Durian is a Southeast Asian fruit that contains a fleshy pulp and emits a pungent smell.
Despite its foul smell, many Asians still consider Durian as the “king of fruits” because of its heavenly taste. People who were brave enough to taste this fruit have become addicted to it. Many people love the durian not just for its great taste but also because it carries plenty of health benefits.
Here are some of the health benefits of durian:
1. It is rich in vitamins and iron that help to nourish and energize the body.
Durian is a good natural source of vitamins B, C and E.
Vitamin B helps to give energy and good mood. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to combat free radicals that can harm your skin and immune system. Vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps to keep you youthful, energetic and vibrant.
Durian also contains iron which plays a role in preventing anemia and maintaining the healthy color of your skin.
2. It helps to treat jaundice.
People in Southeast Asia use the roots and leaves of the durian tree to treat fever and jaundice.
3. It helps to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
The durian fruit contains organosulphur compounds which help to reduce the production of cholesterol in the liver. Regular consumption of this fruit can actually help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
4. It helps to remove toxins in the blood.
The durian fruit is a potent blood cleanser which helps to remove accumulated toxins in the blood. This action helps to protect your body from many diseases.
5. It helps to relieve stress and improve mood.
Being rich in the amino acid trytophan, the durian can help to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. Its relaxing effect can also help to treat insomnia. Aside from these, it also stimulates the production of serotonin which plays a big role in improving your mood and sense of well-being.
7. It helps to improve sex drive and function.
The durian is believed to be a power aphrodisiac, and people in Asia eat it to enhance their libido and sexual performance.
8. It helps to fight inflammation.
The durian fruit contains properties that help to inhibit the action of inflammatory enzymes in the body. This in turn helps to protect you from inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases.
9. It helps to protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals.
The organosulphur compounds of the durian fruit stimulate the production of glutathione in the body tissues. This substance is an antioxidant that plays an important role in reducing oxidation in the body.
These are some of the health benefits of durian. It is a highly nutritious fruit, but pregnant women and people with high blood pressure are advised not to consume it in excessive amounts because it has a tendency to cause shortness of breath.