1. Like chocolate, durian can make you happy

Durian contains the amino acid tryptophan. When broken down, it gets converted to serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for making us feel happy and relaxed. So, the next time you notice those happy vibes while enjoying a seed or two, you now know why.

2. Durian may help regulate blood pressure

Nearly 1 in 4 Singapore residents between the ages of 30 and 69 suffer from hypertension. This puts them at risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. The good news? Durian can play a part in regulating blood pressure because it is a dietary source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps to maintain blood pressure levels. Having said that, it’s important to also keep those durian seeds in moderation!

3. Durian may help you sleep better

The higher your levels of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep cycles, the better you sleep. Durian contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is required to increase the levels of melatonin. So eating a seed of durian near bedtime may help you sleep better.

4. Durian may help combat skin pigmentation and wrinkles

Durian contains more vitamin C than many tropical fruits. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that help to fight free radicals in your body, which can help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and wrinkles. So, including the fruit in your diet could supplement your beauty regime, although like all good things, its best consumed in moderation.

5. Durian contains nutrients that may help support bone health

Durian is rich in the minerals iron, copper and potassium, all of which are essential for maintaining strong bones. This minerals can aid in the prevention of osteoporosis.

6. Durian boosts energy

Durian gives you an energy boost. Next time you need an energy boost, consider a durian seed instead of reaching for that cup of coffee or energy bar. Being high in carbohydrates, durian could also provide that energy boost when needed. Two seeds may give you as much energy as a medium-sized banana. The high potassium content in durians can also help reduce fatigue and relieve anxiety.