Fruitarian Diets
Someone recently asked me about fruitarian diets, and I didn't know much about it, so I created a page to
detail what I learned about it.
Most fruitarians will eat only what falls (or would fall) naturally from a plant, that is: foods that can be
harvested without killing the plant.
From the accumulation of my research, it seems there are a few clear guidelines. Basically, it goes back to
foraging for “nuts and berries” as from what I know most (?all?) fruitarians include non-fleshy fruits (nuts,
beans, seeds, possibly peas), and IMO to include these items is a good idea. There is some variation on
fruitarianism the same as different kinds of vegetarians (some do not eat grains, some do, etc.)
Like vegans who do not consume B12-fortified foods, fruitarians probably need to include a B12
supplement in their diet. Some people say, "Aha! If you can’t get B12 naturally, it means humans weren’t
meant to be vegan/fruitarian," but the fact is all it proves is that this country needs to clean up and go organic!
B12 comes from bacteria that are found in two places – the soil, and the intestines of animals. Many years
ago, we were able to get all the B12 we needed from the soil and water (and this is still true in many “under-
developed” countries). But now, because our soil and water is so polluted by pesticides (and many, many
other things) we need to clean our veggies thoroughly, and we purify our water, removing many harmful
bacteria – as well as all the B12. And so every vegan/fruitarian should take some form of B12 supplement
whether in a pill or in enriched foods like Nutritional yeast.
CYANOCOBALAMIN is an animal-derived form of B12, so vegans supplement with METHYLCOBALAMIN,
a type of B12 derived naturally.
http://www.everydiet.org/diet/fruit-diet
http://fruitarian.net/
http://www.diet.com/g/fruitarian-diet
At least one site said it didn't recommend this diet for nursing moms & children, but I know what a beating
vegans still go through and how much bad info there is out there, so it is hard to scientifically determine, but I
personally don't believe that. Lots of diet lies out there!
I personally recommend a multiple vitamin to everyone, micronutrients sometimes we overlook no matter
what we eat, but for a fruitarian I’m not sure that is desirable (meaning not sure they would want to, is
medically desirable, IMO). They do make vegan multiple vitamins, however.
www.Vegetarianvitamin.com
As far as fruit, be sure to pay attention to variety and COLOR, eating a spectrum of colors throughout the
day, as that is a very basic (not foolproof) way to vary your nutrients for best possible combo.
One of the above sites had a list of nutrients to watch; just to be sure to get a source of all needed nutrients,
for optimal nutrition.
As a last resort, people should go by how they feel. Doctors CAN do some basic labs to check for
malnourishment, but most deficiencies will show up in general physical status. As a vegan I do take some
flaxseed, B12, and a multiple vitamin.
This site has a forum for fruitarians and can post questions and comments:
http://www.animalsuffering.com/forum/index.php
No matter what, one the whole, we should all be a little more aware of nutrition and "good" sources of
essential nutrients. Please do not take these subjects lightly, as lack of B12 can lead slow and insidious to
pernicious anemia, and that is related to your production of red blood cells, and lack of Omega has been
linked to disorders such as Alzheimers later in life.
Food is a serious issue in many ways. Trust me, I lived for years on MacDonald's cheeseburgers and was
the last person who thought it mattered. It took me a long time and a lot of research, along with schooling, to
feel absolutely assertive in my personal choices. That does not mean that a person has to go through that to
just become fruitarian, vegan, vegetarian. But, they should be aware of their needs. Just by switching to a
veg/fruit diet, it kinda shows the person is ready to take their food a little more seriously, anyways!
For ANYONE reading this: you can be unhealthy on ANY diet. Be aware of your body's needs.
BUT, go veg!!! :)
To offer my PERSONAL opinion (I try not to do that often), I think "nuts and berries" is the best, most
optimally nutritious diet on the planet if done correctly. This is a serious matter and should be taken as such.
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