Durian season: beware of overindulging in the “king of fruits”

KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 — Durian season brings a wave of excitement, with many people across the country excited to savour the delicious, creamy flavour of the king of fruits.

Even with prices soaring to RM60 to RM80 per kilogram for varieties such as Black Thorn, Musang King and IOI, durian lovers are undeterred and eagerly seek out the best deals, especially on viral stalls popping up on social media.

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However, many people are unaware that consuming too much durian can be harmful, especially for those suffering from diabetes and hypertension, as well as digestive and kidney problems.

According to Associate Professor Dr Norazmir Md Nor of the Centre for Dietetic Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Puncak Alam Campus, durians can pose several health risks, particularly for those with chronic diseases, leading to digestive problems and higher levels of calories and blood sugar.

“Durians, being high in fiber, can cause bloating or digestive problems if consumed in excess. The fruit is also high in calories, so excessive consumption can lead to weight gain.

“Durians are also high in sugar, which can increase blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes or pre-diabetes. For people with kidney problems, the potassium in durian can affect their blood pressure,” she told Bernama.

As such, Norazmir does not recommend durian for those with diabetes, hypertension, or any digestive or kidney problems.

He said that despite the fruit’s delicious taste, it should be consumed in moderation, limited to two or three pieces at a time, and should be supplemented with a balanced diet.

Meanwhile, Dr Siti Raihanah Shafie from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) said those who want to lose weight should be careful about the amount of durian they eat because it is high in sugar and calories.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that daily sugar consumption should not exceed 10 percent of total energy intake, which is equivalent to about 50 grams of free sugar per day.

“This equates to approximately 10 teaspoons of free sugar per day. When eating durian, it is also recommended to limit consumption of sweet foods and drinks to avoid overwhelming the body’s ability to process sugar,” she said.

Public health specialist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar recommended that durian lovers choose premium durians when purchasing.

“Anyone can eat durian, but it is important not to overeat, especially diabetics, obese people and pregnant women.

“The key is moderation – limit yourself to once or twice a day during the season. Choose a good quality durian – it’s better to have a small portion of a high quality durian,” she said. — Bernama