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Durian fruit is often called the king of fruits in the southeast region. Many people consume durian fruit for infertility problems since it has various medical benefits. Durian is a large fruit covered with a thorny husk and has a characteristic foul-smelling odor. It is consumed worldwide not just because the taste is appealing but also because it is a good source of nutrition and offers health benefits.
Keep reading to learn more about how durian can help with reproduction, its other health benefits, and when you should eat durian to get pregnant.
How Durian Can Help Women In Conceiving ?
1. Contains Estrogen:
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According to Dr. K. Francis, the head of the Botany Department at Bharathiar University in India, the fruit contains estrogen hormones. These hormones are produced naturally in the human body, but may not be available at sufficient levels in some women, thereby causing infertility. Due to the high amount of estrogen in it, Durian can help conceive naturally.
2. Aphrodisiac:
Durian is a potent aphrodisiac, and if consumed regularly, it can enhance your sexual drive and functions (1). The fruit can also reduce infertility in men by increasing sperm motility.
3. Helps In Maintaining Weight:
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Durian also reduces the risks associated with unhealthy weight during pregnancy. The high amount of fiber and a complete composition of minerals and water can keep your weight under control. Yes, it does contain fat, but these are healthy fats, which can benefit you greatly, but only when you consume in moderation.
4. Treats Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
Infertility due to PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is increasing alarmingly. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PCOS affects about 6 to 12% of women of reproductive age in the US.
Infertility due to PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is increasing at an alarming rate. Insulin resistance, one of the prime factors responsible for PCOS, can also induce metabolic syndrome. The anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-hyperglycemic nature of durian fruit makes it an ideal remedy that can fight against several components of the comorbid metabolic syndrome effectively (1).
5. Reverses Anemia:
It is a well-documented fact that anemia can thwart the possibility of conceiving by reducing the production of red blood cells. Durian contains high amounts of folic acid, an essential component in the production of red blood cells (2). Besides, it also contains copper and iron, two other critical components of red blood cells (3). Once the production of red blood cells returns to normal, the symptoms of anemia disappear.
TriviaOther Benefits Of Durian Fruit For Infertility Issues
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1. Energizes The Body:
Durian contains simple sugars like sucrose, fructose and other simple fats that replenish and revitalize the body instantly. So a serving of this fruit will keep you active throughout the day (3).
2. Improves Bone Health:
Durian is an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese, all of which play a crucial role in developing and maintaining bone strength and durability (4). These minerals also prevent the development of osteoporosis. The high levels of potassium in durian increase the efficiency of nutrient uptake by the cells, benefiting bone health.
3. Treats Insomnia:
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Durian has tryptophan, an organic chemical closely related to falling asleep (5). When you add tryptophan to your diet, it enters the brain and is later converted to serotonin, which induces a feeling of happiness and relaxation. The excess serotonin releases melatonin in the body, causing the tired body to eventually pass out (6). So if you suffer from insomnia, take a few pieces of durian before sleep and see the result for yourself!
When To Eat Durian Fruit To Get Pregnant?
There is no specific day or time to enjoy durian fruits. But as they say, too much of anything is bad. Limit your durian fruit intake to two or three fruits a week, or else it could have adverse effects. Consumption of durian along with alcohol can trigger side effects like explosive flatulence and gastro spasms.
Quick tipThe durian fruit contains a substance called durianin, a type of protease enzyme. Proteases help break down proteins into smaller pieces. When these proteins reach the uterus, they trigger the release of hormones like progesterone and estrogen. These hormones then cause the womb’s lining to thicken, making room for the fertilized egg.
Durian is a tropical fruit that is often considered an alternative or traditional medicine for treating infertility in some cultures. Many experts suggest durian fruit for infertility treatment due to its estrogen content, aphrodisiac nature, ability to treat PCOS, reverse anemia, and weight management. This fruit also contains a variety of nutrients, such as simple sugars, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and copper, all of which are necessary for the revitalization of the body’s energy, the development and maintenance of bone strength, and the treatment of insomnia. However, limit your fruit consumption to two or three fruits each week to avoid side effects such as explosive flatulence and stomach cramps during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What fruit is associated with fertility?
All fruits are rich in nutrients and fiber. So, it is ideal to include a variety of them in your diet to get a complete range of nutrients to boost your fertility. However, keep in mind that it is best to consume unpeeled, pesticide-free fruits (whenever possible) to get maximum benefits (8).
2. When can we eat durian fruit during pregnancy?
No reported evidence suggests that durian cannot be consumed during pregnancy. However, it is important to be mindful of its portions because it contains a lot of calories, which may lead to weight gain (3).
3. What is the disadvantage of eating durian?
Durian may increase the risk of hyperkalemia, a life-threatening issue, in people with kidney disorders. This is because the impaired kidneys do not allow people to excrete potassium properly, thus, accumulating it in the body (9).
Infographic: Things To Know About Durian Fruit
The durian fruit is known for its unique smell and taste and is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it can help boost your immune system and improve overall well-being. Learn more about the exotic fruit’s health facts if you consider incorporating it into your diet by skimming through our infographic. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Durian increase the chances of natural conception and enhance sexual drive and functions.
- Durian helps maintain healthy weight during pregnancy.
- Durian treats polycystic ovarian syndrome, insulin resistance, and anemia, while providing energy and improving bone health.
- The amino acid tryptophan in Durian aids with insomnia.
- Moderation is key when consuming Durian; limit intake to two or three fruits per week.
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Check out this video to know about a few fertility boosting fruits and ways in which they can be beneficial for you.
References
- Nurul Arneida Husin et al.; (2018); A review on the nutritional medicinal molecular and genome attributes of Durian (Durio zibethinus L.) the King of fruits in Malaysia.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137565/ - Lisa Striegel et al.; (2018); Durian Fruits Discovered as Superior Folate Sources.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2018.00114/full - Durian raw or frozen.
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168192/nutrients - Nur Atirah A Aziz and Abbe Maleyki Mhd Jalil; (2019); Bioactive Compounds Nutritional Value and Potential Health Benefits of Indigenous Durian (Durio Zibethinus Murr.): A Review.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6463093/ - Lalida Sangpong et al.; (2021); Assessing Dynamic Changes of Taste-Related Primary Metabolism During Ripening of Durian Pulp Using Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2021.687799/full - Tryptophan.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002332.htm - Yuan-fei Zhuan et al.; (2021); Chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of durian shells in ASEAN countries: A review.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002332.htm - What Is the Optimal Fertility Diet?
https://fertility.womenandinfants.org/blog/fertility-diet - Alvin Oliver Payus et al.; (2021); An uncommon side effect from the ‘king of fruit’: A case report on life-threatening hyperkalaemia after eating durian fruit.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8649430/
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