The world is home to many types of fruit, varying in shape and flavor. Some attract consumers with their beautiful appearance, others with their pleasant fragrance. However, it is rare and unusual for a fruit like durian, known for its unpleasant odor, to still manage to gain popularity worldwide.
A recent report by HSBC Bank revealed that global demand for durian has increased by 400% year-over-year, largely driven by surging demand in China, which imported durians worth $6 billion—representing 91% of global demand.
Extreme Hatred or Love for Durian
Agricultural engineer Ahmad Al-Qassem told Sky News Arabia that durian has an extremely pungent smell, yet it contains many nutrients beneficial to health. He noted that opinions about the fruit are strongly divided—people either love it or hate it, with little middle ground.
According to Al-Qassem, durian is known as the “Queen of Fruits” in Southeast Asia. It grows on tall trees in the tropical forests of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Thailand. It has a large round shape with a tough, spiky shell and contains a yellow pulp inside with a sharp, intense flavor.
Banned in Public, but Praised for Its Health Benefits
Nutritionist Tala Al-Khatib told Sky News Arabia that despite the striking difference in taste preferences—and the fact that some countries ban durian in public transportation and airplanes due to its odor—there is no debate about its impressive health benefits.
Durian is rich in vitamin C, B, and A, and minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc. It also contains folic acid, phosphorus, and healthy plant oils.
Health Benefits of Durian:
🔸 Aids Digestion & Fights Cholesterol
Durian is high in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. This helps prevent issues like constipation, intestinal cramps, and bloating, and reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. Fiber also helps reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) by flushing it out before it causes harm to the heart and blood vessels.
🔸 Protects the Heart
It’s a good source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, reducing stress on blood vessels and arteries. This lowers the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
🔸 Fights Aging
Durian is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body against molecules that damage healthy cells, helping to slow aging, prevent wrinkles, dark spots, and even hair loss.
🔸 Strengthens Bones
It’s an important source of magnesium, potassium, and copper, all of which contribute to bone strength.
🔸 Treats Anemia
Thanks to its high folic acid content, which plays a key role in the production of red blood cells, durian helps in the treatment of anemia.
Source: Sky news Arabic