Benefits, Risks, How To Do? Fruit Options, Ayurveda Analysis

By Dr M S Krishnamurthy and Dr JV Hebbar
It is a type of fasting that involves consuming only fruits and water for a period of time. This diet promotes detoxification, weight loss, and overall health. It is useful to reduce weight and improve energy.
It promotes concentration, intellect, complexion, luster, skin etc. Also, fruits being Satvik in nature, it is believed to elevate the person spiritually and psychologically. Fruit fasting is also called fruit detox or fruit cleansing.

Fruit fasting Indications 

During a fruit fast, the body is given a break from digesting complex foods, allowing it to focus on detoxification and healing. Fruits being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help to nourish and cleanse the body.

Ideally, no-water fasting is the best way to fast but it is not possible for everyone to fast without water and food.
For such people,
– who have stomach sensitivity,
– who are weak,
– who have Vata and Pitta Prakriti,
– who cannot tolerate hunger for a long period of time,
– who want to do fasting but still require minimum nutrition
– for children
– who want to do fasting for a few days, fruit fasting is more convenient.
Read: Water Fasting Benefits, Methods

Benefits of fruit fasting

Detoxification: It helps to remove toxins and waste products from the body.

Weight loss: Fruit fasting can lead to weight loss due to the low calorie intake.

Improve Digestion: Fruit fasting gives the digestive system a break, allowing it to rest and rejuvenate.

Boost the energy: Fruit fasting can help to increase energy levels due to the high water content and nutrient-dense fruits. Fruits can provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. 

Mental Clarity: Fruit fasting can help to improve mental clarity and focus.

Detoxification: Citrus fruits and berries can help in detoxifying the lungs, grapes can detoxify skin and intestines. 

Weight Management: Low-calorie, high-fiber fruits can promote satiety, potentially aiding weight loss.

Examples of fruit fasting

Watermelon fast: A 3-5 day fast where only watermelon and water are consumed.

Orange fast: A 3-5 day fast where only oranges and water are consumed.

For brain health improvement: Avocado, berries, oranges

For heart health: Apple, strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate, banana

For kidneys – Strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, cherries, pineapple

IBS – Pomegranate, unripe bael fruit
Constipation – banana, grapes, prunes

Mixed fruit fast: A fast where a variety of fruits are consumed, often with a focus on seasonal and local fruits. Ayurveda does not indicate mixing of too many fruits and consuming it, as it can be hard on Agni – Digestive fire.
Read: Juice Fasting Choices, Benefits

How to do fruit fast? 

Eat fruit or consume the sugarless fruit juice whenever you feel very hungry or thirsty.
Do not eat fruits repeatedly many times without hunger.
If your are having fruit juice, avoid adding sugar to it.
It is ideal to fast with only one fruit and avoid mixing of many fruits.
Read:
How To Do Fasting? A Step By Step Guide For you

When to do fruit fasting?
Once in 1 or 2 weeks is ideal. In Pitru karya (parental rituals), Shravan maasa (Saavan upavas) and during certain festivals, people do fruit fasting. 

Disadvantages of fruit fasting 

Avoid fruit fasting in conditions like Diabetes mellitus, severe nutritional deficiency disorders, non healing ulcers etc.
Always consult a doctor before starting fruit fasting.

Fruit fasting by famous people:
King Tutankhamun (1341-1323 BCE)
The Greek physician Galen (129-216 CE)
The Persian physician Avicenna (980-1037 CE)
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862):
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1917-2008)
Steve Jobs (1955-2011)
Read: When To Stop Fasting? Warning Symptoms To Watch