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When it comes to dieting, there is no shortage of options to try, from plant-based to keto. Occasionally, people try the fruitarian diet, which involves eating primarily fruits. Even Apple founder Steve Jobs dabbled with this way of eating. But what happens to your body if you only eat fruit? While only eating whole, natural foods from the earth sounds healthy, this diet can cause many health problems.
If you're keen to discover what would happen to your body if you only ate fruit, click through this gallery now.
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.
People who follow a fruit diet tend to consume 70% to 80% of their daily calories from fruits.
Steve Jobs briefly followed a fruitarian diet. During that time, he reportedly visited an apple orchard, and the experience inspired the company name Apple!
Some people who follow a fruit diet may eat fruits that are commonly thought of as vegetables, such as tomatoes, avocados, and cucumbers.
There is no limit to the amount of fruit a fruitarian can eat. Most people tend to eat as much as satisfies their hunger.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adults with minimal physical activity should consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram or 0.35 grams per pound of body weight.
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.
Adults who engage in intense physical activity should consume 1.6 grams per kilogram or 0.73 grams per pound of body weight.
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.
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.
Fruits with higher GI values include bananas, grapes, and tropical fruits.
Fruits with lower GI values, such as apples, oranges, and berries, have a slightly smaller impact on blood sugar levels.
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.
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.
Fruits contain fructic and citric acids. Certain fruits, like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are particularly acidic.
If a person doesn't have a good oral hygiene routine, some fruits may dissolve tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay over time.
Rinsing with water after eating acidic fruits, brushing twice a day, and flossing can help prevent dental erosion.
A person may follow a fruitarian diet to lose weight, have a more environmentally friendly diet, and increase vitamin and antioxidant intake.
Fruits are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamins lacking in a standard American diet.
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.
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.
Some fruitarians are a little more flexible and only eat fruit before a certain time, after which they will introduce other foods.
For some people, following a very restrictive diet can contribute to an unhealthy relationship with food.
A fruit-based diet can be dangerous for people with pancreatic and kidney disorders.
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)
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When it comes to dieting, there is no shortage of options to try, from plant-based to keto. Occasionally, people try the fruitarian diet, which involves eating primarily fruits. Even Apple founder Steve Jobs dabbled with this way of eating. But what happens to your body if you only eat fruit? While only eating whole, natural foods from the earth sounds healthy, this diet can cause many health problems.
If you're keen to discover what would happen to your body if you only ate fruit, click through this gallery now.