Durian Dos and Don’ts: A Guide to Fruit Combinations

Durian, with its unique aroma and rich, creamy texture, is a beloved fruit for many. But did you know that eating it incorrectly, especially with certain other fruits, can lead to unwanted health effects? While undeniably delicious, durian is a powerhouse of sugar. Combining it with other high-sugar fruits can cause your blood sugar levels to spike rapidly, potentially leading to symptoms like "heatiness" in the body or putting extra strain on your digestive system.

So, if you're indulging in the "King of Fruits," here's a list of other fruits you might want to enjoy separately.

Fruits to Be Mindful Of When Enjoying Durian:
Ripe Mango: A common question is whether durian and mango can be eaten together. Both are quite high in carbohydrates, and ripe mangoes, in particular, are packed with sugar. When combined with durian's already high sugar content, this can lead to an overload. Plus, both are considered "heating" fruits in traditional beliefs, increasing the risk of "heatiness" if consumed together.

Longan: This sweet, juicy fruit is another "warming" fruit, much like durian. Eating longan and durian together can cause a significant jump in blood sugar. This combination might also increase your chances of experiencing "heatiness," a sore throat, or mouth ulcers.

Rambutan: Often in season at the same time as durian, rambutan is another fruit high in sugar and considered "hot." Similar to longan, combining rambutan with durian can lead to an excessive sugar intake and contribute to internal heat.

Jackfruit: Another sweet and energy-dense fruit, jackfruit, when eaten with durian, can make your digestive system work overtime, leading to discomfort. If you're not very active, the excess sugar from this combination could also be stored as fat, contributing to weight gain. It's generally better to enjoy jackfruit separately if you're also planning on eating durian.

Lychee: During the warmer months, you might find durian, longan, and lychee all available. However, it's best to avoid eating durian with lychee. Lychees are quite high in sugar, and pairing them with durian can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, which is particularly important to consider for individuals with diabetes or those managing their weight.

Mangosteen: This one might surprise you, as mangosteen is often recommended as a "cooling" fruit to balance durian's "heatiness." While it's true that mangosteen has a cooling effect, it also contains a significant amount of sugar. From a nutritional standpoint, eating both together can still lead to an excessive sugar intake. It's generally better to enjoy mangosteen and durian separately, or at least in very small quantities if consumed together.

Every fruit offers unique benefits, but it's important to be mindful of how certain combinations might affect your body. To enjoy fruits to their fullest and avoid potential health risks, try to vary your fruit intake daily. Your body will thank you!