A strict fruit diet, or a fruitarian diet, is a form of vegetarianism in which the dieter eats only fruit. It isn't a new diet; the "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets" says legendary painter and inventor Leonardo da Vinci followed a strict fruit diet. Although eating fruits is essential for maintaining a healthy body, risks are associated with eating nothing but fruit. You might lose weight on a strict fruit diet, but you must supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals to ensure you get all the nutrients you need. It's important to consult your doctor about the safety of going on a strict fruit diet.
Potential Benefits
A strict fruit diet might have some short-term beneficial effects, according to the website Beyond Vegetarianism, including weight loss and internal "cleansing." Long-term benefits of the diet are anecdotal and come from those who promote the diet as a way of life, reports the "Gale Encyclopedia." Among the benefits it cites from adhering to a strict fruit diet is the treatment of cancer, insomnia, constipation, depression and indigestion. No clinical evidence confirms that the diet is effective for treating these conditions.
Philosophy
For some people, following a strict fruit diet mirrors their philosophy of not harming any other living thing to survive. Picking fruit from a tree does not damage the tree, but to harvest a carrot, the entire plant must die. This is the rule of thumb some fruitarians use in determining what is permissible to eat.
The Protein Problem
The foods that most people think of as fruits contain little or no protein, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia," so those following a strict fruit diet must add nonfruit protein sources. One way of getting around the protein problem is to eat nuts and seeds, which are good sources of vegetable protein. Some fruitarians reclassify nuts and seeds as fruits, as long as harvesting them does not kill the plant. Others define a strict fruit diet as one that contains at least 75 percent fruit, which allows them to eat other healthy foods.
Allowable Foods
The "Gale Encyclopedia" lists seven types of fruits. "Acid fruits" include oranges, cranberries, sour apples and kiwis, while "sub-acid fruits" feature cherries, berries, peaches, figs, apricots and papayas. The third fruit group, "sweet fruits," includes grapes, melons and bananas. "Nuts" are the fourth fruit group; they include walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts and macadamias. "Seeds" have their own group, which includes pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds. The "dried fruit" group includes dates, figs, raisins and prunes, and the seventh group is "oily fruits," which include olives, coconuts and avocados.
Considerations
Strict fruit dieters might be deficient in vitamin B-12, iron, zinc, calcium and essential amino acids, as well as protein. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, diabetics and children should not follow a strict fruit diet, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia," due to the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Adverse effects might include reduced physical and mental development.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition"; Jacqueline Longe; 2008
- Beyond Vegetarianism; "To Those Considering a Fruitarian Diet"; Tom Billings; 1999
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