Durian

Durian; Durio zibethinus   
(The King of Fruits)

Durian tree is normally growing up to 27 meter. The fruit is oblong with a length of 20-35 cm, diameter of 18-22 cm & weighs about 1-9 kg. Its rind  is thick with sharply pointed spines. Inside the fruit, there are normally 5 or less compartments containing the creamy white/yellowish edible pulp. Each durian usually contains 1-7  glossy seeds, about 2-6 cm long. Durian has a distinctive & strong odour. The grafted durian trees produce crop in 4-5 years while seedlings need about 10 years.

Health & Medical  Benefits:

1.        Source for vitamin B, C &  E.

2.        The fruit is a rich source for  B-complex groups of vitamins such as niacin (vitamin B3), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and thiamine (vitamin B1).

3.        Its leaves & roots can be used for healing fevers & jaundice.

4.        Durian fruit can lower a cholesterol level.

5.        Durian can alleviate anxiety, depression, & insomnia (due to its amino acid, tryptophan), and it also can create  feelings of  happiness by increasing  serotonin level in the brain.

6.        Durian is a good  laxative as it is rich with a dietary fibres.

7.        Durian is a very excellent source of manganese, copper, iron, magnesium & potassium.

8.        Tryptophan in durian can also act as "nature sleeping pill" (it will be metabolized into serotonin & melatonin in the body).