Have you ever heard of Frutarianism or the fruit diet?
In today’s modern world, there are many different diets that have their own strict philosophy and principles.
Each is something specific, has its own rules and is not for everyone.
Read about the principles, advantages and disadvantages of Frutarianism! And if this diet is not for you, perhaps the article inspires you to add more fruit to your daily diet.
Frutarianism and its principles
Sometimes it is also called fructarianism, or fruit diet.
As with many other diets, there is no specific and definitive way to “eat right” with this diet.
People who follow this diet eat mostly fresh fruit. Some Frutarians even limit their consumption to fruit that has fallen to the ground.
They don’t even eat what has been harvested because they believe that the harvest damages the trees.
Other people do not include seeds in their fruit diet because they have the ability to reproduce and can therefore become plants.
But the principle is always the same – to have a diet built mainly from fruits and other fruits of plants and not to consume any animal products or whole plants.
Frutarians consider plants to be full-fledged organisms, just like animals or humans.
Foods (not) suitable for Frutarians
Although the diet may seem monotonous, this may not be the case.
There are countless fruits! In addition to classic fruit rich in carbohydrates, such as bananas, figs, dates or grapes, they can also choose from fruits rich in healthy fats, such as avocado, coconut or olives.
They supplement vitamin C from citrus, but also from fruits commonly perceived as vegetables: tomatoes, peppers or cucumbers.
The classics are apples, pears, plums, apricots and berries.
Vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and seeds can also be consumed in moderation.
Most Frutarians tolerate the fruit not being processed in any way.
And if so, not at too high or low temperatures. This narrows the choice, but it is not an unsolvable situation.
Other types of plant raw materials, such as cereals, legumes and tubers, are severely restricted or completely eliminated from the diet of frutarians.
Frutarians also have in common with RAW eating that they do not heat their meals in any way.
According to the rules of the fruit diet, only water, coconut milk or 100% fruit juice are suitable for drinking.
The benefits of frutarianism
Fruit itself brings many benefits to your diet. It contains minerals and vitamins that are essential for the proper functioning of our body.
If you include more fruit in your diet and omit junk food, you will most likely also reduce your caloric intake.
But beware of increased intake of naturally occurring sugars!
And how specifically to get more vitamins and minerals into the body?
- Raspberries contain fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and promotes regular bowel movements. Fiber reduces the risk of heart disease, blood cholesterol levels, improves bowel function and reduces the feeling of fullness.
- Vitamin C helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, it also supports the immune system. You can find it in peppers, oranges and strawberries.
- Potassium can help maintain healthy blood pressure and regulate fluid balance in the body. You replenish it when you have a banana, apricot or mango.
- Antioxidants in berry fruits reduce the production of free radicals. They protect your skin and help your immune system fight disease.
The pitfalls of frutarianism
Doctors and nutritionists agree that following the body’s dietary diet, there is a high risk of protein, fat, calcium, B vitamins (especially vitamin B12) and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for our body.
They play a vital role in the functioning of our institutions. Consuming too few of these nutrients can lead to serious health problems.
Dry skin and brittle hair, fatigue, depression, weakened bones and muscles may be just the beginnings of a one-sided unbalanced diet.
Usually, it is necessary to include various dietary supplements in the diet, which balance the lack of some components in the diet.
Due to the very restrictive nature of the diet, malnutrition is also possible. Your body may even go into starvation mode.
This means that your metabolism will slow down as you try to maintain your nutritional supply and save energy.
The fruit diet contains a lot of sugar, which may not be good for the body, even if it comes from a natural source.
Not suitable for people with diabetes, prediabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome or insulin resistance. Children and adolescents should not follow the Frutarian diet either.
In addition to all the necessary minerals and vitamins, the fruit also contains acids.
If a person does not have a proper oral hygiene routine, some fruits can damage tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay.
We are in favor of a varied and natural diet and whatever diet you choose, always pay attention to balance and your health limits.
If you decide to start a fruit diet, adapt your diet to the activities during the day, as well as the allergies and intolerances you suffer from.
And if you want to drastically change your diet, we recommend consulting a nutritionist.
