Durian Is Often Blamed for Raising Cholesterol, Here’s What an IPB University Professor Has to Say
Durian is often linked to increased cholesterol levels due to its fat content. However, Prof Ali Khomsan, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition (FKGiz) at IPB University, emphasizes that durian is not a direct cause of high cholesterol in healthy individuals.
In an episode of IPB Pedia on the IPB TV YouTube channel, Prof Ali explained that durian is a fruit rich in nutrients. This fruit, known as the king of fruits, contains carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, sugar, and unsaturated fats typically found in plant based foods.
“If you have high cholesterol, you should still be careful when eating durian. But if you’re healthy, durian won’t suddenly trigger high cholesterol,” he said.
According to the expert in community nutrition, high cholesterol generally results from an unbalanced diet over the long term. This condition can make a person more sensitive to various types of food and increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
“If you’re healthy, just enjoy the durian. But if your doctor has told you your cholesterol is high, then you should still be cautious about eating durian and limit your intake,” he added.
Causes of Dizziness After Eating Durian
Prof Ali also explained that some people complain of dizziness or headaches after consuming durian. This condition is not caused by cholesterol, but rather by the content of sugar, potassium, fiber, and fat, which can trigger a sensation of dizziness in some individuals.
Additionally, durian is a hyperthermic fruit, meaning it can create a sensation of heat in the body after consumption.
To reap its benefits without posing health risks, he recommends consuming durian in moderate amounts about 100 grams of fruit flesh per day.
Prof Ali added that durian is also a good source of vitamin C. “We’ve long believed that oranges are the only fruit rich in vitamin C, but in reality, fruits around us like guava, papaya, oranges, and durian are all rich in vitamin C, and consuming them certainly offers many benefits,” he said.
With balanced consumption, durian can be part of a healthy diet without the worry of it causing high cholesterol. (Fj) ( IAAS/LAN)
