Six-time Mr Asia Datuk Abdul Malek Noor, 54, suffered a heart attack last Wednesday while participating in a charity football match in Ipoh. There was speculation that the durian he consumed before the match could have triggered off the heart attack. The man himself denied that the fruit had anything to do with his clogged arteries. How would he know for sure?
Last July, Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang was hospitalized when he collapsed after consuming a feast of mutton and durian. His medical records revealed he has hypertension.
Three days ago, my mother who is on medication for her heart threw up in bed. She had eaten durian for dessert after dinner. On hindsight we should have not have allowed her to help herself to the fruit. This is a lesson learned. Ignorance is certainly not bliss in this case.
I brought the matter up with my mom's cardiologist at his clinic yesterday morning. He had done an angioplasty on her on 8 March. He was horrified that I had allowed her to take durian. He said although no research has been done on the link between durian and heart attacks, he had seen several patients who had complained of acute cardiac discomfort after consuming durian.
A scary durian episode for all three who, fortunately, are none the worse for the experience. (Top four photos: The Star & The New Straits Times) |
Most of these claims are not backed by scientific studies, so how much to eat, and what should or shouldn't you combine durian with, is a matter of individual choice. The bottom line is this: are you prepared to take risks with your health?
My personal experience with eating durian is I get a bloated feeling if I eat more than 10 seeds. I suppose one has to know one's limits.
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