Vegetarians follow a number of different types of vegetarian diets, with some being stricter than others when it comes to what can be eaten. Vegans are people that do not eat any animal products at all, and the fruitarian diet is an even more restrictive version of the vegan diet. As always, speak with your doctor before making any drastic changes in your diet.
Features
People who follow a fruitarian diet eat only fruits, seeds, nuts and vegetables that are classified as fruits, such as tomatoes and avocados, according to the American Dietetic Association.They do not eat anything that requires the death of the plant when it is harvested, only those foods that fall off the plant, according to Syracuse University.
Benefits
A well-planned vegetarian diet that contains all the essential nutrients may lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer and obesity, according to the American Dietetic Association. The high amount of fiber and low amount of fat in the fruitarian diet may make it easier to lose weight.
Considerations
The fruitarian diet is very restrictive, which may make it difficult to follow this plan, especially in social situations. Many people following very restrictive diets end up being socially isolated, according to Health Services at Columbia University.
Vegetarians, such as those following the frutarian diet, need to take special care to meet their needs for vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and zinc, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Warning
Both Syracuse University and Columbia University warn that the fruitarian diet is too restrictive to be followed in the long term, especially for teenagers. It provides lower levels of calories, fats and proteins than most vegetarian diets, and may lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies without the use of supplements.
Expert Insight
Vegan diets, which are less restrictive than the fruitarian diet, can provide all the essential nutrients for health if carefully planned, according to the American Dietetic Association. Syracuse University points out that vegetarianism doesn't guarantee a healthy diet; it is necessary to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds to get all the necessary nutrients.
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