Mung Beans, Durian, And Nitrilosides

[relayer]

[continued from Central Thailand Forum]

jhc,

Like you did, I also tried to hunt down any published reference to the known nitriloside content of durian but couldn't find any, either. But absence of proof does not necessarily mean proof of absence.

I'd say it's about time for such a study, don't you? Now, if only I had the spare cash and knew a reputable lab in town, I'd definitely have the testing done and then publish the results for all the world to see. Donations, anyone?

But, I know the first hand results I've personally obtained and I can assure you it's got to be at least as potent as the mung beans, themselves. Here's why:

I first learned about nitrilosides more or less by accident. Several years ago, I noticed that whenever I ate a certain Thai dessert (which tasted rather bland, actually), the inflammation on a deep, blood red, 1-1.5 cm. lesion on my left forearm would lessen noticeably. This lesion was starting to get worse (bigger) by the week -- especially when exposed to mid-day UV -- and was actually starting to hurt, too.

It was almost time to "face the music" and go see the Skin Doc for the bad news.

So, I thought that if eating one of these bland desserts was helpful, maybe two would be even better.

Well, sure enough, eating a double dose of this dessert lessened the inflammation just a little more.

Hmm, I thought. What's going on here?

I researched the ingredients and discovered to my surprise that the desserts were made from mostly mashed mung beans.

A dessert made from mostly bland-tasting beans? <deleted>?! Whose idea was this? These Asians have got to be off their rocker, I thought. What planet are they from?

My curiosity duly piqued, I researched mung beans, stumbled upon the whole nitriloside thing, and realized how ignorant *I* was not to include more nitrilosides in my daily diet. It was like an epiphany.

I could almost hear the words,

"

Yes, grasshoppa, it was

*you*

who were mistaken...

"

I then embarked upon a serious regimen involving a high concentration of nitriloside-rich foods, most of which came from the mung bean/rice combo I mentioned earlier.

The result was that after about six weeks, this deep, red lesion was COMPLETELY GONE, leaving only a slight scar. In fact, during the initial stage of this regimen, I experienced having more lesions appear (due to temporary inflammation from "mop up" operations), mostly on my left side (face, arm, hand, pectoral, etc., ...in short, areas that have suffered the most cumulative UV exposure over the years). I also noticed a curious healing sensation in my mid to lower gut during this time, and would often have to keep clearing my throat from gunk being brought up from my lungs.

Since that initial part of the regimen, I haven't experienced any of these effects again except the occasional new (but small), sun-induced lesions on my forehead and left arm. Other than that, I feel fine, my gut feels completely normal, and my lungs feel clear. In short, sabai sabai.

So, now you're probably asking, "Well, if the mung beans were enough to get rid of all of these other pre-cancers, why won't it work for the occasional new ones that appear?"

Good question. I don't have the answer, except to suggest that some may be "gnarlier" than others and require an even more concentrated dose of nitrilosides than my current regimen provides.

Enter the Durian.

As I mentioned earlier, adding some durian to the mix (usually two locules per helping, twice a day for 2 or 3 days) absolutely clobbers these new lesions. They are gone within a week and don't come back.

Now, is that mere anecdotal evidence of efficacy? Yes.

Could it be due to an, as yet, undiscovered anti-cancer compound native to durian? Yes, again.

But because most fruit seeds are loaded with nitrilosides by default, and since durian seeds are made of mostly absorbed aril material, it is my contention that the results I have been getting are likely due to the nitriloside content of the consumed arils. It's only logical.

This area definitely warrants further study.

Regarding your question about organic fruits/veggies availability in Chanthaburi and elsewhere in Thailand, this is probably a good question for the Farming Forum. My bet is that a lot of it is. Thai farmers are generally responsible stewards of the land in these matters and it's my estimation that they would try to limit the use of harmful pesticides on crops as much as possible.

What they have to worry about more , IMO (thanks to the evil ph_cks at Monsanto), is cross-contamination by GMO and the so-called "terminator genes." I certainly hope these stay FAR away from Thailand...

Regarding watermelons, they are about the same as in the States except that here you can indulge in a yellow variety, too.

BTW, the Thai name for watermelon is easy to remember. It's pronounced daeng moh, as in,

"Dang, I want mo' of that!"

(Sorry for the long post. I sometimes get streams of consciousness that turn into rivers...)

[jhc]

Great river of thoughts

Yeah I agree that it is the result that counts. I am sure glad I love durians and sure looking forward eating bunch of them when we are at Thailand. Also I ll eat and chew the seeds when I eat apples, oranges etc.... to take advantage of B17.

Believe me, I been mistaken one too many times. Never too late to learn and wake up to the common sense. Did you read a book called "The China Study"? it is great reading. Written by T. Colin Campbell.

[relayer]

The China Study sounds like a timely read. Does he mention anything about the importance of a diet rich in nitrilosides to ward off cancer?

I've discovered on my own that a lot of the items we would simply label as "quirky garnishments" added to Asian dishes are actually included in the dish for an important nutritional reason.

Bamboo sprouts are the most notable and widely recognizable example of this. They are more than just a crunchy addition -- they turn out to be high in nitrilosides! How cool is that?

There are countless examples of this.

I agree that it is never too late to wake up to the importance of healthy eating not just for well-being but to help short-circuit aging and disease.

Here's another good read when you have a spare moment:

The Nitrilosides (Vitamin B-17) - Their Nature, Occurence and Metabolic Significance

Well, I've gotta go do a visa run down to Malaysia this week, so I'll be checking back Thu or Fri. Hopefully I can find some durian to indulge in this late in the season...

Later, for now...

Edited November 3, 2008 by relayer

[relayer]

Correction: I meant to say that bean sprouts are common garnishments to Asian dishes. Got the name confused with bamboo shoots, which are also similarly high in nitrilosides.

[jhc]

I don't think China Study ever mentioned about B17. China Study stress that low fat plant-based diet is the most ideal one and have the facts to back up this claim.

Hope you find some good fresh durians out there

[relayer]

I don't think China Study ever mentioned about B17. China Study stress that low fat plant-based diet is the most ideal one and have the facts to back up this claim. Hope you find some good fresh durians out there

I'm surprised it doesn't mention nitrilosides. But the typical old-world Asian diet is naturally rich in them, anyway, so I guess it is somewhat implied.

Found some durian. Made my day...

Edited November 9, 2008 by relayer