Dear Dr. Fritz,
Good day. Please call me David M. Durian is in the season right now. I love durian. But I am afraid that I might have stroke. I have heard a lot that durian is dangerous for hypertensive people. Is this true? What are your thoughts on this?
Thank you and hoping that you will enlighten me on this.
- David M.
Dear David M.,
I have heard a lot about this. Durian is actually good for us because it has high fiber and potassium. But, I will answer you basing on the studies that was done in Malaysia in correlation with hypertension. That study showed that consuming durian meat in about 250 grams does not have any effect on the blood pressure, including the rate of heart rate. But, consuming 500 grams of durian meat have affected the heart rate after thirty minutes to two hours of eating durian. The said study, however, was done in males who are physically fit and aging 20 to 22 years old.
My take here is changes in the physical status of the person in terms of age can probably prevent the level that this person can tolerate in terms of his durian consumption. That is why I believe that more studies are needed on individuals who are much of age, who are physically fit in comparison to those who have borderline hypertension, and those who are already hypertensive to start with – in order to confirm or dispel the rumors about durian. We
will know much better in the future with further studies.
As for now, you can still eat durian. But, take it in moderation, especially if you are not that physically fit. Please take note that anything that is over and beyond is dangerous.
Good luck!
- Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist, surgeon, and clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15-year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.”. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Door 11, Ebro-Pelayo Building 1, Juan Luna St., Barangay 29-C, Davao City, or e-mail them to dokatlaw@gmail.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)