Fruitarianism: fad or healthy choice?

Fruitarianism is a dietary philosophy that focuses on the exclusive intake of fruits and, in some cases, nuts and seeds. This lifestyle is gaining more and more popularity, attracting the attention of people interested in following a healthier and more sustainable diet. However, the question arises: is fruitarianism just a passing fad or can it be considered an actual healthy choice?

Before we begin, let’s start with a basic question: what is fruitarianism? Frutarianism is an extreme form of vegan diet, where all foods of animal origin, including meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, are avoided. Fruitarians focus mainly on eating fresh fruit. Some fruitarians may also include nuts and seeds in their diet, while others adopt a more restrictive variant limiting themselves to fruit only.

Proponents of fruitarianism believe that this food choice is in harmony with nature and promotes greater connection with the environment. They also claim that fruit is the most suitable food for the human body, as it contains all the essential nutrients needed to support optimal health. From a dietary perspective, fruitarianism may offer some interesting benefits, especially for those who need to increase fruit consumption in their diet. Potential benefits include:

• High nutrient content as the fruit is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.
• An aid to maintaining good hydration since most fruits have a high water content, which helps keep the body hydrated throughout the day.
• Low in calories, useful for those trying to maintain or achieve a healthy weight.
• A digestive aid given the fiber in the fruit that promotes better digestion and can help prevent bowel problems such as constipation.

Although fruitarianism may offer these nutritional benefits, there are also concerns regarding its sustainability and completeness as a long-term dietary regimen. In fact, first, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies in elements such as protein, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and essential fatty acids and an excessively high sugar intake that in extreme cases can lead to excessively high blood sugar levels. Another important aspect to keep in mind is that of environmental sustainability. In fact, basing an entire diet on fruit, which is very often imported, contributes to pollution from transportation.

Fruitarianism, therefore, can be seen as an extreme food choice that can lead to both health benefits and risks. Although fruit is an important part of a balanced and healthy diet, relying solely on this food group can lead to nutritional deficiencies and long-term challenges.

Before adopting any diet or eating philosophy, it is always advisable to consult with a health professional or nutritionist to ensure that the body’s nutritional needs are adequately met. A more balanced and sustainable choice might be to adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet, which includes a variety of nutritious and healthy foods to promote good overall health.

Sources:

https://www.greenstyle.it/fruttarianesimo-16224.html

https://www.elle.com/it/salute/diete/news/a168493/fruttarianesimo-fruttariani-fa-bene/