It’s that time of year again where durian stalls are popping up everywhere, and your cravings are probably kicking in.
But while many of us can’t resist the king of fruits, health experts are warning certain groups to go easy on it.
According to Public Health Medicine Specialist Dr. Safiya Amaran, older adults, heavy smokers, and those with chronic illnesses should be extra careful when indulging in durian.
Here’s why and what you should keep in mind the next time you’re about to go all in.
1. Durian is packed with sugar and calories
Let’s start with the basics: durian may be natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s light.
Just 155 grams of durian flesh (around 2–3 segments) contains between 130 to 253 kilocalories, roughly equal to a full bowl of rice. And because it’s also loaded with natural sugars, it can cause your blood sugar levels to rise quickly.
So if you’re thinking of replacing your meal with durian, you’re not doing your body any favours especially if you already have existing health conditions.
2. If you’re over 50 or have health issues, watch your intake
So how does age come into play?
As you get older, your body processes food differently. According to Dr. Safiya, people over 50 or those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart conditions are more likely to experience negative side effects from overindulging.
Even though durian has a low glycemic index due to its fiber content, overconsumption can still dangerously raise blood sugar levels,” she explained.
This means moderation isn’t just a suggestion it could be the difference between a treat and a health scare.
3. A local celebrity ate 7 durians in a day and suffered a stroke
Need a real-life example? Here’s one that recently went viral.
Singer Dino, 50, from local group Nico G, shared that he suffered a stroke after eating seven whole durians in a single day. He also admitted to being a heavy smoker, another risk factor that added fuel to the fire.
While we can’t say for sure that the durian alone caused his stroke, it was likely a tipping point. And for many others in similar health conditions, the story serves as a cautionary tale.
4. That trick of drinking from the durian shell? It works (sort of)
By now, you might be wondering: what about all those traditional hacks to “cool down” after eating durian?
Turns out, there’s some science behind it.
A 2023 study by researchers at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) found that eating durian raises body temperature through a process called thermogenesis.
But they also discovered that drinking 500ml of plain water after eating helps bring your body temperature back down regardless of whether it’s sipped from a regular cup or the durian shell.
So yes, drinking water helps. The durian shell? That part’s more cultural than clinical.
5. So how much durian is too much?
After all this, you’re probably asking: what’s a safe amount to eat?
Dr. Safiya’s advice is clear:
- 1–2 segments: Generally safe for most people
- Half a fruit or more: Getting risky if you have health issues
- A whole durian or multiple: Please don’t, it’s not worth the health scare
And don’t forget to drink water. It helps with digestion, body temperature, and makes you feel fuller which might help you stop at just two segments.
