Durian, also known as the ‘King of Fruits’ is very popular in Southeast Asian countries. This fruit is famous for its strong smell - some may like it, and some despise it. If you’re curious to know what are the benefits of durian and if there are any side effects of eating too much durian, read on to find out more!

What is durian and where is it available?

Durian is a fruit that has a spiky, hard exterior. The seeds are exceptionally large with flesh somewhat like a custard texture while giving off a strong odor. This particular fruit is usually grown in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

In Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, you can find durian in the major supermarkets or independent shops that mainly focus on selling durians such as Durian Hill, SS2 Durian House Stall, DurianMan, Durian Bear, and Tip Top Durian.

Which seasons are durians available in?

The main season for the harvest of durian would be from June to August. The minor season would be from December to February.

Health benefits of durians

If durian is your favorite fruit, you will be glad to know there are numerous benefits of durian! Below are some of the main durian health benefits you should know about so you won’t feel guilty eating them:

1. Lowers the blood sugar level

Durian is rich in antioxidants such as manganese which is known to maintain blood sugar levels. Hence, consuming durian will not cause blood sugar spikes.

2. Regulates blood pressure

Durian is high in potassium, which is crucial to regulating blood pressure levels, thus reducing the risk of stroke, heart diseases, and kidney failure.

3. Supports bone health

The nutritional value of durian is quite balanced as it’s packed with nutrients such as copper, iron, and potassium. Iron in particular helps to maintain bone health while preventing the risk of osteoporosis.

4. Aids in digestion

Since durian contains natural sugars which will be fermented once exposed to gut bacteria, it will help to promote healthy digestion. The amount of fiber found in the durian will regulate the movement of stools.

5. Prevent skin from aging

Durian also contains high amounts of Vitamin C which reduces the overall appearance of stubborn wrinkles and pigmentation.

Side effects of eating too many durians

Of course, much like any other food in the world, there will be side effects of eating too much durian. Below are some of the common durian side effects:

• Digestive issues: Since durian contains a large amount of fiber, it may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to durian. When consumed too much, they might experience hives, vomiting, or a runny nose.
• Sore throat: Durian is known to be heaty. When you eat too much, your throat will become dry and hoarse.
• Weight gain. You might gain a few kgs when eating durians regularly due to the fact that it's rich in calories.

One kg of durian contains an average of 1350 calories, which is equivalent to a normal adult’s total calories for the day. An average of two durians (243g) will be around 350 calories. Essentially, you will be eating around one and a half bowls of rice at one time.

A small seed of durian weighing 40g contains 56 calories, and a large seed of durian weighing 80g contains 113 calories. Hence, it’s recommended to eat about 2 to 3 durian seeds a day (around 168 to 339 calories) to keep your calorie intake under control.

Things to note during the durian seasons

1. You should not eat too much.

Yes, it might be tempting to indulge in durian all at one go. However, you should pace yourself

2. Be sure to drink lots of water.

Usually, the durian season occurs on hot and sunny days. Since durian is already a heaty fruit, while eating, you should drink water in between.

3. Expect to spend a hefty amount.

Musang King can go up to RM100 per kg! Be sure to prepare enough cash as it won’t be cheap.

4. Pick the right type of durian.

The ones that are pretty popular would be Musang King and Black Thorn durian.

And that’s everything you need to know about the King of Fruits! If you’re currently on your journey of living a healthy lifestyle, check out YoloFoods Meal Plans so that you can get a plan tailored to your specific goals!