What is the durian?
The durian is the fruit of Durio zibethinus, a species belonging to the family Malvaceae. Native to the forests of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, it is known for its delicious flavor associated however, with a very intense and annoying smell.
What are the nutritional properties of the durian?
100g durian bring about 147 calories and:
- 1.47 g of protein
- 5.33 g of lipids
- 27,09 g carbohydrates
- 3.8 g of fiber
- 19.7 mg of vitamin C
- 1,074 mg of niacin
- 0.374 mg of thiamin
- 0.316 mg of pyridoxine
- 0.230 mg of pantothenic acid
- 0.200 mg of riboflavin
- 36 micrograms of folate
- 3.5 micrograms of vitamin K
- 44 IU of vitamin A
- 436 mg of potassium
- 39 mg of phosphorus
- 30 mg of magnesium
- 6 mg of calcium
- 2 mg of sodium
- 0.43 mg of iron
- 0.325 mg of manganese
- 0.28 mg of zinc
- 0.207 mg of copper
The durian is a source of alpha-carotene (6 micrograms in 100 g) and beta-carotene (23 micrograms in 100 g).
When should you NOT eat durian?
Durian can affect the levels of blood sugar and increase pressure. It should be consumed with caution by those who take medications that can affect your blood sugar (especially insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents) or blood pressure. In addition, the durian can interfere with antibiotics, and drugs taken to reduce blood lipids and alcohol.
Seasonality of durian
The season of durian ranges between June and August.
Possible benefits and drawbacks of durian
Durian is rich in fibers that act as a laxative and help to protect the colon from the action of carcinogens. It is also a good source of antioxidants (such as vitamin C, which help the proper functioning of the immune system and fight free radicals) and B vitamins (important to ensure good metabolic functions). Among its minerals, manganese is a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, while copper and iron are required for the production of red blood cells. Potassium helps in protecting cardiovascular health by checking the heart rate and pressure. Finally, durian contains high levels of tryptophan, an essential amino acid used in the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin, involved respectively in the regulation of our mood and in that of sleep.
