Why You Should Add Durian Fruit To Your Diet

Have you ever been strolling down the fruit and vegetable aisle and come across a yellow spiky looking fruit? It may not look like something you want to sink your teeth into right away, but that shouldn't stop you from putting it in your cart. According to Healthline, this fruit (that almost resembles a weapon) is called a durian. It originates in Southeast Asia, where it is often referred to as the "King of Fruits." Here's why you should consider adding this king to your cart.

Even if you are brave enough to give this nutritious fruit a try, the smell might lead you to believe that you have picked one that has gone bad. This is likely not the case. Food writer Richard Sterling shares what the durian fruit scent smells like with Smithsonian Mag, saying, "Its odor is best described as ... turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock. It can be smelled from yards away." In fact, the smell has led certain countries — most notably, Singapore — to ban durians in public spaces (via The Culture Trip).

While onions and gym socks are arguably not the most attractive scent profile, its fleshy insides have huge health benefits. 

Once you have gotten past the smell and the shell, then you can enjoy all the durian fruit has to offer. Healthline claims that this fruit is extremely dense with nutrients and is one of the healthiest fruits you can eat worldwide (explaining the "King of Fruits" nickname). One cup of the fleshy fruit found inside the hard shell contains 13 grams of fat, 66 grams of carbs, 9 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of protein. It is also packed with various vitamins and healthy plant compounds.

Not only is it healthy, the durian fruit can be used in a variety of ways. The Spruce Eats shares that durian fruit is often eaten fresh (sans the hard shell), as well as used for making candies, sauces, curries, baked goods, drinks, and desserts.

So don't judge a durian fruit to hard by its intimidating shell (or smell). This king of fruits is a friend to your good health, and should be given a chance to at least be put in your cart.