Durian For Natural Detoxification

Overview

Not many people are fans of durian, probably due to a combination of its strong odour and unique texture and taste. However, beneath the surface of this spiky and vibrantly-coloured fruit, it has properties which can greatly benefit your health. 

Durian is an exotic tropical fruit indigenous to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia. It is grown from the durian tree and the fruit fall to the ground when ripe. The outer rind is tough and spiky; it splits open to reveal compartments of creamy light yellow to orange flesh which are usually eaten fresh with one’s hands by sucking off the pulp from the seeds.¹

Detoxification is a physiological process in which the body filters through toxic substances either produced internally via metabolic processes or externally such as alcohol and drugs. It is carried out by the kidneys, the liver, and the lower gastrointestinal tract; detoxification runs effectively when these organs are intact.² When detoxification is impaired, it can significantly impact health via a buildup of toxins and produce a variety of symptoms including headaches, muscle and joint pains, fatigue, and allergy-like symptoms. It can also contribute to inflammatory and neurological diseases.³

Nutrition is important to this system as it appropriately equips your body to continually undergo this process and maintain a healthy balance. While alternative “detox diets” have little clinical evidence to back their benefit, it has shown that a focus on natural foods such as fruits and vegetables has steered people away from potentially harmful foods such as highly processed products containing solid fats and added sugar.⁴ Nutritional components of these natural foods help the process of detoxification by supplying essential compounds used by these processes.⁵

In this way, durian as a part of the fruit family aids natural detoxification carried out by the body. Learn more about the detoxification properties of durian and why it would be beneficial as part of your diet in this article.

Nutritional composition of durian 

Macronutrients and micronutrients

Durian offers a high energy content of about 84-185kcal per 100g depending on the variety.⁶ It contains a multitude of compounds. Durians are rich in macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins.⁷ They also contain numerous micronutrients such as potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin E, and various types of vitamin B (including B1, B2, B3, and B6). It is considered a potassium-rich food on par with bananas with an average content of about 400mg of potassium per 100g of fresh-weight fruit.⁶ Durian also contains a large amount of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and has antioxidant properties.⁸

Dietary fibres, phytochemicals, and volatile organic compounds

Durians contain a large amount of dietary fibres, both soluble and insoluble, averaging about 2.60g of total dietary fibres per 100g.⁶ The fruit also contains various bioactive phytochemicals contributing to its antioxidant properties and volatile compounds which are responsible for its strong smell and taste.⁷

Phytochemicals are defined simply as compounds produced by plants and are shown to contribute to the body’s natural metabolic and detoxifying processes. Examples include polyphenols, beta-carotene, and flavonoids,⁹ all of which are found in durian.⁶

To clarify, volatile compounds are named for the chemical properties of high vapor pressure and low water solubility.¹⁰ While they can be harmful (often in man-made products),¹⁰ natural volatile compounds found in durian such as esters and sulphurs are not harmful to the body.⁶ The only potential adverse effect of these compounds is the strong smell which has contributed to restrictions put in public places like airports and hotels for transporting and consuming durian.⁷

Durian's detoxifying properties

Liver support and detoxification enzymes

The liver is involved in detoxification in two main pathways. The first is focused on breaking down substances into smaller pieces. It is scientifically referred to as the phase I cytochrome P450 system and is named after the family of enzymes (substances which catalyse chemical reactions) which do the bulk of the work.¹¹ These are mainly found in the liver, but can also be found in the kidneys and the gut.⁵ The second pathway aims to conjugate the smaller, broken down pieces into substances which are easier to transport, or are more stable or functional for the body. These also rely on large families of enzymes to carry out the job.¹¹

Food and nutrition can specifically affect the enzymes which work in both phase I and phase II pathways. For example, sulfotransferases are a family of enzymes working in the phase II pathway. They conjugate molecules, which renders them less reactive and less toxic. The enzymes are dependent on a depletable reserve of inorganic sulphate, thus, foods which contain sulphur compounds help these enzymes work.⁵ Durian contains compounds like sulphur-containing compounds, which help the enzymes present in detoxification pathways to function. You can compare the nutritional contents of durian in the section above to the ways they contribute to the liver enzyme systems involved in detoxification in the diagram below.¹¹

Antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging

Antioxidants are compounds which counteract unstable molecules called free radicals found in the body. Free radicals are substances which can damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells by stealing electrons (a subatomic substance) from them and thereby damaging their stable structures. Antioxidants give up their own electrons to help neutralise free radicals and prevent them from damaging more important molecules and cells.¹²

Cells in the human body naturally produce powerful antioxidants, but foods in your diet can also supply antioxidants. Examples of these include vitamins C and E, and phytochemicals like carotenoids and flavonoids.¹² As explained in the previous section, durian contains a wealth of micronutrients such as vitamins A, C and E as well as minerals like zinc. It also contains phytochemicals like flavonoids⁶ which act as antioxidants in the processes explained above.

Fibre content and digestive cleansing

As mentioned previously, durian is a source of dietary fibres. Consumption of dietary fibres can positively affect gastrointestinal health, which is an important organ contributing to detoxification processes. It contributes by acting as the “gatekeeper”: filtering through substances which enter the body, and allowing nutrients in while simultaneously keeping the harmful substances out. Dietary fibres help produce mucin and the cells which produce it, contributing to the physical barrier of the intestine. It also boosts intestinal immune function by increasing production of biochemical products which play a role in fighting against insults like bacteria and other proinflammatory insults.¹³ Dietary fibres are also generally known to reduce whole gut transit time, meaning faster stool excretion. This can help with digestive cleansing and regulation of bowel movements.¹⁴

Practical considerations

Safe consumption levels

As stated before, clinical evidence does not support detoxification diets but rather a focus on eating foods which contribute to the body’s natural processes.⁴ In the same vein, it is recommended to have a balanced diet which incorporates consuming durian at a safe level. A portion of 2-3 durian seeds (eating the pulp around these) is generally considered a good amount due to the caloric count. Due to its effect on the liver and its volatile compounds, it is also recommended that drinking alcohol is avoided when consuming durian.¹⁵

Potential side effects and allergies

It is important to monitor for any adverse reactions from consuming durian. If you experience any of the following symptoms following consumption, please seek medical help as you might be having a severe allergic reaction:

• Tearing, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Skin rash
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Facial or tongue swelling
• Voice hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing¹⁶

Other side effects from consuming durian include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and changes in bowel movements
• Raised blood sugar⁸
• Raised triglyceride levels 
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Increased body weight¹⁵
• Hyperkalaemia (raised potassium levels)¹⁷

The current scientific evidence available

Although there is a wealth of information regarding the nutritional components of durian, with proven separate articles written about how these individual components contribute to detoxification, and the numerous health benefits of durian, more research and clinical studies need to be conducted to further support the evidence available. 

FAQS

What does durian do to your body?

Durian helps support detoxification processes that your body undergoes to help filter through toxic or harmful substances. It contains nutrients and compounds which contribute to the functions of the liver, kidney, and lower intestine, as well as boosting your immune system. It is important to monitor for common side effects as durian can also affect your body in this way.

Is durian good for the gut?

Durian supports the gut or the gastrointestinal system in its functions like detoxification and filtration of waste products. It provides nutrients and compounds which are crucial to the biochemical physiological processes that allow the intestine to work effectively. 

Why is durian a superfood?

Superfoods are defined as nutrient-rich foods which are considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. Durian is considered a superfood as it contains a large amount of macronutrients like carbohydrates and fats, as well as micronutrients such as various vitamins and minerals. However, no single food, including durian, can offer all the nutrition, health, and energy that the human body requires.¹⁸

Why is durian fruit banned?

Durian fruit is banned in some public places such as hotels and airports due to its strong odour. It is advised to check local policies before carrying and consuming durian as well as to be mindful of any surrounding people.

Is durian a natural laxative?

Durian contains a large amount of dietary fibres. These contribute to bowel motility and filtration of waste products in the body. In this way, durian stimulates bowel movements. It is natural as it is usually not chemically processed or treated before consumption. Conversely, be aware that durian can cause diarrhoea and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. 

Why do I feel sick after eating durian?

Side effects of consuming durian can include gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and changes in bowel movements. It can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. If you suspect that symptoms are related to your consumption of durian, please avoid further consumption and seek medical advice. 

Summary

Overall, durian can be a valuable addition to your well-balanced diet. It contains a wealth of nutrients and compounds which assist the body’s detoxification processes occurring in the liver and the gut. Please continue to monitor for any side effects while safely consuming durian and be aware of the strong smell it gives off when consuming in public places.