Durian fruit has a bad smell but great benefits

Sandra Abi Hanna

Durian, often hailed as the king of fruits in South Asian regions, thrives abundantly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines.

The durian fruit, known for its noxious odor, is expressly prohibited from being brought aboard planes. Nevertheless, it is worth exploring the merits of this unusual Asian fruit. Can its advantages outweigh its overpowering. Although often criticized for its strong and unpleasant odor, durian fruit possesses numerous incredible and fantastic advantages. Let's delve into the details of this fruit.

Where does it grow and what is the origin of durian fruit?

Durian, often hailed as the king of fruits in South Asian regions, thrives abundantly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines.

This imposing fruit is known for its impressive dimensions, with some specimens reaching lengths of up to 304 centimeters and widths of 15 centimeters.

Its outer shell bears pointed protrusions and showcases a range of colors, from yellow to red.

The source of the ongoing controversy surrounding durian lies in its distinct odor, which can be extremely off-putting to some individuals while others find it rather pleasant. This peculiar reaction is believed to be influenced by genetic factors, causing one to either passionately adore or vehemently despise this fruit. 

Durian fruit global demand

According to a recent HSBC report, there has been a substantial 400 percent increase in global demand for durian fruit compared to the previous year. This surge in demand has been primarily driven by the fervent interest from China, which accounted for a staggering $6 billion worth of durian fruit imports, constituting a significant 91 percent of the global demand.

Benefits of durian fruit

1- Enhanced Digestion

Durian fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which plays a vital role in promoting healthy digestion. The fiber content in durian aids in facilitating bowel movements and the efficient elimination of waste from the body. By preventing constipation, bloating, and gas, durian can alleviate discomfort commonly associated with poor digestion, such as intestinal cramps and heartburn.  

2- Promoting circulatory system health 

The fibers found in durian aid in the reduction of LDL cholesterol levels, effectively eliminating them from the bloodstream and minimizing the risk of circulatory system dysfunction. Additionally, durian's high potassium content plays a vital role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. The presence of adequate potassium in the body leads to relaxation of blood vessels, reduced tension, and lowered risks of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. 

3- Treating anemia 

Durian is a fruit rich in many essential minerals and vitamins, especially folic acid, which helps increase the production of blood cells in the body. Durian is also a good source of copper and iron, which the body requires to produce blood properly and regularly. When consumed regularly, durian fruit is excellent for recovering from anemia.     

4- Enhancing Bone Health

The durian fruit is a notably exceptional source of essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, manganese, and copper. These minerals play a vital role in fortifying bones and enhancing their durability, making durian an indispensable fruit for promoting bone strength and resilience.

Potassium, in particular, is recognized for its ability to facilitate the absorption of other crucial nutrients required by the body. This, in turn, fosters bone health, bolsters their strength, and minimizes the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.     

5- Treating erectile dysfunction 

It has also been reported that durian improves sexual appetite and increases the secretion of certain substances that contribute to this. The nutrients in durian are also helpful in increasing the fertility of men and women, as well as improving the quality of sperm in men in particular. 

6- Cancer Fighter 

Durian, with its abundance of minerals and vitamins, serves as a valuable source of antioxidants. These essential compounds play a crucial role in boosting metabolic function and warding off free radicals that can promote the development of cancer cells. The antioxidants found in durian also strengthen the immune system, with notable contributors including vitamin C, B vitamins, and vitamin E.