Is indulging in durian beneficial for health?

Answer:

Fruits contribute vitamins, fiber, sugars, and vital nutrients necessary for our body. However, not every fruit benefits our health, and their consumption should be moderated to a suitable amount daily.

Consuming 200 mg of durian pulp delivers 300 calories, encompassing 50g of sugar, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 8g of fiber. This fruit also supplies B-group vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and additional nutrients.

Durians for sale. Illustration photo by Unsplash

As such, durian stands out as a fruit that markedly influences blood glucose levels. Given its sugar content, excessive consumption of durian may precipitate a rapid surge in both blood sugar and insulin levels.

A rise in insulin triggers an increase in androgen production, which in turn stimulates the body to secrete more oils, thereby leading to inflammation. These conditions create a conducive environment for acne development.

Consequently, it is recommended to enjoy durian only two or three times a week, limiting intake to one or two pieces of pulp per serving. This helps in avoiding an overload of energy, maintaining stable blood glucose levels, and thus preventing acne flare-ups.

Dr. Dinh Tran Ngoc Mai

Department of Nutrition - Regulation, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital