Absurd rumor that drinking alcohol with durian causes death

Consuming alcohol with durian can cause symptoms such as nausea, facial flushing, and rapid heartbeat, however there is no evidence that alcohol and durian can be fatal as rumored.

There is currently no scientific evidence to prove that consuming alcohol with durian can cause death - Photo: AFP

Durian is a tropical fruit grown in many Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia with heavy weight, spiky shell and characteristic aroma.

Durian has many health benefits. This fruit is rich in energy, natural sugar, fat, polyphenols and flavonoids.

High levels of polyphenols and flavonoids act as natural antioxidants, helping to protect cells from free radicals, helping to reduce inflammation, and providing many long-term health benefits.

Not only sweet and fatty, durian also contains a rich amount of fiber, supporting intestinal motility and helping to reduce the risk of constipation. Eating durian properly also contributes to maintaining a healthy intestinal microflora.

In addition, durian is a source of vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium and iron. Vitamin C helps boost immunity, while potassium helps control blood pressure and is good for the heart. Some experts say that ripe durian also has the ability to protect the liver and heart.

However, some people still believe in the rumor that drinking alcohol with durian can be life-threatening.

The Times of India newspaper on July 9 published an article verifying the rumor that drinking alcohol with durian can cause death.

Accordingly, this newspaper cited research from scientists at Tsukuba University (Japan) published in the science magazine New Scientist , saying that durian makes it difficult for the body to metabolize alcohol when using these two foods together.

In this study, scientists added fresh durian extract to a test tube containing the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) - an enzyme that acts as the liver's weapon to break down toxic substances.

Due to its high sulfur content, durian almost neutralizes ALDH by inhibiting up to 70% of the activity of this enzyme.

This inhibition can lead to a buildup of acetaldehyde, a poison that can cause symptoms such as nausea, flushing, and rapid heartbeat, making the drinker feel like he or she is about to die.

This makes many people mistakenly believe that consuming alcohol and durian at the same time can be fatal, however this is just a rumor.

In fact, eating durian with alcohol can slow down the digestion of alcohol, thereby making the symptoms of drunkenness worse.

There is no scientific evidence to date that combining these two foods can cause death. However, scientists recommend that people consume these two foods in moderation.

KHANH QUYNH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vo-ly-tin-don-uong-ruou-voi-sau-rieng-gay-chet-nguoi-20250710132513264.htm