Who Should Avoid Eating Durian?

Durian perfectly illustrates the saying, "Each to his own taste, like carrots and cabbages." Some people are delighted by its aroma, while others absolutely adore its taste. Regardless of your personal preference for durian, it's essential to understand its properties and who should avoid it. Here are nine groups of individuals who should refrain from consuming durian:

1. People with a Hot Constitution

Durian is a hot and drying food. Excessive consumption can aggravate internal heat, leading to symptoms of damp-heat toxicity. Therefore, those with a hot constitution, sore throat, cough, cold, yin deficiency, or sensitive airways should avoid durian as it may worsen their conditions.

2. Those Who Have Consumed Alcohol

Durian contains sulfur compounds that can reduce the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase by over 70%. This enzyme is crucial for metabolizing alcohol into harmless acetic acid. Without sufficient aldehyde dehydrogenase, alcohol cannot be efficiently processed and expelled from the body. Consequently, consuming durian after drinking alcohol can increase the risk of intoxication and make one more susceptible to getting drunk.

3. Patients with Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Durian may contribute to blood vessel obstruction, potentially leading to severe complications such as aneurysmal rupture and stroke. Hence, it's advisable for these patients to avoid durian.

4. Obese Individuals

Overweight individuals should limit their durian intake due to its high calorie and sugar content.

5. Diabetics and Those with Cold Symptoms

Durian is high in calories and sugar, with 500 grams containing approximately 500 kilocalories. As such, it's unsuitable for individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or cold symptoms, and even more so when combined with alcohol.

6. Patients with Kidney or Heart Diseases

Durian is rich in potassium, making it inappropriate for those with kidney or heart conditions.

7. Individuals with Skin or Throat Diseases

People suffering from skin diseases, throat inflammation, asthma, or bronchitis should refrain from eating durian, as it may exacerbate their conditions.

8. Cancer Patients

Durian, with its natural hormones, proteins, fats, and zinc, is nutrient-dense but also heat-generating and prone to weight gain. Thus, it's not recommended for those with gynecological tumors, prostate issues, glandular diseases, or inflammatory conditions.

9. Pregnant Women with Constipation or Hemorrhoids

Pregnant women experiencing constipation or hemorrhoids should avoid durian.

In summary, these nine categories of individuals should steer clear of durian. If you know someone who enjoys durian, kindly remind them of these precautions to prevent any adverse effects.