Health Benefits of Durian
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Nov 04, 2022 • 3 min Read
Referred to as “the king of all fruits” — Durian is known as a fruit that smells like hell but tastes like heaven. It’s an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a natural multivitamin, a multi-mineral supplement, and a rich source of dietary fat and dietary fiber.
Durian is used in sweet and savory dishes. The creamy flesh and seeds are both edible, though the seeds need to be cooked. The flavor is described as combined taste of cheese, almond, garlic, and caramel.
Common food preparations of durian fruit include juice, seeds, boiled or roasted; soup, candy, ice cream, and other desserts; and side dish. It’s also used in traditional medicine due to its medicinal properties.
It is a delicacy in the Philippines made and sold as confections such as jams and candies.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of this exotic fruit, from Organic Facts:
1. Aids in Digestion
Research suggested that eating durian regularly can help improve the digestive process. Durian contains high levels of dietary fiber that is essential to the normal function of the digestive system. Problems like bloating, excess flatulence, heartburn, cramps, and indigestion can be reduced.
2. Heart Health
Study reveals that durian can be included in a heart-friendly diet because of the presence of fiber – it helps reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood by scraping LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) out of the body and quickly removing it as waste before it can damage the cardiovascular system in the form of plaque buildup.
3. Reduces Blood Pressure
A study revealed that durian does not negatively affect blood pressure levels. Durian is a rich source of potassium, which is an integral part of the salt and fluid balance throughout the body’s cells. Potassium levels also dictate blood pressure.
When an adequate amount of potassium is present, the blood vessels can relax, reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system and the chances of developing conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Studies have shown that potassium levels can help boost cognitive function and memory, reducing the risk of developing dementia.
4. Anti-aging Properties
In traditional herbal medicine, durian was often hailed as a tool to battle aging, and one of the main reasons why people called it the “king of fruits”. It turns out that it has antioxidant properties stemming from its vitamin and organic chemical makeup that actively reduce the number of free radicals in the body. Eating an excessive amount of durian can seriously boost your body’s ability to eliminate those free radicals, thereby reducing the chances of premature aging and delaying the appearance of symptoms such as wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration, hair loss, tooth loosening, arthritis, and heart diseases.
5. Improves Bone Health
Durian is a great source of magnesium, potassium, manganese, and copper, all play an integral role in developing and sustaining bone strength and durability. Potassium increases the efficiency of nutrient uptake by the cells, so it maximizes many beneficial minerals the body takes in, while also improving bone health. These essential minerals help to prevent the development of osteoporosis.
Just bear with the odor of durian but enjoy its incredible taste and benefits by adding it to your desserts.
Stay healthy and safe!
