Fruitarian Diet
(raw, whole, unprocessed)
The Fruitarian Diet: Philosophy, Biology, and Practice
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A fruitarian diet is a philosophical and biological choice centered on consuming fruits, which are the mature ovaries of plants, typically containing seeds. Most fruits feature an edible, fleshy part surrounding the seeds. This fleshy portion is often aromatic, colourful, and flavourful to attract animals, thereby facilitating seed dispersal as part of a mutual and symbiotic exchange.
From a biological perspective, the primary role of this ripe, edible flesh is to serve as food. Consequently, it is the primary source of energy and nutrients in a fruitarian diet.
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Acknowledging Plant Structures in a Fruitarian Diet
Adherents of the fruitarian lifestyle recognize the primary biological functions of various plant structures:
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Seeds: The dormant embryos intended to grow into future plants.
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Roots: Specialized for nutrient absorption and plant communication.
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Tubers: Energy storage for future plant offspring.
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Barks and Stems: Provide stability and facilitate nutrient transportation.
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Leaves: Perform photosynthesis for energy generation.
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Flowers: Responsible for plant reproduction and procreation.
These structures, as they are not biologically designed to serve as food, often contain toxic chemicals and antinutrients in their raw state to deter consumption by animals.
Nutritional Benefits of the Fruitarian Diet
The fruitarian diet promotes well-being by focusing on the fresh,ripe, fleshy parts of fruits, which contain minimal toxins and are rich in nutrients and water.
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Included Foods (+):
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Carbohydrate-rich fruits: Banana, fig, apple, mango, jackfruit, durian, etc.
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Fatty fruits: Olive, avocado, aguaje, ackee, etc.
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“Vegetable” fruits: Tomato, cucumber, zucchini, pumpkin, etc.
Excluded Foods (-):
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Seeds and nuts: Including coconuts.
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Cereal grains and pulses: Such as wheat, rice, beans, and lentils.
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Roots and tubers: Like potatoes, carrots, and yams.
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Leaves, barks, and flowers: Including herbs and spices.
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Fungi, algae, and animal products: Such as mushrooms, seaweed, meat, seafood, and honey.
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Salt and processed condiments: Including spices and herbs.
Excluded Preparations:
The diet emphasizes whole, raw, and unprocessed fruits, excluding:
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Dehydrated fruits (unless naturally tree-ripened and mildly sun-dried).
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Cooked or burned fruits.
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Blended or frozen preparations (e.g., smoothies, nice creams).
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Juiced fruits (except occasional, hand-pressed juice).​
This approach ensures alignment with the diet’s core philosophy of consuming foods in their most natural and biologically compatible form.
Fruitarianism
(Definition)
"Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms, it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals". (Vegan Society - Donald Watson)
"Fruitarianism is a philosophy and way of living that extends veganism to include consideration for other living beings, such as fungi, plants, and seeds, beyond just animals. It acknowledges that these organisms are also living, autonomous entities capable of sensing, responding, adapting, reproducing, and employing biological defence mechanisms to sustain their life cycles. Fruitarianism emphasizes minimizing harm to these beings whenever possible and practicable. In dietary terms, it involves consuming only raw edible fleshy fruits while preserving their seeds."