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What is a fruit diet or fruitarian diet? -

A fruit or fruitarian diet is made up mostly of raw fruits. Some people may also eat some vegetables, seeds, and nuts, but they only eat raw foods and avoid grains.

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Following a fruit diet -

People who follow a fruit diet tend to consume 70% to 80% of their daily calories from fruits.

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Steve Jobs -

Steve Jobs briefly followed a fruitarian diet. During that time, he reportedly visited an apple orchard, and the experience inspired the company name Apple!

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Fruits commonly considered to be vegetables -

Some people who follow a fruit diet may eat fruits that are commonly thought of as vegetables, such as tomatoes, avocados, and cucumbers.

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Endless fruit -

There is no limit to the amount of fruit a fruitarian can eat. Most people tend to eat as much as satisfies their hunger.

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What are the risks of only eating fruit? -

A fruit-only diet excludes a lot of food groups, so it does not include the range of nutrients that the body needs for optimal health.

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Nutritional deficiencies -

Anyone following a fruit-only diet may be missing out on vital nutrients, including iron, calcium, vitamin D, B vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

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What happens if you don't consume enough nutrients? -

Consuming too few nutrients can lead to health problems, including dry skin and brittle hair, fatigue, low mood, depression, weakened bones, reduced immunity, and life-threatening complications.

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Lack of protein -

A lack of protein is one of the main risks of a fruit-only diet. While some people may incorporate nuts and seeds, they may not contribute sufficient amounts of protein to maintain health.

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How much protein should adults eat? -

Adults with minimal physical activity should consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram or 0.35 grams per pound of body weight.

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Moderate physical activity -

Adults with moderate physical activity should consume 1.3 grams of protein per kilogram or 0.59 grams of protein per pound of body weight. 

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Intense physical activity -

Adults who engage in intense physical activity should consume 1.6 grams per kilogram or 0.73 grams per pound of body weight.

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What happens if you don't eat enough protein? -

A lack of protein can cause health problems, including anemia, a weakened immune system, physical weakness, swelling, and problems with blood vessels, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases.

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Fructose and the glycemic index -

Fruits contain a sugar called fructose. Fruits with more sugar than others rank higher on the glycemic index (GI), a scale that measures how quickly specific foods cause blood sugar levels to rise.

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Fruits with higher GI values -

Fruits with higher GI values include bananas, grapes, and tropical fruits.

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Fruits with lower GI values -

Fruits with lower GI values, such as apples, oranges, and berries, have a slightly smaller impact on blood sugar levels.

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All fruits raise blood sugar -

All fruits raise blood sugar because they contain carbohydrates. Focusing on portion size and following a balanced diet are two important ways to keep blood sugar levels stable. This can be difficult on a fruit diet.

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Controlling blood sugar levels -

Keeping blood sugar levels controlled is vital for overall health and is especially important for people with diabetes. This makes a fruit-based diet an unwise choice for people with unstable blood sugar levels.

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Fruits containing fructic and citric acids -

Fruits contain fructic and citric acids. Certain fruits, like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are particularly acidic.

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Tooth decay -

If a person doesn't have a good oral hygiene routine, some fruits may dissolve tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay over time. 

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Reduce the risk of tooth decay -

Rinsing with water after eating acidic fruits, brushing twice a day, and flossing can help prevent dental erosion.

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Potential benefits -

A person may follow a fruitarian diet to lose weight, have a more environmentally friendly diet, and increase vitamin and antioxidant intake.

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A source of antioxidants and vitamins -

Fruits are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamins lacking in a standard American diet.

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Fruits and dietary fiber -

According to the Department of Agriculture, many people in America don't eat enough fiber. Fruits are an excellent source of dietary fiber and can help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower blood cholesterol levels.

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Types of fruit diet -

Some people on a fruit-only diet avoid picking or harvesting fruit to avoid harming the plant. Instead, they only consume what naturally falls from the plant or tree.

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Types of fruit diet -

Some fruitarians are a little more flexible and only eat fruit before a certain time, after which they will introduce other foods.

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Restrictive diets and an unhealthy relationship with food -

For some people, following a very restrictive diet can contribute to an unhealthy relationship with food. 

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People with pancreatic and kidney disorders -

A fruit-based diet can be dangerous for people with pancreatic and kidney disorders.

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Speak to a healthcare provider -

If you're considering a fruit-only diet, speak to a doctor first. Most healthcare professionals won't recommend a long-term fruit diet because it doesn't contain the range of nutrients that the body needs.

Sources: (MedicalNewsToday) (Cleveland Clinic)

See also: The carnivore diet: Is it as crazy as it sounds?

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