8 ways to eat durian safely without harming your health:

8 ways to eat durian safely without harming your health:

Durian is classified as a fruit that contains various vitamins and minerals, as well as a source of carbohydrates. If you want to enjoy the benefits and nutritional value of durian, you should not eat more than 2 medium-sized pieces per day (about 80 grams), avoid eating it frequently, and reduce 1 portion of rice, flour, and sweets in the meal that you eat durian. But if you love durian a lot and consume about 2-3 segments or 4-6 pieces, your body will receive up to 520 – 780 kilocalories, equivalent to eating 2 main meals. Different varieties of durian provide different energy levels per 100 grams, such as Long-stalk Durian providing 181 kilocalories, Durian Cluster 157 kilocalories, Golden Pillow Durian 156 kilocalories, Durian Chanee 139 kilocalories, and Durian Button providing 129 kilocalories. For mashed durian, it will provide even more energy, that is, 340 kilocalories. In addition, you should exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week, to burn off excess energy.

8 ways to eat durian safely are:

1. Consume in a moderate quantity, not exceeding 1 segment or 2 pieces per day, as it may cause heatiness, sore throat, or weight gain.

2. Consume fresh durian, and choose durian that is not overly ripe, as the riper it is, the sweeter it becomes, and the more starch and sugar it contains.

3. Consume durian in the morning or during the day, and avoid eating it before bed. As you approach sleep, your body will not use much energy. Eating durian, a high-calorie fruit, will further cause fat accumulation in the body as the body doesn’t burn all the energy. So to avoid consuming too much energy in the evening, eat durian in the morning and afternoon instead, so that the body can burn the energy in time. And if you eat durian, reduce the amount of starch and sugar in other meals.

4. Do not consume it with high-energy foods such as glutinous rice with coconut milk, as it will increase the calories even more.

5. Do not consume with alcohol or soda, as durian is a food that is high in fat and carbohydrates. Alcoholic beverages also provide high energy. When eating durian with alcohol, the body receives too much energy, causing blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. This leads to increased waste disposal processes.

6. Drinking plenty of plain water can help cool down after eating durian, or eating durian with mangosteen can reduce the heat.

7. Exercise. Knowing that eating durian can easily lead to weight gain, it is advisable to take time to exercise after eating to help burn off energy, leaving nothing stored as fat. If done in conjunction with limited eating, it can help control weight during the durian season.

8. If you have a chronic disease, eat as little as possible. People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, should be cautious in eating. It is recommended to eat no more than one small seed per day or consult a doctor first.

“For those with chronic diseases, such as kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, caution should be taken with durian consumption more than the general population. They can eat it, but in smaller quantities and not too frequently. Eating too much durian or too often can affect blood sugar and fat levels. Additionally, the sulfuric acid in durian may reduce the enzymes that eliminate toxins from metabolism. If there are health problems or chronic diseases, symptoms such as red face, numbness, dizziness, and vomiting may occur. If not taken to the hospital in time, it could be fatal.”

Information from: Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health.