Comparative Effects of Durian and Banana Consumption on Thermic Effect of Food and Metabolic Responses in Healthy Adults.

Abstract

Objective: In traditional Chinese philosophy, durian is classified as a "yang" food with heaty properties, believed to raise body temperature and blood pressure (BP) after consumption. In contrast, bananas are considered as "yin," possessing cooling effect. However, scientific evidence supporting these concepts is limited. This study aims to compare the metabolic effects in response to durian and banana ingestion.

Methods: This randomized cross-over clinical study recruited 16 young, healthy Chinese participants (8 males and 8 females). All participants ingested isocaloric portion (367.5 kcal) of durian and banana with a wash-out period of at least 5 days. 3-h thermic effect of food (TEF) and substrate oxidation were assessed by indirect calorimetry. Postprandial vital signs and metabolic responses were measured over a period of 3 h.

Results: Durian induced a higher and longer-lasting TEF than banana in most participants. Additionally, durian significantly lowered BP and increased triglyceride (TG) levels during 3 h after consumption, whereas bananas had no significant effects on these measures. Despite containing much fewer carbohydrates, durian prompted a comparable postprandial rise in blood glucose concentrations to that of banana.

Conclusion: While durian offers nutritional benefits and a BP-lowering effect, moderation is recommended due to its high sugar and fat content, which can elevate blood glucose and lipid levels, and its "heatiness" may cause digestive discomforts and a sore throat according to anecdotal experiences.