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The Myth Unveiled: Durian and Alcohol – A Lethal Liaison?

The unusual combination of beer, soda, and durian in terms of flavor already sounds questionable, doesn't it? While the taste may be questionable, there have also been claims that consuming durian alongside beer or soda can lead to fatal consequences. But is there any truth to these statements?

Administrator

11 July, 2024

Durian, often referred to as the “king of fruits,” boasts a rich, buttery flavor and a soft, sweet taste that has earned it a devoted following. But is it safe to pair this unique fruit with alcoholic or carbonated drinks? Let’s explore this intriguing question.

1 Is It Deadly to Mix Durian with Alcohol and Carbonated Beverages?

An intriguing news report by China Press on August 14, 2019, sheds some light on this topic. The article details the mysterious death of a 48-year-old man, found unclothed on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya, Thailand. Notably, a box of durian and an empty glass bottle were found at the scene, sparking curiosity about the potential link between the fruit and the tragic incident.

According to the victim’s friend, Mr. Lampeng, the man had been indulging in durian and alcohol the night before while waiting for a bus. Despite Mr. Lampeng’s advice against this combination, the victim continued eating. The next morning, Mr. Lampeng was met with the unfortunate news upon his arrival at the bus station.

While there are no confirmed cases, there was a reported incident in the Philippines involving a person who allegedly died after consuming durian and drinking carbonated beverages.

A 2009 study by Tsukuba University in Japan adds an interesting dimension to this discussion. Researchers found that mixing durian with alcohol can trigger various symptoms, including facial flushing, increased heart rate, and nausea. Furthermore, scientists John Maninang and Hiroshi Gemma from the same university discovered that a sulfur compound in durian, diethyl disulfide, inhibits the body’s ability to metabolize and break down alcohol. Their findings revealed that durian extract reduced the activity of the enzyme responsible for detoxifying aldehyde by over 70%.

For further insight: 8 foods to steer clear of when enjoying durian

2 Expert Opinions on the Matter

According to Dr. Tr?n Ng?c Luu Phuong from Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, while there is no definitive research proving that consuming durian with beer or alcohol can lead to death, it is generally not recommended to mix these foods. Both durian and alcoholic drinks are high in sugar and fat, which can result in fatigue, dizziness, and elevated blood sugar levels.

Associate Professor and Doctor Nguy?n Duy Thành, an expert in food safety, echoes this sentiment. He advises against combining durian and alcoholic beverages, especially for individuals with specific health conditions. Doing so can increase the risk of bleeding and stroke, among other negative health consequences.

Additionally, Dr. Thành mentions that mixing durian with carbonated drinks can lead to bloating, abdominal discomfort, and nausea. He also recommends that certain individuals avoid consuming durian altogether:

1. Obese Individuals or Those on a Weight Loss Program: Durian is high in sugar, fat, and calories (approximately 375 calories/243g), which can contribute to weight gain and fat accumulation.

2. Pregnant Women: High-sugar foods like durian can cause bloating, abdominal discomfort, and indigestion in pregnant women, potentially affecting the fetus’s health.

3. Individuals with Skin Conditions, Laryngitis, or a Weak Constitution: Durian may aggravate existing conditions such as insomnia, infrequent urination, dark-colored urine, constipation, general weakness, and skin problems.

4. Patients with Heart and Kidney Diseases: Durian contains significant amounts of potassium, which can worsen these conditions.

While there is no conclusive research proving that mixing durian with alcohol and carbonated drinks can be fatal, it is still inadvisable due to the potential health risks involved.

For additional insights: ? Practical tips to keep in mind

To safeguard your health, it is essential to seek information and consult experts and doctors before experimenting with different food combinations.

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Frequently asked questions

There have been reports of potential dangers associated with mixing durian, a fruit known as the ‘king of fruits’, with alcohol and carbonated beverages. While there is no conclusive research, a combination of durian and alcohol has been linked to symptoms such as facial flushing, increased heart rate, and nausea. A study by Japanese researchers found that a sulfur compound in durian inhibits the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol, leading to potential health risks.

Mixing durian with alcohol can trigger various symptoms, including facial flushing, a faster heart rate, and nausea. Additionally, both durian and alcoholic drinks are high in sugar and fat, which can result in fatigue, dizziness, and elevated blood sugar levels. For certain individuals, such as those with specific health conditions, mixing durian and alcohol may increase the risk of bleeding and stroke.

Obese individuals or those on a weight loss program, pregnant women, people with skin conditions, laryngitis, or a weak constitution, and patients with heart and kidney diseases are advised to refrain from mixing durian with alcoholic or carbonated drinks. Durian is high in sugar, fat, and calories, which can negatively impact these groups.

An intriguing news report by China Press in 2019 detailed the mysterious death of a man in Thailand, where a box of durian and an empty glass bottle were found at the scene. While there are no confirmed cases, there was a reported incident in the Philippines involving alleged consumption of durian with carbonated drinks and alcohol, resulting in death.

Experts in the field of medicine and food safety advise against mixing durian with alcoholic beverages. While there is no definitive research proving it can lead to death, the combination is generally not recommended due to the potential health risks involved. Consulting experts and doctors before experimenting with different food combinations is essential to safeguard your health.