Can Durian and alcohol really kill you? Let's debunk the myth

July 9, is celebrated as International Durian Day, every year. Known as the 'King of Fruits' Durian is known for its pungent smell that many compare to skunk spray or rotting garbage. The fruit has a creamy texture and unique flavour and is significant in Southeast Asia with the Durian Day celebrating its peak season.

What are the health benefits of Durian?
Durian is a tropical fruit cultivated in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Characterised by its large size, heavy weight, thorny husk and pungent smell, it's loved by some and hated by others.

However, Durian has a variety of health benefits. It is an energy-dense fruit high in sugar, fat and bioactive polyphenols. It acts as an antioxidant and antiproliferative that decreases blood glucose levels due to high polyphenol and flavonoid content.

The fruit is also packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, fibre and potassium, making it nutritious. Ripe durians were also found to have liver and heart protective effects.

While the fruit is healthy for consumption, many believe the myth that Durian and alcohol can lead to some fatal consequences. Is it true?

Can Durian and alcohol really kill you?


According to New Scientist, scientists at Japan's University of Tsukuba discovered that durian makes it difficult for the human body to break down alcohol. For the study, they added fresh durian extract with aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-an enzyme that functions as the liver's main weapon against toxic byproducts in a test tube.

Due to its high sulfur content, the fruit nearly knocked out the enzyme, inhibiting its effect by 70%. This inhibition can lead to the buildup of acetaldehyde, the toxin responsible for hangover symptoms like nausea, flushing, rapid heartbeat- leading to people feeling like they are dying.

The myth that a person would completely drop dead after consuming the two together is just that- a myth. Eating durian with alcohol slows down its digestion, thus increasing the effects of intoxication. However, there is no scientific proof that it leads to death. However, ensure consuming either of the two in moderation.