MANILA, (PNA) — Durian can help boost the body’s immune system in fighting diseases such as flu, common colds and dengue.
Candelario Miculob, chairman of the Durian Industry Council of Davao, stressed this as he explained that many nutritional benefits can be derived from eating durian fruit.
He made the claim in a speech Friday during the launching ceremony of the Durian Festival at the Quezon Memorial Circle.
Medical studies have proven that durian is rich in Vitamin C, which helps in developing resistance against diseases and maintain growth and repair of the body’s tissues, according to Miculob.
“Ang durian ay may kapasidad na magpagaling sa dengue. Nakapagpapataas po ito ng platelet count,” Miculob said.
The fruit also prevents anemia, regulates blood sugar levels, maintains healthy bones and helps fight depression, among others.
Meanwhile, Miculob also related that the industry has been performing strongly with its production registering 60 metric tons annually, most of them coming from Davao.
The Philippines has exported its first durian shipment to Singapore earlier last week.
Other countries are also interested in marketing the product such as Canada, South Korea and the United States. China has been strongly interested in durian as consumers have become aware of its sweetness and delectable taste.
The Durian Festival aims to showcase different durian varieties and provides the opportunity for durian farmers and traders to promote the product to Metro Manila residents.
“Layunin ng festival na ito ay ang mapakilala ang durian sa mga taga-Maynila at kumain sila nito. Halos 80% ang hindi pa nakakain nito,” Miculob explained in his address.
The event is organized by the Durian Industry Council of Davao City in cooperation with the Davao City Agriculture Office and the Department of Agriculure. It will run from Sept 20 to Oct 14, 2013.