The Health Benefits of Durian Fruit

Known as the king of fruit, durian fruit grows is native to Southeast Asia. It “is distinctive for its large size, strong odour, and formidable thorn-covered husk” (Wikipedia). It can grow up to a foot long and weigh up to seven pounds. The husk of this fruit can either be green or brown, with the inside flesh a pale yellow or red color. The flesh of the fruit has a taste that is to custard that has been flavored with almonds. “The flesh can be consumed at various stages of ripeness, and it is used to flavour a wide variety of savoury and sweet edibles in Southeast Asian cuisines. The seeds can also be eaten when cooked” (Wikipedia). This fruit has been used for thousands of years in many Asian countries to treat a wide variety of health ailments and illnesses. With the enormous amount of nutritional value in durian fruit, you will want to partake in this sweet fruit if you can get past its smell.

The Health Benefits of Durian Fruit

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Durian fruit contains antioxidant properties which we need to protect our bodies against free radicals or damaged cells. These damaged cells will attack the good ones and damage them as well. This fruit plays a key role of destroying the bad cells before they cause any further damage.

Durian fruit is loaded with Vitamin B. Thiamin, or Vitamin B1, helps “helps the body’s cells change carbohydrates into energy” (medlineplus). This helps speed up metabolism and the rate in which we lose weight. Riboflavin-Vitamin B2-helps boost your immune system and increase the energy in your body as well as “maintaining healthy hair, skin, mucous membranes, and nails; slowing aging; boosting athletic performance; promoting healthy reproductive function” (WebMD). Niacin-Vtamin B3- also plays a role in turning our food into energy. In addition to this, it helps raise the level of good cholesterol (High Density Lipoprotein or HDL).

Durian fruit boosts the immune system because it contains Vitamin C. If you have a cold or the flu, eating this fruit can help fight the symptoms. You can even prevent yourself from getting sick in the first place by including durian fruit in your daily diet.

Durian fruit contains Vitamin E. Applying the juice of the fruit to our skin is an excellent way to keep is smooth and moist.

Durian fruit is high in iron. Not only does this fruit increase the number of red blood cells and make them stronger, it improves the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the entire circulation system. If you suffer from anemia, eating durian fruit will help build up your red blood cell count. This fruit is a natural source of energy and eating it will help you if you have a hectic schedule and are feeling fatigued. This fruit gives you the edge to get through the day. With its reputation of increasing energy naturally, it is healthier to eat durian fruit than to guzzle a Monster.

Durian fruit is a natural blood thinner. When you have high levels of bad cholesterol in your bloodstream, your arteries get clogged up with fatty buildup. This causes high blood pressure, because your heart has to work faster to move the blood through the arteries. This in turn can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Eating durian fruit can reduce the amount of bad cholesterol. Therefore it also can reduce the chances of getting a heart attack or stroke.

If you suffer from insomnia, or just do not get between six and eight hours a sleep a night, eat some durian fruit just before you go to bed. The calming properties of this will help your body relax and ease you into slumberland. The calming and relaxing properties are also effective if you suffer from stress, anxiety and depression.

Durian fruit is a natural pain reliever because it contains anti-inflammatory properties which help the blood vessels in your head from becoming inflamed, which is one of the main causes of migraines. If you suffer from migraines and include durian fruit in your daily regimen, you can prevent migraine from occurring. Since it is a natural pain reliever, eating some durian fruit can help relieve the pain. In addition to headache and migraine pain, durian fruit is effective with reducing pain from these conditions:


Arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis
Back Aches
Joint Pain
Painful menstruation


Durian fruit contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties.  If you are suffering from a yeast infection, inserting some of this fruit in the infected area will help clear up the infection a lot quicker than many over-the-counter medications.

Durian fruit contains anti-fungal properties. You can use the pulp of this fruit to treat conditions such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.

Durian fruit is beneficial when you have dry, chapped and rough skin. It plays a key role in making your skin look and feel smoother. It also contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties which prevents cuts and bruises from getting infected. You can even treat stomach ulcers when you eat it.

If you are trying to lose weight, another reason to include durian fruit in your daily diet is because it is low in calories and is an excellent source of protein. If you work out at a gym, you want to have protein in your diet. The protein is needed to build muscle mass and to maintain it. When you have larger muscles, the body burns more calories. Even if you are not into body building, if you want to lose weight, including body toning exercises with your diet will help you burn off that body fat faster.

While durian fruit is a very popular treat in Asian countries, it may be hard to find in your local grocery store if you live in other countries. However, some grocery stores may have an international aisle or even Asian grocery stores and may carry this fruit when it is in season. Your local Chinese and Japanese restaurants may carry this fruit as well. If you are unable to find this fruit locally but want to enjoy all the health benefits that it has to offer, you can order this fruit online on sites such as Amazon and EBay and have it shipped to your home.





  1. Profile photo of Donna

    This fruit is not attractive looking but the health benefits and such is wonderful enough for me, I doubt that I can find it here but who knows

  2. Profile photo of Lois Ryan
    Lois Ryan Post author

    It does smell horrible. When I went to college there was an exchange student from Japan on my floor and she had that. I was wondering what reeked when when I stepped out of my room and she offered me a piece. It tastes delicious, just can’t describe the taste. Just had to hold my breath when I took a bite. I too am not sure of areas near me that sell it
