Infamously known for its ‘heaty’ properties, pungent scent, and dangerous exterior, it might surprise you that the King of Fruits is also richly packed with nutritions like potassium, dietary fibre, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B – great for our bodies when taken in the right amounts. Realising these highly nutritious benefits should give durian lovers all the more reason to rejoice and delight in this fruit’s creamy flesh – and for all those who have their doubts, perhaps it is time for some reconsideration… Here are 7 surprising benefits of eating durian in Singapore!
Durian, like chocolate, can make you happy
Tryptophan is an amino acid present in durian that gets broken down in the body to become serotonin, a ‘feel-good’ hormone that causes you to feel happy and relaxed. The effects of eating the fruit are similar to eating chocolate, which stimulates the production serotonin and gives you feelings of happiness. Next time you’re feeling low, get yourself a perk-me-up with a few durian seeds!
Durian can help you to sleep better
The same amino acid, tryptophan, present in durian also increases your body’s melatonin levels and helps you get a good night’s sleep. As melatonin is a hormone that regulates our sleep cycles, the higher the levels of melatonin in the body, the better sleep you have. Enjoying some durian before you go to bed may help you rest better at night!
Durian is rich in healthy fats
Fats in durian? It’s true, the fruit is full of healthy, monosaturated fats that function to lower your body’s bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. The smooth taste of its fatty flesh is also what inspired Singapore’s rather peculiar durian steamboat – adding a chunk into the boiling soup brings out the broth’s rich flavour!
Read: 10 unique ways to eat durian in Singapore
Durian stimulates good bowel movement
High in fibre, eating durians can aid digestion and help stools in the body to be passed more easily. Durians also contain the vitamins B1 and B3 that stimulate appetite and promote the absorption of nutrients. Yoghurt, apples, papaya and whole grain are some other foods that keep your body’s digestive system healthy and in check!
Durians can regulate blood pressure
Did you know that the older you get, the more likely you are to get hypertension, which is high blood pressure? Our bodies regulate blood pressure by keeping a salt and fluid balance, and durian contains lots of potassium that help our bodies to do that! In addition, having healthy blood pressure reduces stress on the blood vessels and heart and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Durian can give you that energy boost you need
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, which is why durian, high in carbohydrates, can give you the energy boost that you need. One type of good carbohydrate are high-fibre carbohydrates, and durians do contain lots of fibre. About two seeds of durian are equivalent to a single banana in terms of energy. Plus, the high potassium content in durian can reduce our body’s fatigue. Instead of drinking a cup of coffee when you’re tired, maybe try having a seed of lip-smacking, creamy mao shan wang instead!
Durian supports your immune system
We know that oranges have lots of vitamin C, but surprise, surprise, durians do too! Durians are naturally rich in vitamin C that support your immune system to protect your body against illness and disease. Vitamin C also acts as antioxidants in the body, protecting cells from damage and keeping your skin bright and rejuvenated.
Durian never fails to surprise us with its taste, scent, and now health benefits. Of course, while the King of Fruits may hold its throne in terms of highly nutritious content, it is still a fruit that is ‘heaty’ according to traditional Chinese medicine, especially when taken in large amounts. Like anything else, it is only beneficial to consume durian in moderation – eating two or three seeds in a day is a good amount to keep healthy and reap its benefits!
So, whenever you are looking for a healthy and delicious snack, make an order online and have Singapore’s favourite fruit delivered directly to you! Our mao shan wang durians come freshly plucked and dehusked so that you can pop them right out of the box and enjoy them easily.
