice cream, now you make it into pudding. The pudding was smooth, creamy, creamy and refreshing.
3. Durian Chiffon Cake
This chiffon cake is soft and not too thick with sponge and not hard like a regular cake. Chiffon cake between sponge and traditional cake. The texture is soft, chewy, and soft.
The filling is made of cream cheese, durian, whipped cream, and sugar. It really tempts your taste buds and appetite.
