Durian : A fruit banned in Public Transport

Durian : A Indonesian fruit banned in Public Transport

 I was in Indonesia few years back. While traveling with my friends in car , we stopped for a while for a cup of tea. Friends were busy in ordering tea and snacks at tea corner, I spotted a fruit vendor next to tea stall , apart from some known fruits he had a fruit looking like step brother of jackfruit , I asked him what it is , it was Durian , bought one and kept in car. My fellow traveler friend spotted and asked who has bought it , I nodded. He said , this fruit is not allowed in any public transport. Before she could answer , I got answer from the fruit itself . It was emitting a very nasty,  foul smell unfortunately very strong aroma. This repulsive smell resembles rotten eggs and it is caused by volatile sulfur compounds regulated by methionine gamma lyases which are present in abundance in the fruit. 

Durian is native to the Indonesian island of Borneo and Sumatra, where more than 30 varieties of the durian plants sprout, but only 9 types contain an edible fruit. Of these, only one durian fruit variant is available commercially its  scientific name is  Durio zibethinus.

But the fruit is a source of fibre and so many chemicals which help to fight so many diseases. The dietary fibre in durian helps in easing bowel movement. This, in turn, helps prevent constipation and improves digestive health. The thiamin in the fruit may improve appetite and general well-being in the elderly. The fibre in durian fruit also stimulates peristaltic motion easing the digestive process in the intestines. It also helps treat issues like bloating, excess flatulence, heartburn. The organosulfur in durians may regulate the inflammatory enzymes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have found that intake of fruits that are rich in soluble dietary fibre may help lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Durian fruit is a heart-friendly food with high fibre content.

The fruit is also manganese rich so it  helps in the maintenance of blood sugar levels. The intake of durian also improves the insulin response in patients with diabetes. The antioxidants in durian also help reduce oxidative stress, which can otherwise aggravate diabetes symptoms. Durian is a wonderful fruit, being a healthy food with a low glycemic index (GI). Hence, the fruit would not lead to blood sugar spikes.

Durian is also a good source of potassium. Research shows that increasing potassium intake can lower blood pressure levels. The potassium in the fruit also works as a vasodilator. It can help maintain the balance between fluid and salt in the body’s cells. The mineral may help reduce stress on the blood vessels and decrease the risk of heart attack or stroke.

I after knowing all these benefits, the days I lived in Indonesia, I enjoyed it everyday.