Durian is a fruit with skin that is thick, rough, and covered with sharp thorns. It is most notorius for its bad odor but delicious taste. Because of it s bad odor, people often times feel disgusted to even taste it. But in case you didn’t know, people in Southeast Asia think it’s an aphrodisiac.
The name durian comes from the Malay word duri (thorn) together with the suffix -an (for building a noun in Malay). It has earned the reputation of King of Fruits in Southeast Asia because of its nutritional content.
Health Benefits
Apart from the unique characteristics that define their aroma, flavour, and texture, the durian has a diverse and rich nutrient profile, providing various health benefits.
Durian is a high fibre food, which may help you overcome constipation. The dietary fibre in durian, both soluble and insoluble, is known to promote a healthy digestive tractand reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Durians are exceptionally high in the essential amino acid, tryptophan, which the body uses to produce melatonin, serotonin and niacin (or vitamin B3). Melatonin is a sleep hormone that induces sleep while serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate sleep and mood, and contributes to the feelings of happiness and well being.
Durians are rich in antioxidant vitamin C – a 100g serving of durian contains approximately 20mg of vitamin. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, promotes wound healing and protects the body against harmful free radicals.
Rare in other fruits, the durian contains the B-complex group of vitamins – niacin, folate, vitamin B5 as well as in higher concentrations, vitamin B6, thiamine and riboflavin. Vitamin B6 supports the immune system and aids the body in breaking down protein, and like tryptophan, helps the body make the neurotransmitter serotonin (to fight depression) and melatonin (to relieve insomnia). Thiamine helps cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Riboflavin in durians may help to treat migraines.
A 100g serving of durian provides 436mg of potassium, an important nutrient for bone health; it prevents excessive calcium loss through urination. Potassium also helps to regulate blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
Iron and phosphorus contained in the durian are 10 times higher than that contained in the banana. Iron is beneficial for people with anemia; phosphorus for dental health while manganese helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
Contrary to popular belief, you will not have a big spike in your cholesterol level after eating a durian. In fact, this king of fruits has good monounsaturated fats that can actually lower your harmful cholesterol levels and moderate your high blood pressure.
Durian as Aphrodisiac
The Javanese believe the durian is an aphrodisiac, hence the old saying: durian jatuh, sarong naik, or literally “when the durians fall, the sarong goes up.”
This aphrodisiac claim was supported by scientists from India, who found that male mice fed durian over a 14-day period, demonstrated increased libido as well as an increase in both their sperm count and sperm mobility.
Somebody once compared the durian experience with "eating vanilla icecream in a public toilet". Speaking of icecream: durian icecream is actually quite nice and of a less intrusive fragrance. Yes and you can get accustomed to the smell - just as with any other smell. definitely give it a try. it is a worthwile experience, especially for westeners who never had it...
ReplyDelete... after don't forget the mouthfreshner - the bad breath is undisputable.
Remains to say that wild durian trees are REALLY high and if you have ever seen a fruit falling you know it was good it didn't hit you...