Can I eat durian if I have high blood cholesterol?

Answer:

High blood cholesterol involves an increase in bad cholesterol (LDL) or triglycerides, which can lead to blocked blood vessels, arteriosclerosis, and fatty liver, among other issues. This condition is often linked to dietary habits, including the consumption of large amounts of animal fats, organ meats, sugary foods, starches, full-fat dairy products, ice cream, sweet drinks, and a lack of physical activity.

Durian, while nutritionally rich and containing no cholesterol, is high in starch and sugar, leading to a substantial carbohydrate content. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, every 100 grams of durian has 27.09 grams of carbohydrates and 5.33 grams of total fat, predominantly monounsaturated fats.

A cut durian. Illustration photo by Pixabay

Eating a large amount of durian in one sitting can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels. Regularly consuming too much durian can contribute to weight gain and obesity, complicating the management of blood cholesterol levels.

Given the uncertainty of the severity of your cholesterol condition, if you like durian, it’s advised to eat it in moderation—a small segment once a month—to maintain your health. It is also beneficial to include a variety of less sweet fruits in your diet to obtain necessary nutrients. Those with other chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before eating durian, as excessive consumption could exacerbate their issues.

To manage your high blood cholesterol, you should regularly consult a doctor and consider necessary treatments along with lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet. You might also explore natural extracts like GDL-5 (Policosanol), derived from South American sugar cane pollen, which helps regulate HMG-CoA reductase enzyme activity and activate cell receptors, thus reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and lowering the risks associated with arterial sclerosis and fatty liver.

Dr. Tran Thi Tra Phuong

Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi