Durian is one of the most popular fruits in Southeast Asia and appears seasonally. The fruit is usually consumed as is (the pulp is taken), but it can also be processed into various forms of preparations, such as durian sticky rice, durian pancakes, ice cream, ice cendol, compote, and even into everyday dishes.

Some people have no problem with the pungent odor of durian, but there are many who hate it. The smell is often described as a combination of several odors, ranging from fruity fragrance, rotten eggs, sulfur, dirt, honey, to roasted onions. For this reason, durians are banned from hotels and public transportation.

Fallen durian will naturally taste better but it must be stored properly to avoid spoilage. Therefore, after being removed from the skin, store durian in the freezer and discard it if there is a bad smell, discoloration, or it has been in the chiller for too long.

Nutritional Content

Launching from the USDA, in 100 grams of durian, it contains 147 calories; 1.47 grams of protein; 5.33 grams of fat; 27.1 grams of carbohydrates; and 3.8 grams of fiber. In addition, durian also contains several vitamins and minerals that are quite high, namely potassium, vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidants. Therefore, it can be concluded that despite its high calorie, fat, and carbohydrate content, durian is also able to contribute to the intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Durian contains fiber, potassium, vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidants which are quite abundant.

Health Benefits

Not only the flesh, all parts of durian can be utilized for health, from the leaves, skin, roots, to the fruit. Again, despite its high calorie and fat content, consuming durian in sufficient quantities may be able to provide good health effects. Some of them are:

• Improves heart health: the high potassium content in durian is one of the potential reasons why this fruit has the ability to lower blood pressure and overall heart health.

• Relieve pain: the high content of vitamin C in durian makes this fruit potentially fight pain during pain

• Improves digestion: the natural sugars in durian that ferment in the gut can act as prebiotics (food for good bacteria in the gut) and the fiber content helps maintain regular bowel movements

• Helps reduce the risk of cancer: durian contains several antioxidants that fight free radicals

The above benefits are derived from research, but the subjects are mostly animals or test tubes. Therefore, no definitive claims can be made to justify these benefits also applying to humans. In addition, not everyone takes durian well. Some stimulate stomach acid, coughing, and even allergies.

Durian offers some health benefits despite its sometimes annoying smell

Despite its pungent smell and high calorie and fat content, durian also contains several good nutrients, ranging from fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and folic acid. All of these nutrients make durian potentially beneficial for health, such as improving heart health, reducing pain, improving digestion, and fighting free radicals. As long as, it is consumed in sufficient quantities.

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