OK,

So if you've even been thinking about going only even slightly raw, you've probably heard about durian by now. Love it (like us or loathe it, many have heard that durian is the high fat fruit.

Surprisingly though, it's not fat that dominates when we look at the actual nutritional breakdown of durian. In fact fat makes up a mere 3.2% of the edible portion. There is actually more fiber than fat clocking in 4.3% of the edible portion, however here's the real surprise...

When compared to the amount, gram for gram, there is 2.21 times more SODIUM (the base of sodium chloride, or salt) than fat in durian! That's right, more than TWICE AS MUCH!

Now before you throw away your beloved spiky treat for fear of excess salt, it needs to be pointed out that this is natural sodium, not the refined, iodised white chemical concoction you get from a Saxa Salt box. Natural sodium is actually a precious, highly valuable nutrient that is quite rare in foods in nature (explaining why we're instinctively drawn to salty foods that mimic matural sodium). In fact David Wolfe reccomends using celery as the base in nearly all juices for it's naturally balancing sodium. Other great sources include olives, although it is very important to check that the olives are not only raw, but unprocessed by chemicals such as lye which burns the skin if you touch it straight. Unprocessed though, olives are one of the great mineral foods of the earth and deserve to be enjoyed - alongside durian by everyone. Happy eating!

* Nutritional information based on Malaysian organic d24 variety durians supplied by Yuens Market Trading in Sunnybank, QLD. Thanks guys! There's actually a really good website on these durians at www.durianking.my, too.