Named in some regions as the “king of fruits”,^[rx] the durian is distinctive for its large size, strong odor, and thorn-covered rind. The fruit can grow as large as 30 centimeters (12 inches) long and 15 cm (6 in) in diameter, and it typically weighs 1 to 3 kilograms (2 to 7 pounds). Its shape ranges from oblong to round, the color of its husk green to brown, and its flesh pale yellow to red, depending on the species.

Some people regard the durian as having a pleasantly sweet fragrance, whereas others find the aroma overpowering and unpleasant. The smell evokes reactions from deep appreciation to intense disgust and has been described variously as rotten onions, turpentine, and raw sewage. The persistence of its odor, which may linger for several days, led certain hotels and public transportation services in Southeast Asia to ban the fruit. However, the nineteenth-century British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace described its flesh as “a rich custard highly flavored with almonds”. The flesh can be consumed at various stages of ripeness, and it is used to flavor a wide variety of savory and sweet desserts in Southeast Asian cuisines. The seeds can also be eaten when cooked.

Durian is a fruit of several tree species which belongs to the genus Durio. About 30 has been recognized as Durio species and at least nine produce edible fruit with more than 300 named varieties in Indonesia, 100 in Malaysia, and 100 in Thailand. Durians are known as kings of fruits in some regions. Durians have a large size, strong odor, and rind is covered with thorns. Fruits are globose to ellipsoid measuring 10 – 15 cm in diameter. It has orange-yellow flesh. Seeds are glossy brown, ellipsoid about 4 cm x 2 cm. Leaves are elliptical to oblong and about 10-26 cm × 4-10 cm.

Health Benefits of Durian

1. Combats Bacterial Infection

The outer skin or rind of the fruit has anti-bacterial properties. Study shows that polysaccharide, a carbohydrate in outer skin combats oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. It helps to prevent its growth, disrupts the structure, and prevents dental caries. Polysaccharides prevent the interaction of bacteria with other healthy cells of the body. It helps to maintain proper oral hygiene. Moreover, the rind has anti-bacterial compounds preventing the growth of Klebsiella pneumonia which is harmful when spread to other parts of the body besides the intestines.

2. Anti-inflammatory activity

Inflammation has a crucial role in the initiation and progression of various diseases. The bioactive compounds found in durian fruit have anti-inflammatory properties. Durian pulp contains bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, flavanols, and anthocyanins. It helps to inhibit the synthesis and activity of pro-inflammatory compounds in the body and lowers overall inflammation. It blocks the action of certain enzymes which are involved in the production and also activity of inflammatory compounds.

3. Liver health

Durian fruit has a high content of antioxidants, nutrients, and bioactive compounds. The presence of quercetin inhibits toxic chemical-induced liver damage. It improves liver structure, regeneration of liver cells, and lowers collagen content which causes liver hardening. The decrease in collagen content results in the structure of the liver becoming normal and improves liver function. It has antioxidants that prevent free radical effects. The presence of high oxidative stress depletes glutathione, a major antioxidant in liver cells. The intake of durian fruit restores glutathione levels which detoxify the liver and also strengthen it.

4. Improves lipid profile

Polysaccharide gels found in this exotic fruit are a rich source of soluble fiber which helps to entrap liquids and lowers their release in the bloodstream. Furthermore, the presence of antioxidants prevents the rise of plasma lipid levels and also inhibits the oxidation of LDL molecules. It prevents the chances of clots in arteries and blockage of arteries.

Culinary uses

• Durians are consumed raw or combined with other tropical fruits such as mango, guava, pineapple, and papaya.
• It is also used to make smoothies with a half cup of durian flesh and a half cup of milk.
• Add it to soups, curries to enhance food preparations.

Recommended intake

• For healthy individuals: 80-100 grams
• For diabetes mellitus: Around 2-3 durian seeds.

Precautions

• High intake of durian fruit causes abdominal discomfort.
• People allergic to durian fruit should avoid it.

References