Is durian healthy? What the research says
Durian is energy-dense and contains vitamin C, flavonoids and carotenoids. Reported health benefits come from animal and lab studies, so the researchers themselves call for human trials. Treat it as a rich treat rather than a health food.
A 2019 review in the journal Foods describes durian as energy-dense, with flavonoids, vitamin C and carotenoids, and with its aroma coming from fats, sugars and volatile compounds including sulphur-containing ones. Reductions in blood glucose and cholesterol were seen in animal models. The authors call for human studies.
Wild species differ
A 2024 laboratory study of Sarawak species reported that Durio graveolens has very low sugar and higher fat and fibre than most, and that the yellow, orange and red flesh of D. graveolens and D. kutejensis is high in carotenoids. This measured composition and did not test health outcomes.
This is general information, not medical advice. If you have diabetes or another condition, ask your doctor.
Sources
Updated 2026-11-06.