Unexpected health benefits of eating durian
Durian can help the body maintain healthy bones, reduce depression and improve sleep, fight cancer, aid digestion, and anti-aging.
According to Dr. Huynh Tan Vu, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3, durian contains vitamins such as vitamin C, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6 and vitamin A. Important minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus are also found in durian. This fruit also contains nutrients such as phytonutrients, water, protein and beneficial fiber.
Most of the health benefits come from durian’s impressive vitamin and mineral content. Some of the notable benefits include:
Reduce anemia and promote healthy pregnancy
Durian contains high amounts of folate or folic acid, which is essential in the production of hemoglobin. Moreover, the presence of folate in durian is important for pregnant women as it helps promote regular tissue growth, protecting the brain and spine of the developing fetus.
Maintain healthy bones
Durian contains several trace metals including calcium and potassium. The amount of calcium in durian is very low, but the amount of potassium still meets about 9% of the body's daily needs.
Reduce depression and improve sleep
Durian contains an amino acid called tryptophan, a natural sleep-inducing compound. Tryptophan is needed to increase serotonin and melatonin levels. Serotonin is essential for reducing stress, insomnia, anxiety, cravings, and depression. These hormones also help control sleep function and can be used in the treatment of epilepsy.
Anti-cancer
Durian is rich in antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress on the body's organs and strengthen the immune system. These include vitamin C, vitamin B complex and vitamin E, as well as phytonutrients that fight cancer cells.
Digestive support
Durian is rich in fiber, which is important for the normal function of the digestive system. Most of the fiber in durian is insoluble fiber, which also reduces the frequency of diarrhea in people with loose stools.
Anti-aging
Durian has many antioxidant properties from vitamins and organic chemical components that help reduce the amount of free radicals in the body. Thereby reducing the risk of premature aging and delaying the appearance of symptoms such as wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration, hair loss, loose teeth, arthritis, cancer and heart disease.
Enhance and encourage fertility
Estrogen is a hormone that helps in conception. Studies have shown that durian contains high levels of estrogen and acts as a herbal medicine. In addition, durian can increase sexual desire and stamina, while reducing the risk of infertility in both sexes, increasing sperm motility.
However, like any other food, eating too much durian will cause side effects. Dr. Vu said that durian is known to be a hot food, so eating too much durian will make your throat dry and hoarse. This fruit contains a large amount of fiber, so it can cause diarrhea, stomachache and bloating when consumed in excess. Although durian does not contain cholesterol or bad fat, it does contain a large amount of calories. Therefore, if eaten regularly, this fruit can cause rapid weight gain.
To ensure health and maintain weight, Dr. Vu recommends eating in moderation, a maximum of 2 segments a day and only 1 to 2 times a week. The sugar content in durian is quite high, and it is a hot food, so it is contraindicated for people with diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Pregnant women should not eat it because it can easily cause bloating and indigestion. Durian is rich in cellulose, the elderly should limit eating it because it will cause intestinal obstruction and constipation./.
