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.
But feasting on this highly nutritious fruit will certainly not
benefit your waistline. A durian can have anywhere from 885
calories to 1,500 calories depending on its size.
"Durians may be a very good source of nutrients, but they are
also high in calories and carbohydrates and thus must be consumed
with moderation," says Magdalin Cheong, chief dietitian.
Facts about durians
1. Durians can cause weight
gain
With an average 1 kg sized durian having close to 1,350
calories, eating one durian can rack up as much as 68 per cent per
cent of the daily 2,000 calories recommended for an average adult!
One seed durian (about 40 g) has 54 calories.
2. Durians are rich in nutrients
Durians are naturally rich in potassium, dietary fibre, iron,
vitamin C, and vitamin B complex. The king of fruits is thus
excellent for improving muscle strength and blood pressure, bowel
movements and skin health. It also supports the nervous and immune
systems, and enhances red blood cell formation.
3. People with diabetes must limit
their durian intake
If you have diabetes and must count your carbs, you cannot feast
on durians because of the fruit's high sugar content. Durians
contain simple sugars — sucrose, fructose and glucose.
4. Durians are instant
energisers
Because of their high carbohydrate content, durians can help
replenish low energy levels quickly (in healthy individuals). The
fruit's high potassium content can also help reduce fatigue and
relieve mental stress and anxiety.
Myths about durians
1. Durians are loaded with
cholesterol
Not true. Durians have zero cholesterol and no saturated fats.
Cholesterol is found in foods containing saturated fats such as red
meats, seafood and dairy products. Durians have heart-healthy
monounsaturated fats which help to lower your levels of bad LDL
cholesterol.
2. Mangosteens must be eaten with
durians to reduce heatiness
According to conventional Chinese wisdom, a mangosteen, being a
cooling fruit, will reduce the heatiness associated with durians.
However, there is no scientific research to support this. The habit
of eating durians and mangosteens together probably stems from the
fact that the two fruits are harvested at about the same time.
3. Eating durians and drinking beer at
the same time may kill you
There is no scientific evidence to show that this is a lethal
combination. It is more likely to cause bloating, indigestion and
discomfort as your liver has to work extra hard to metabolise both
fats and sugars in the durians and the alcohol, especially if you
have consumed both in excessive amounts.
4. Eating durians can boost your
libibo
The heatiness in the durian may cause your body temperature to
rise, but this does not make the fruit an aphrodisiac.
Despite the myths associated with the durian, it remains a
highly prized fruit.
"The durian is a highly nutritious fruit which, when eaten in
moderation, will provide the body with many minerals, vitamins and
good fats. Eating two to three seeds of durian at one sitting is
sufficient, but because durians can become so addictive, people
tend to eat more than they should," says Ms Cheong.
