Fruitarianism – Seemingly healthy, wisely not

​The Fruitarian diet is “a subset of veganism, where you eat only fruits in their natural state.” This includes all sweet fruits, seeded fruits such as avocado, tomato, cucumber, and olives, as well as nuts and seeds. When you are following “Fruitarianism”-  you are simply saying goodbye to grains, cooked food and all processed food. Few fruitarians who are the strictest of it, they don’t even eat vegetables or starches and consume literally just fruits.

What led the mass to adopt this diet : 

• Keeping food safety in mind, people think fruits are the most safe  food stuff they can consume without thinking much and this is the healthiest food for their body.

• This boost  their immunity level at             par

• Less time consuming meal.

• Availability.

• No need for monitoring manufacture         and expiry date.

• Ready to eat safe.

Reality check :

• It depletes body’ essential Vitamins,         minerals and other nutrients.

• This s a kind of restrictive diet.

• Risk  of malnutrition {below or above         the requirement level }.

• Missing Good fats.

• Danger of muscle fat loosening.

Therapeutic Risk :

• Nutritional deficiency

• Weight gain

• Tooth decay

• Major risk for obese, Diabetic                       patients.

• Restrictive Diet

• Missing good Fats

• Lack of life saving essential                           Vitamins.

• Immune dysfunction in later years.

Fruitarianism is eventually accepted not wise.  

Excess of anything is proven bad. And, so, eating only fruits or, excess of fruits may turn bad in terms of healthy body. The frequent question among my listeners/viewers/readers and friends which usually struck my ear is “can I eat only fruits” to get rid of all the ailments and for a safe disease free future. 

Well, the idea is not bad but, at the same time, not a healthy approach for a longer run. 

If you dig the past, our great saint and Muni used to eat very healthy meals including fruits, veggies, roots. These fruits and root altogether pump them with the vigour to fight with all the diseases and boost the metabolism which eventually purify or technically, we say, detox their body.

Citing examples from recent past- “Ashton Kutcher” disclosed he suffered pancreatic problems  by following ‘only fruit’ diet, in preparation to play the character of Steve Jobs in the film “Jobs.” It is known that Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer in 2011. 

Fruits are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This is the reason why mass is eating at least a small serving of fruits for their healthy living. However, people who has  or, just don’t want the overdose of empty calories, benefit by restricting their fruit intake due to its high fructose content. 
Clinical Evidence:

Research evidence of fructose(type of sugar in fruits) for its significant impact on pancreatic cancer is with us. The pancreatic cancer cells have been shown to use fructose for cell division, speeding up the growth and spread of the cancer. If you suffer with any fructose-related health issues, such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, obesity or cancer, you would be wise to limit your total fructose consumption .This includes fructose from all food sources, including whole fruit.

Take an idea from your Clinical Dietitian to understand further. 

Take home message :

• If you choose a fruitarian diet, follow in between your regular days and proceed slowly. 

• Detox your body by including a variety of fruits and veggies. Good to include nuts, seeds and vegetables with every meal which provide the fat and protein you need day to day for various metabolic process. 

• Precisely, eating fruits this way will slow down any blood sugar spikes that come from eating fruits only.

Now, you must have got the idea that why being “Fruitarianism” is not a  wise choice. Stay tuned for more exciting upcoming Nutrition topics.

• PC: Aksharesh Barot, Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad.