Thursday, December 20, 2012

Wolfberry


D. Gary Young


The Chinese Wolfberry story began 1996 when Professor

Chao visited me at our Riverton office. He was on a special

teaching and information-gathering assignment from the

Natural Science University in Beijing, China. He had heard of

essential oils and was fascinated by their potential.

As we started discussing the medical properties of essential

oils, he told me of another powerful botanical that had been

used for centuries in Inner Mongolia but had only recently

been researched. It was called the Chinese wolfberry (also

known by its Latin name, Lycium barbarum, or colloquial

name, "goji berry".

The people who consumed this

fruit apparently lived free of

common diseases like arthritis,

cancer and diabetes. Moreover,

their life expectancies reached

over 100 years.

Both the wolfberry and ginseng

have been highly regarded for

centuries as the foremost nutritional and therapeutic plants in

China. In fact, the Chinese hold a strong belief that human

life might be extended significantly by using either of these

herbs for an extended period of time.

Unfortunately, ginseng is considered too strong for

continuous use, and large amounts may not be suitable for

people with high blood pressure or heart disease. On the

other hand, the wolfberry is much milder, with no known risk

from continuous use.

In 1988, the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute conducted

detailed chemical analyses and nutritional composition

studies of the dried wolfberry fruit.

What they discovered was stunning.

The Chinese Wolfberry contained over

18 amino acids (that is six times higher in

proportion than bee pollen), 21 trace

minerals, more beta carotene than

carrots, and an astonishing 500 times

more vitamin C by weight than oranges. It

is also packed with vitamin B1, vitamin B6

and vitamin E.

The fruits and pedicels of Chinese

Wolfberry were effective in increasing

white blood cells, protecting the liver and

relieving hypertension. The alcoholic

extract of wolfberry fruits inhibited tumor growth in mice by

58%, and the protein of wolfberry displayed an insulin-like

action that was effective in promoting fat decomposition and

reducing blood sugar.

Another clinical experiment by the Ningxia Institute (Register

No.870306, October 1982 to May 1985) studied the effects of

wolfberry on the immune, physiological and biochemical

indexes of the blood of aged volunteers. The results were

amazing, indicating that the wolfberry caused the blood of

older people to noticeably revert to a younger state.

According to a report of the State Scientific and Technological

Commission of China, the wolfberry contains compounds

known as lycium polysaccharides, which appeared to be

highly effective in promoting immunity. These results were

validated in a number of clinical trials.

In one study on a group of cancer patients, the wolfberry

triggered an increase in both, lymphocyte transformation rate

and white blood cell count (measures of immune function).

In another study involving a group of 50 people with

lower-limit white blood cell counts, the wolfberry increased

phagocytosis and the titre of serum antibodies (another index

of immune function). Unhealthy levels of titre of serum

antibodies have long been associated with Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome (also known as Epstein-Barr). Does this mean that

the Chinese wolfberry could be used as a weapon against

Epstein-Barr? The possibilities are intriguing.

In another study, consumption of wolfberry lead to a

strengthening of immunoglobulin A levels (an index of

immune function). Because the decline of immunoglobulin A

is one of the signs of aging, an increase in these levels

suggests that the wolfberry may enable injured DNA to better

repair itself and ward off tissue degeneration.

As we grow older, the levels of lipid peroxide in our blood

increase, while levels of health-protecting antioxidants, like

superoxide dismutase (SOD), decrease. In a clinical study of

people who consumed doses of Chinese wolfberry, SOD in

the blood increased by a remarkable 48% while hemoglobin

increased by 12%. Even better, lipid peroxide levels dropped

by a whopping 65%.

A test was conducted on the

effects of wolfberry on eyesight.

Twenty-seven people were tested

and showed a dramatic

improvement in both dark adaptation and vitamin A and

carotene content of their serum (measures of eyesight

acuity).

Over the past six years, I had become somewhat lax with my

exercise regimen because of two badly damaged ankles. So

this Christmas, I buckled down and started a fitness program,

combining moderate exercise two to three times a week with

two daily servings of Power Meal alone and with meals.

(Power Meal contains Chinese Wolfberries.)

By the middle of March, while I was studying in Turkey, I

started noticing physical changes: My skin looked brighter

and my energy level was higher. I averaged a fifteen-hour

day between my studies and lab practice.

When I returned home, I discovered that I had dropped 12

pounds, paired off three inches from my lower abdomen, and

gained three inches in my chest.

Then, two weeks ago while I was in Phoenix, I went out for a

one-mile run. I felt limber and energetic and performed the

run with ease. Last week at my home in Utah, located at an

altitude of over 5,000 feet above sea level, I went out for a 2.7

mile run and was not fatigued at all--even in the thinner

high-altitude air.

Two days later, I ran 4.3 miles without feeling tired and

without leg pain. I could have continued on another three or

four miles but decided not to push it. These results take on

even more significance when you consider that, prior to my

try-out in Phoenix, I had not run in over six years.

These types of physiological effects prompted me to probe

deeper into the chemistry of the wolfberry.

What I discovered was startling:

The Chinese wolfberry not only contains super oxide

dismutase, phenylpropanoids, anti-cancer factors and

anti-senility factors, but it also sports a high concentration of

the branched-chain amino acid L-leucine.

Leucine is an essential amino acid that we do not make in our

bodies, so we can only get it from our diet. It is present in

small quantities in both, plant and animal food, and is a

natural component of breast milk.

But leucine is regarded as more than just an essential amino

acid: It also supports immune function, burns fat and builds

muscle.

How?

Because leucine forms the building block of a very unique

compound called HMB (Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate).

Through its phenylpropanoid activity, the wolfberry helps

convert leucine into HMB.

What makes HMB such a breakthrough in healthmaintenance?

According to noted researcher, Richard
Passwater, Ph.D.,

HMB showed that it lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels

in blood and helped strengthen the immune system while

building muscles and burning body fat. This news is certainly

of interest to body builders and other athletes, but it may also

become of interest to cancer, AIDS and muscular dystrophy

patients.



Monday, December 10, 2012

Food That Can Save Your Heart

24 Foods That Can Save Your Heart
Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs make many other foods heart-healthy when they replace salt, fat, and cholesterol. These flavor powerhouses, along with nuts, berries — even coffee — form a global approach to heart-wise eating. Read on for 23 more delicious ways to fight heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Fact
: Rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme contain antioxidants.


Black Beans

Mild, tender black beans are packed with heart-healthy nutrients including folate, antioxidants, magnesium for lowering blood pressure, and fiber — which helps control both cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Tip
: Canned black beans are quick additions to soups and salads. Rinse to remove extra sodium.


Red Wine and Resveratrol

If you drink alcohol, a little red wine may be a heart-healthy choice. Resveratrol and catechins, two antioxidants in red wine, may protect artery walls. Alcohol can also boost HDL, the good cholesterol.
Tip:
Don't exceed one drink a day for women; one to two drinks for men – and talk to your doctor first. Alcohol may cause problems for people taking aspirin and other medications. Too much alcohol hurts the heart.


Salmon: Super Food

A top food for heart health, it's rich in the omega-3s EPA and DHA. Omega-3s lower risk of rhythm disorders, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. Salmon also lowers blood triglycerides and reduces inflammation. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of salmon or other oily fish a week.
Tip:
Bake in foil with herbs and veggies. Toss extra cooked salmon in fish tacos and salads.


Tuna for Omega-3s

Tuna is a good source of heart-healthy omega-3s; it generally costs less than salmon. Albacore (white tuna) contains more omega-3s than other tuna varieties. Reel in these other sources of omega-3s, too: mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and anchovies.
Tip:
Grill tuna steak with dill and lemon; choose tuna packed in water, not oil.


Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This oil, made from the first press of olives, is especially rich in heart-healthy antioxidants called polyphenols, as well as healthy monounsaturated fats. When olive oil replaces saturated fat (like butter), it can help lower cholesterol levels. Polyphenols may protect blood vessels.
Tip:
Use for salads, on cooked veggies, with bread. Look for cold-pressed and use within six months.


Walnuts

A small handful of walnuts (1.5 ounces) a day may lower your cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the arteries of the heart. Walnuts are packed with omega-3s, monounsaturated fats, and fiber. The benefits come when walnuts replace bad fats, like those in chips and cookies – and you don't increase your calorie count.
Tip:
A handful has nearly 300 calories. Walnut oil has omega–3s, too; use in salad dressings.


Almonds

Slivered almonds go well with vegetables, fish, chicken, even desserts, and just a handful adds a good measure of heart health to your meals. They're chock full of vitamin E, plant sterols, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Almonds may help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Tip:
Toast to enhance almonds' creamy, mild flavor.


Edamame

These green soybeans are moving beyond Japanese restaurants, where they're a tasty appetizer. They're packed with soy protein, which can lower blood triglyceride levels. A half cup of edamame also has 9 grams of cholesterol-lowering fiber — equal to four slices of whole-wheat bread.
Tip:
Try frozen edamame, boil, and serve warm in the pod.


Tofu

Make soy protein the main attraction more often at dinnertime by cooking with tofu instead of red meat. You gain all the heart-healthy minerals, fiber, and polyunsaturated fats of soy — and you avoid a load of artery-clogging saturated fat.
Tip:
Chop firm tofu, marinate, then grill or stir-fry, going easy on the oil. Add tofu to soups for protein with no added fat.


Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a hearty, healthy substitute for white potatoes for people concerned about diabetes. With a low glycemic index, these spuds won't cause a quick spike in blood sugar. Ample fiber, vitamin A, and lycopene add to their heart-healthy profile.
Tip:
Enhance their natural sweetness with cinnamon and lime juice, instead of sugary toppings.


Oranges

This sweet, juicy fruit contains the cholesterol-fighting fiber pectin — as well as potassium, which helps control blood pressure. A small study shows that OJ may improve blood vessel function and modestly lower blood pressure through the antioxidant hesperidin.
Tip:
A medium orange averages 62 calories, with 3 grams of fiber.


Swiss Chard

The dark green, leafy vegetable is rich in potassium and magnesium, minerals that help control blood pressure. Fiber, vitamin A, and the antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, add to the heart-healthy profile.
Tip:
Serve with grilled meats or as a bed for fish. Saute with olive oil and garlic until wilted, season with herbs and pepper.


Carrots

The latest research on carrots shows these sweet, crunchy veggies may help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. They're also a top cholesterol-fighting food, thanks to ample amounts of soluble fiber — the kind found in oats.
Tip:
Sneak shredded carrots into spaghetti sauce and muffin batter.


Barley

Try this nutty, whole grain in place of rice with dinner or simmer barley into soups and stews. The fiber in barley can help lower cholesterol levels and may lower blood glucose levels, too.
Tip:
Hulled or "whole grain" barley is the most nutritious. Barley grits are toasted and ground; nice for cereal or as a side dish. Pearl barley is quick, but much of the heart-healthy fiber has been removed.


Oatmeal

Oats in all forms can help your heart by lowering LDL, the bad cholesterol. A warm bowl of oatmeal fills you up for hours, fights snack attacks, and helps keep blood sugar levels stable over time — making it useful for people with diabetes, too.
Tip:
Swap oats for one-third of the flour in pancakes, muffins, and baked goods. Use oats instead of bread crumbs in cooking.


Flaxseed

This shiny, honey-colored seed has three elements that are good for your heart: fiber, phytochemicals called lignans, and ALA , an omega-3 fatty acid found in plants. The body converts ALA to the more powerful omega-3s, EPA and DHA.
Tip:
Grind flaxseed for the best nutrition. Add it to cereal, baked goods, yogurt, even mustard on a sandwich.


Low-Fat Yogurt

While low-fat dairy is most often touted for bone health, these foods can help control high blood pressure, too. Milk is high in calcium and potassium and yogurt has twice as much of these important minerals. To really boost the calcium and minimize the fat, choose low-fat or non-fat varieties.
Tip
: Use milk instead of water in instant oatmeal, hot chocolate, and dried soups.


Foods Fortified With Sterols

Want the heart-healthy power of vegetables in your milk or on toast? Margarine, soy milk, or orange juice can deliver — when they're fortified with cholesterol-fighting sterols and stanols. These plant extracts block cholesterol absorption in the gut and can lower LDL levels by 10% without affecting good cholesterol.
Tip
: Consume at least 2 grams of sterols a day.


Coffee

Coffee and tea may help protect your heart by warding off type 2 diabetes. Studies show that people who drink 3-4 cups a day may cut their risk by 25% — and even decaffeinated coffee works. Caution is due, however, for those who already have diabetes or hypertension; caffeine can complicate these conditions.
Tip:
Choose black coffee or a non-fat latte to limit fat and calories.


Cayenne Chili Pepper

Shaking hot chili powder on food may help prevent a spike in insulin levels after meals. A small study in Australia showed that simply adding chili to a hamburger meal produced lower insulin levels in overweight volunteers.
Tip:
Chili powder is a blend of five spices, while dried chili pepper comes from a single hot pepper. Both are good substitutes for salt in recipes.


Kosher Salt

This may be worth a try for people trying to control high blood pressure. It has half the sodium of table salt, thanks to its large crystals. You'll still need to measure carefully; a teaspoon of Kosher salt has 1,120 milligrams of sodium — not too far below the 1,500-milligram daily limit for people with hypertension.
Tip:
Mix with your favorite herbs for a homemade, low-salt spice blend.


Cherries

Cherries are packed with anthocyanins, an antioxidant believed to help protect blood vessels. Cherries in any form provide these heart-healthy nutrients: the larger heart-shaped sweet cherries, the sour cherries used for baking, as well as dried cherries and cherry juice.
Tip:
Sprinkle dried cherries into cereal, muffin batter, green salads and wild rice.


Blueberries

The list of healthy nutrients in blueberries is extensive: anthocyanins give them their deep blue color and support heart health. Blueberries also contain ellagic acid, beta-carotene, lutein, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.
Tip:
Add fresh or dried blueberries to cereal, pancakes, or yogurt. Puree a batch for a dessert sauce

The main causes of Liver damage





 The main causes of Liver damage are:
========================
1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause.

2. Not urinating in the morning.

3 . Too much eating.

4. Skipping breakfast.

5. Consuming too much medication.

6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.

7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil.
As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.

8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver.
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.

We should prevent this without necessarily spending more. We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to 'schedule.'






Saturday, December 8, 2012

How Coconut Oil Might Combat Tooth Decay







By Dr. Mercola
Coconuts are among the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet and have been a dietary staple for millennia. Western science is now "playing catch-up" to what natives of tropical regions have known for thousands of years. One of the reasons coconut is so special is that it's a natural antimicrobial food.
Coconut, especially its oil, is a powerful destroyer of all kinds of microbes, from viruses to bacteria to protozoa, many of which harm human health.
Researchers at the Athlone Institute of Technology's Bioscience Research Institute in Ireland set out to test coconut oil's biocidal properties against the bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
Dental caries is a commonly overlooked problem affecting 60 to 90 percent of children and the majority of adults in industrialized countries, according to chief researcher Dr. Damien Brady. His research team tested the antibacterial action of coconut oil in its natural state and coconut oil that had been treated with enzymes, in a process similar to digestion.
The oils were tested against strains of Streptococcus bacteria, which are common inhabitants of your mouth.
They found that enzyme-modified coconut oil strongly inhibits the growth of most strains of Streptococcus bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, an acid-producing bacterium that is a major cause of tooth decay1. It is thought that the breaking down of the fatty coconut oil by the enzymes turns it into acids, which are toxic to certain bacteria.2 Enzyme-modified coconut oil was also harmful to the yeast Candida albicans, which can cause thrush.
Dr. Brady said:
"Incorporating enzyme-modified coconut oil into dental hygiene products would be an attractive alternative to chemical additives, particularly as it works at relatively low concentrations. Also, with increasing antibiotic resistance, it is important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat microbial infection."
The work also contributes to our understanding of antibacterial activity in the human gut, which helps maintain the balanced flora necessary for a strong immune system.
"Our data suggests that products of human digestion show antimicrobial activity. This could have implications for how bacteria colonize the cells lining the digestive tract and for overall gut health," explained Dr. Brady.

The Many Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil offers an impressive array of health benefits. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil is beneficial for:
  • Promoting heart health
  • Supporting proper thyroid function
  • Strengthening your immune system
  • Providing an excellent "fuel" for your body and supporting a strong metabolism
  • Maintaining healthy and youthful looking skin
One of the primary reasons coconut oil's benefits are so broad is that 50 percent of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid, which is rarely found in nature. In fact, coconut oil contains the most lauric acid of any substance on Earth. Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, a monoglyceride that can actually destroy lipid-coated viruses such as HIV and herpes, influenza, measles, gram-negative bacteria, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia.
Another of coconut oil's antimicrobial components is capric acid, present in lesser amounts.
Coconut oil is also comprised of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are smaller than the long chain fatty acids that are much more common to vegetable and seed oils. MCFAs are easily digested and readily cross cell membranes, and are sent directly to your liver, where they are immediately converted into energy rather than stored as fat. Coconut oil is easy on your digestive system and does not produce an insulin spike in your bloodstream.

A Traditional Diet Might Not Guarantee You Perfect Oral Health

In the 1900s, Dr. Weston A. Price did extensive research on the link between oral health and physical diseases. He discovered that the most successful primitive groups health-wise were those who paid attention to and integrated beneficial ancient knowledge and dietary wisdom into their lives. The difference, Price reasoned, between primitive cultures who were healthy and those who were diseased came not from solely eating a traditional diet (as they all did), but in the accumulated wisdom enjoyed by certain populations, which allowed them to enjoy optimal health.
One of the keys to oral health is eating a traditional diet rich in fresh, unprocessed vegetables, nuts, and grass-fed meats that are in line with your genetic ancestry. However, as beneficial as that diet is to your dental and overall health, it might not be enough to guarantee perfect oral health.
We know, of course, that eating junk food and sugar certainly causes and worsens dental decay in humans, but there must be more to the story. There is evidence of tooth decay in ancient populations, long before there was exposure to refined sugar and white flour, as well as among wild animals today. Even some dolphins, which generally eat no carbohydrates whatsoever — only fish, squid, and crustaceans — have problems with tooth decay. Clearly, simply following a traditional diet is not enough to explain this phenomenon, or else there would be no dental decay in ancient peoples or wildlife.

Plaque-Busting Strategy No. 1: Fermented Vegetables

In the past, I was also challenged with plaque accumulation which resulted in my having to make monthly visits to the dental hygienist. It seemed no amount of brushing, flossing, and even using a dental irrigator diminished this problem. However, in November of 2011, I was introduced to the first of two natural strategies that have significantly improved my plaque problem. The trick? Simply adding healthy amounts of high quality fermented vegetables to my diet.
Fermented vegetables are loaded with friendly flora that not only improve digestion but alter the flora in your mouth as well. Since the addition of these foods into my diet, my plaque has decreased by 50 percent and is much softer. I later further refined my approach by doing oil pulling with coconut oil and learning how to specifically target the primary source of plague, which is the junction of the tooth and gum surface by carefully directing my toothbrush at the appropriate angle.


Plaque-Busting Strategy No. 2: Oil Pulling

The second technique I've been using for the past year is called "oil pulling" with coconut oil, which has reduced my plaque by another 50 percent, allowing me to go two months between visits to the hygienist, instead of one. Oil pulling is a practice dating back thousands of years, having originated with Ayurvedic medicine. When oil pulling is combined with the antimicrobial power of coconut oil, you have one very powerful health tool.
Sesame oil is traditionally recommended, but it has relatively high concentration of omega-6 oils. Therefore, I believe coconut oil is far superior, and, in my mind, it tastes better. But from a mechanical and biophysical perspective, it is likely that both work.
Oil pulling is simple. Basically, it involves rinsing your mouth with coconut oil, much like you would with a mouthwash. The oil is "worked" around your mouth by pushing, pulling, and drawing it through your teeth for a period of 15 minutes. If you are obsessive like me and want even better results you can go for 30-45 minutes. This process allows the oil to "pull out" bacteria, viruses, fungi and other debris. The best time is in the morning before eating breakfast, but it can be done at any time, the important point is to just do it. I seek to do it twice a day if my schedule allows. The used oil is discarded and your mouth rinsed with water. You should not swallow the oil because it's loaded with bacteria, toxins, pus, and mucous.
When done correctly, oil pulling has a significant cleansing, detoxifying and healing affect, not only for your mouth and sinuses but for the rest of your body as well.
Candida and Streptococcus are common residents in your mouth, and it's these germs and their toxic waste products that cause plaque accumulation and tooth decay, in addition to secondary infections and chronic inflammation throughout your body. Oil pulling can help lessen the overall toxic burden on your immune system by preventing the spread of these organisms from your mouth to the rest of your body, by way of your bloodstream.
The potential benefits of oil pulling extend well beyond your mouth. Oil pullers have reported rapid relief from systemic health problems, such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. According to Bruce Fife, naturopathic physician and expert in the healing effects of coconut3, the cleansing effect of oil pulling can be understood with the following analogy:
"It acts much like the oil you put in your car engine. The oil picks up dirt and grime. When you drain the oil, it pulls out the dirt and grime with it, leaving the engine relatively clean. Consequently, the engine runs smoother and lasts longer. Likewise, when we expel harmful substances from our bodies our health is improved and we run smoother and last longer."


Proper dental hygiene is important for optimal health in your mouth and in the rest of your body, as discussed by Dr. Bill Osmunson in the interview above. When it comes to preventing cavities, drinking fluoridated water and brushing your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste is not the answer, because fluoride is more toxic than lead. The key is your diet and proper dental care: good old brushing and flossing. By avoiding sugars and processed foods, you prevent the proliferation of the bacteria that cause decay in the first place.
Practicing twice daily brushing and flossing, along with regular cleanings by your biological dentist and hygienist, will ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as they can be. You may want to try oil pulling to enhance your current dental hygiene routine.
In addition to consuming foods that are part of the "traditional diet" and avoiding processed foods and refined sugar, make sure you are getting plenty omega-3 fats. The latest research suggests even moderate amounts of omega-3 fats may help ward off gum disease. My favorite source of high quality omega-3 fat is krill oil.
And speaking of sugar, a particular type of honey from New Zealand called Manuka honey has also been shown to be effective in reducing plaque. Researchers found Manuka honey worked as well as chemical mouthwash — and better than the cavity fighting sugar alcohol, xylitol — in reducing levels of plaque. This is most likely due to the honey's antibacterial properties. Clinical trials have shown that Manuka honey can effectively eradicate more than 250 clinical strains of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant varieties.
I still believe that oil pulling with coconut oil gives you more bang for your buck for your oral health, but just realize you have natural options to harsh and often toxic chemicals.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

DURIAN - The King of Fruits; the Queen of benefits

We can give every excuse to consume durians. 
But this one comes from an "ang moh" (Mat Salleh).
Durian is the Healing King of All Fruits 
by Sheryl Walters, citizen journalist
(Natural News)
Durian is a little known fruit from Asia that has an extremely pungent smell and an amazingly sweet taste. The smell of the durian fruit is so bad that many hotels in the areas where durian grows will not allow their guests to have the fruit in their rooms. But those who brave the smell are quickly won over by its beautiful taste and amazing health benefits.  
Unlike most fruits the durian is left to fall from the tree as this is a sign that it is ripe to eat. People in the local villages of South East Asia, where the durian is most common, call it "The King of Fruits," and they will clear the floor under the trees near to harvest time and then camp near them for up to two months just to make sure they get the fruit at its peak. This is a truly exceptional and healing fruit.
  
Health Benefits of Durian. 
Traditionally the durian fruit was seen as a powerful aphrodisiac, while women would eat the ashes from burnt durian skins to help them recover after child birth. But concoctions made from the leaves of the durian tree were also used to help reduce swelling and cure skin disease. More recently nutritionists have claimed that the durian fruit can help lower cholesterol and cleanse the blood as well as cure jaundice and alleviate fevers.
Experts even say that you can rid yourself of yeast infections such as thrush through eating the durian fruit. This is because of the durian's high iron content that helps the white blood cells in our body make specific chemicals that kill off the infection.                                                                                                        
The durian is also packed with amino acids as well as Vitamins B, C and E and many people are even comparing the sweet custard like centre of the durian fruit to the goji berry for its high levels of anti oxidants. These anti oxidants help slow down the destruction of cells from free radicals such as pollution and smoking; in doing so, they decrease the effects of aging on the skin giving you a younger more refreshed look.  
Among the amino acids found inside the durian is tryptophan. Tryptophan is essential for making and maintaining serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin is the hormone in the body that regulates our happiness. People with low serotonin levels tend to have short tempers, are often moody and suffer from depression. This means that not only will eating the durian fruit help keep your body running smoothly but it will also increase your general happiness and wellbeing.