Durian is often called the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asian countries, but is native to Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, possibly from the Philippines, but debate continues on this point. It is a large fruit, up to 1 foot long and 6 inches wide, with a hard, spiky exterior and a range of yellow to flesh red. Of the varieties of 30 species, 9 are usually used for cooking or consumption, and only one is on the international market, outside the local plantation areas. This species is called Durio zibethinus.
Its flesh contains a lot of nutrients, such as fat, iron, calcium, carbohydrates, riboflavin and folate. The most notable nutrients found in durian fruits are phosphorus and iron. The amount of these two minerals is 10 times more concentrated than in bananas.

The name “durian” comes from the Malay durum or thorn, the fruit has a thick and thorny skin. Inside are five segments surrounding two or three portions of cream and textured flesh, each wrapped around a single large seed. Durian is very expensive because it is difficult to grow and dangerous to pick.

Durian is the only forbidden fruit in air cabins, hotels and public transport. The reason? Its overwhelming smell, one would dare to say disgusting. A delicacy for many Asians, it is a kind of biological weapon for most Westerners.

The naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, in his Malaysian archipelago (1869), already described the durian as a cream of thick butter flavored with almonds. Eating durians is a new sensation, worth the trip east to experience. Discover the benefits of this little-known fruit in the second part of our article.

1- The flesh of the fruit is supposed to cure jaundice.
2- The durian contains manganese, which can keep your blood sugar level balanced and stable.
3- The flesh of the fruit contains B vitamins, potassium and calcium. When combined, these three nutrients contribute to the health of your bones and joints.

4- When you eat durian, it may be able to help you overcome anemia because the fruit is rich in folate and iron.
5- The fruit is also good for your teeth and mouth because of its phosphorus content.
6- Vitamin C in this fruit can help prevent premature aging, since said vitamin acts as an antioxidant that repels toxins.

7- Vitamin B6 in the fruit can help reduce stress levels and thus reduce the risk of depression.
8- A portion of the fruit can give you almost 20% of the recommended daily value for carbohydrates. If you are not trying to avoid carbohydrates in your diet, it is a very good source.
9- It also contains tryptophan, which is actually called the natural sleep pill. If you have trouble falling asleep, you can turn to durian to induce restful sleep.

10- The durian contains thiamine, providing 30% of the recommended amount. Your body needs thiamine to digest carbohydrates and turn them into energy. Thiamine is also excellent for the health of your nerves and muscles.
These 10 benefits of durian can really help you achieve good health. You should note however that durian is high in cholesterol and sugar. People with diabetes and high blood pressure as well as pregnant women are advised to eat these fruits with great moderation.