Doctor Le Thi Huong Giang, Head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Hospital 19-8 (Ministry of Public Security), stated that durian contains many vitamins such as vitamin C, folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin A. Durian is also rich in potassium, beneficial for blood pressure in healthy individuals, along with antioxidants and tryptophan that help the body relax.

However, durian is not a "light snack fruit" but rather a high-energy dessert. While not overly sweet, 100g of durian provides approximately 147 kcal, two to three times higher than many common fruits.

One durian pod (approximately 80-100g) supplies about 20-25g of carbohydrate, nearly equivalent to one small bowl of rice. A whole durian can provide over 1,000-1,500 kcal. If you eat one pod, your body can still manage. But consuming two to three pods, especially after a meal, will lead to an accumulated sugar intake, which can cause a significant rise in blood sugar.

"This makes durian a two-in-one fruit, high in both sugar and fat, resulting in very high energy content," the doctor said. When consumed, sugar enters the bloodstream quickly and in large quantities.

Off-season durian at a garden in Can Tho. Photo: Manh Khuong

According to the doctor, eaten correctly, durian can offer benefits. However, excessive consumption can become a health burden. Four groups of people should be especially cautious with this fruit: those with diabetes, overweight or obese individuals, people with fatty liver or high blood fat, and those with kidney disease (due to durian's high potassium content).

Healthy individuals should only eat one to two durian pods per sitting (100-150g), a maximum of two to three times per week. Avoid eating this fruit on an empty stomach, late at night, or consuming it with alcohol or other sugary foods.

Thuy An