Why Drink Salt Water After Eating Durian? Benefits & Tradition Explained
Why Drink Salt Water After Eating Durian?
“Drinking salt water after eating durian is a traditional Malaysian remedy to ease any heaty effects or discomfort from this rich, flavorful fruit. Many Malaysians believe that salt water has a cooling effect, helping to balance out the natural warmth durian creates in the body and making it easier on digestion. It’s a simple trick, widely used, especially after enjoying a big durian feast.”
Introduction
Durian, known for being a “heaty” fruit, which can lead to discomfort for some people, especially if you’ve eaten a bit too much. So, it’s no surprise that Malaysians have a go-to remedy for this: drinking salt water after eating durian. But what makes salt water the preferred choice, and how exactly does it help? Here’s the lowdown on this traditional practice.
Understanding Durian’s Effects on the Body
Durian is rich in natural sugars and nutrients, giving it a filling and hearty quality. While it’s packed with goodness, the high sugar and “heaty” properties mean it can feel heavy on the stomach, especially when consumed in large amounts. In traditional Chinese medicine, durian is known as a “heaty” food, meaning it can raise your body’s internal temperature. This can sometimes lead to mild discomforts like bloating, sweating, or just a warm feeling that lingers after eating.
Why Salt Water?
Salt water is a popular remedy in Malaysia and beyond, known for its simple but effective properties. Drinking salt water after eating durian is said to provide a cooling effect, which helps to balance out the heatiness of the fruit. This cooling effect restores some balance, especially if you’re feeling warm or bloated after eating. The salt also helps with digestion, as it neutralises some of durian’s heavier effects on the stomach, while the added water supports hydration. If durian has left you feeling a bit weighed down, a small glass of salt water can be just what you need.
Benefits of Drinking Salt Water After Eating Durian
- Reduces Bloating: Salt water can help reduce that bloated, heavy feeling some experience after a durian session.
- Soothes the Stomach: Known to help ease minor digestive discomfort, salt water can make durian easier on the stomach.
- Balances Body Temperature: The cooling effect of salt water is a handy way to lower the body’s internal heat, especially useful in Malaysia’s warm weather.
Drinking Water with Durian Husk: Another Traditional Way
Aside from salt water, some durian enthusiasts also swear by drinking water poured over durian husks to combat the fruit’s “heaty” effects. This age-old practice involves using the hollowed side of the durian husk as a makeshift cup. The belief is that the husk carries cooling properties, which, when combined with water, can help neutralize the heatiness and refresh the body. It’s a quirky yet beloved tradition that adds to the cultural richness of enjoying durian in Malaysia. For many, it’s not just about the remedy but also about embracing the full durian experience.
Cultural Perspectives and Tradition
In Malaysia, drinking salt water after eating durian isn’t just a remedy; it’s part of the durian-eating experience. For generations, locals have relied on this simple trick to balance out the warmth of the fruit and avoid discomfort. While some Malaysians may also turn to coconut water or herbal teas for similar benefits, salt water remains a popular choice for its ease and effectiveness.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to enjoy some durian, consider following it up with a small glass of salt water. It’s a simple but effective way to ease digestion and balance out durian’s “heaty” nature, allowing you to enjoy the fruit without any discomfort.
