Fruit Diet: Are there any health benefits to eating an all fruits diet?
Eating fruits may seem healthy, but it may not be as good as you think! Here’s what you need to know and how to follow it.
Eating fruits is always a part of health. However, in recent years, the fruit diet or fruitarian diet has become popular. This diet is famous for its strict adherence to only fruit consumption. As we mentioned before, this is a very strict diet where only one type of food is consumed, which makes people question its value! Eating fruits can help you in many ways. Learn about the benefits, side effects, and how to include fruits in your diet.
What is the fruitarian diet?
Also known as the fruitarian diet, it is a strict vegan diet that allows you to eat raw fruit and excludes all animal products, including processed dairy. You could call it part of a vegan diet. Sounds flexible, right? It allows you to eat some vegetables, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds, but in moderation. However, while following this diet, you should avoid grains and legumes. It is also forbidden to eat!
You can eat raw fruit or even boiled and half-cooked fruit for better digestion. Some people also include dried fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetables in their diet. This is a diet that does not contain animals, grains, legumes, beans, lentils, etc.
So a significant part of this diet consists of raw fruit consumption. Although consuming fruit is beneficial, the risk of malnutrition is considered high, so it is important to consult a doctor before starting to eat these foods. Although the reasons for applying this diet vary, most people prefer it to be healthy.
Potential benefits of eating a fruit diet
Despite its limitations, eating fruit has many health benefits:
1. High in fiber
Fruits like apples, berries, and pears are high in fiber, which is essential for digestion. A study published in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition, and Public Health suggests that plant fiber may help prevent stomach infections. A diet high in fiber also helps lower cholesterol and keeps bowels regular.
2. Help you lose weight
Fruits are generally low in calories and high in water and fiber, all of which can help you feel fuller for longer. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that fiber can help you lose weight. A low-calorie diet can help you lose weight, according to research published in the Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. However, eating only fruit can cause you to lose muscle mass, which can be problematic.
3. Keeps you hydrated
Many fruits contain lots of water and can help you stay hydrated throughout the day. According to Health Research, adding more water-rich foods to your diet can help maintain healthy skin and overall body function.
4. Nutrient-rich diet
Many fruits are rich in essential nutrients, including minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that help support your overall health. Experts add that eating a variety of fruits can help meet your body’s nutritional needs.
5. Promote healthy skin and hair
Whether you’re looking for a way to revitalize dull hair or brighten your skin, fruits can help! This diet is a good way to stay in shape because fruits contain a lot of water. This will help improve skin and hair health and promote healthy collagen.
What should I eat on a fruitarian diet?
As the name suggests, these foods usually contain healthy fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, raisins, mangoes or other seasonal fruits. However, experts say that you should avoid mixed fruit groups. Here are the fruit groups you should try:
- Sweet fruits – apples, bananas, mangoes, grapes, pineapples, peaches, papayas, pears and cherries.
- Citrus fruits – lemons, limes, oranges, kiwis, tamarind, oranges, plums and many other fruits like cranberries, cherries, gooseberries.
- Astringent fruits – dates, pomegranates, guava, cranberries, quinces, blackberries, green bananas, sloes, crabapples, raspberry juice.
- Dried fruits – dates, plums, raisins, apricots, and others.
- Vegetal fruits – tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers.
- Fruits with good fats – avocados, and coconuts.
If you want to add some flavor to your food, you can add quality, high-fat nuts such as almond butter, peanut butter, and cashew butter. But make sure it does not contain any additives or artificial ingredients.
What can you avoid when following a fruitarian diet?
- Avoid eating fruit juice, which can increase blood sugar and may not be healthy in the long run.
- Do not mix fruits with dairy products, as these create undigested metabolic waste and can cause symptoms such as skin diseases, indigestion, and burning sensation.
Side Effects of the Fruitarian Diet
Unfortunately, there are some risks to eating fruits that you should be aware of. According to Jangda, fruits are devoid of many nutrients that can cause problems, including:
1. Protein deficiency
Protein is the building block of the body that helps repair cells and create new cells. It is important for the growth and development of children, adolescents and pregnant women. However, fruits contain less protein than other food groups. Not having enough protein in the body can cause pain, slow growth and low immunity.
2. High sugar content
Since you only eat the fruit, you consume a lot of sugar, which can cause problems. Consuming foods high in sugar can lead to problems such as diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Experts add that if you have diabetes or prediabetes, eating fruit may not be beneficial to your condition, as fructose can cause a slight increase in your blood sugar.
3. Oral health problems
Fruit contains sugar and acid that can cause tooth decay and tooth decay. It is important to have good dental care to avoid this problem.
4. Digestive problems
Many fruits contain fiber. While a moderate amount of fiber is good for the body, too much can cause health problems like diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal pain. Jangda says you shouldn’t just eat fruit, as it’s high in fiber and fructose.
Who should not eat a fruit diet?
- Pregnant women should avoid it because it will not provide the nutrients, proteins, vitamins and minerals needed for the growth of the uterus.
- People with diabetes should not eat fruit alone because it can affect blood sugar and make it harder to control.
- People with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should also avoid fruit because it can cause symptoms in some people.
- People following a lifestyle, high-calorie athletes and sports people can choose a vegan or vegetarian diet to ensure they are getting enough nutrients and protein instead of fruit.
- People who are malnourished or at risk of muscle wasting should carefully follow a healthy diet.