Have you heard of fruitarians? They are people who eat (mostly) only raw fruit for all their meals and snacks. Although some do also eat nuts, seeds and raw vegetables, true fruitarians usually get between 70% and 80% of their calories from fruit. Here’s what you need to know about fruitarian diets.
Fruits considered vegetables
Fruitarians may eat the following fruits (which most people consider to be vegetables):
- tomatoes
- olives
- peppers
- squash
- cucumbers
- avocados
The risks of a fruitarian diet
These “vegetables,” combined with fruits, nuts and seeds, are generally very healthy choices, but not if that’s all that’s being consumed.
First of all, fruit is high in sugar, which can cause health issues. While some fruits—such as bananas, grapes and tropical fruits—rank high on the glycemic index, others—such as apples, pears, oranges and berries—are lower. Still, a fruitarian diet pretty much guarantees a hefty dose of fructose.
Secondly, those following a fruitarian diet may not be getting essential nutrients, such as iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin D and B vitamins. Without these nutrients, fruitarians may experience:
- reduced immunity
- weak muscles
- cognitive problems
- depression and fatigue
- dry skin and brittle hair
- weakened bones
- life-threatening issues
Finally, the fruitarian diet may promote tooth decay due to the high acid content of fruit. Although brush your teeth or rinsing with water after eating acidic fruits can help, you’ll still be exposing your dental enamel to large amounts of acid.
The benefits of fruit
To be clear, fruit is generally very nutritious in moderate quantities. From folate and potassium to vitamin C and fiber, fruit can help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, create a sense of fullness to prevent overeating and reduce constipation. But consuming a diet that is all or mostly fruit can create nutrient deficiencies which can turn into major health issues.
