5 Things You Need to Know About Fruitarian Diet

1. The Food Guide Pyramid Reinvented

The federal government runs ad campaigns that encourage consumers to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Fruitarians take it a step further and consume an abundance of fruits and non-sweet fruits that most people consider vegetables such as cucumbers and avocados. Some fruitarians also consume certain nuts and seeds. While definitions of what is considered a fruit vary, fruitarians usually limit their food intake to fruits that fall off trees naturally and don't have to be harvested. They eat fruits that don't involve killing the plant.

2. Not all Vegans are Fruitarians, but all Fruitarians are Vegan

The fruitarian diet is essentially one type of vegan diet. Vegans simply don't eat animal products or by-products, but they'll still eat any fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts or seeds. Most fruitarians don't eat root vegetables or fruits that have to be picked, but all the foods they do consume are vegan. Fruitarians are also raw foodists by default.

3. Fruitarians can Compare Apples and Oranges

Fruitarians typically have lower cholesterol levels because they don't consume animal fats. Avocados do have a high fat content, but they contain monounsaturated fat which is good for your heart and helps to raise your good cholesterol levels.

4. Live Strong With Live Foods

Fruitarians eat live foods. Proponents of a vegan diet insist that eating live foods creates a "live" body and eating "dead" foods such as meat results in a "dead" body. When you eat meat, the energy process involved consists of many steps. A cow eats grass, and then you eat beef. As a fruitarian, you're eliminating the middle man and eating plant sources directly, specifically fruit-bearing plants. In addition to high energy levels, individuals who follow a fruitarian diet for a long time have lower risks of heart disease and obesity. Even if you have little desire to follow a fruitarian diet, you can still benefit from eating more fruit. Eat a peach or pear for dessert instead of cake or ice cream. Add chopped apples to your morning oatmeal. Many Americans don't eat nearly enough fiber. By eating more fruit, you'll increase your fiber intake and lower your cancer risk, particularly colon cancer.

5. Vitamin Deficiencies as a Possible Side Effect

In our health-conscious society where people avoid cheeseburgers and whole milk in favor of more heart-healthy options, the fruitarian diet seems to make a lot of sense. It's not without possible side effects, though. Individuals who follow a fruitarian diet long-term can develop vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is important for proper blood cell production and nervous system function. Calcium, vitamin D and protein deficiencies are also possible when following a long-term fruitarian diet. Supplement when necessary, and spend about 20 minutes outside each day without sunscreen to get sufficient UV exposure needed for vitamin D production.