Some people find durian a put-off because of its smell. But many of those who have actually tried this thorny Asian fruit often cannot put it down.

Tasting like rich delicious custard, durians are actually rather nutritious.

The fruit is rich in minerals like potassium, copper, manganese and iron (needed for blood production). It also contains high levels of vitamins B, C and E. The fruit is also a good source of essential amino acid, tryptophan, which is crucial in the production of serotonin (a neurotransmitter crucial for emotional calmness and stability).

Rich in healthy fats and dietary fiber, durians are also thought to lower unhealthy cholesterol.

The richness of the fruit can make it a satisfying food for raw-foodish, or anyone who needs an energy boost.

But beware, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine consider durians to be rather “heaty”. As such, if you are suffering from a sore throat or other symptoms where you experience excessive heat in the body, it is best to limit your intake of durians.

References
[1] Collins, Elise Marie. An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper’s Companion. San Francisco, California: Conari Press, 2009. Print.
[2] http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/durian-fruit.html

Cindy L. TJOL is trained in Psychology, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has several years of experience writing on natural health on the internet. Follow her on her blog and read her other articles at Insights On Health.com.