Types of Vegetable and Fruit Diets

A recent article in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated:

“Epidemiologic data support the association between high intake of vegetables and fruits and low risk of chronic disease. There are several biologically plausible reasons why consumption of vegetables and fruit might slow or prevent the onset of chronic diseases. Vegetables and fruit are rich sources of a variety of nutrients, including vitamins, trace minerals, and dietary fiber, and many other classes of biologically active compounds. These phytochemicals can have complementary and overlapping mechanisms of action, including modulation of detoxification enzymes, stimulation of the immune system, reduction of platelet aggregation, modulation of cholesterol synthesis and hormone metabolism, reduction of blood pressure, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral effects.”

This research shows the importance of a diet rich in a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

There are numerous diets which focus on increasing the amounts of vegetables and fruits consumed while claiming to increase weight loss. The Acai Berry Diet, the Cabbage Soup Diet, the Grapefruit Diet and many others are examples of weight loss programs which center around a particular fruit or vegetable.

While increasing the vegetables and fruits in your diet is typically a healthy decision, diet plans of this type should be fully researched before beginning. Finding the proper balance for your optimal health is important when following any diet plan; however, it is especially important when following a vegetable and/or fruit based diet.

Acai Berry Diet

The Acai berry is the fruit of the Acai palm tree which grows in the Amazon. The Acai berry is considered by many to be a superfood as it is high in antioxidants. It is important to note that there is not any one specific Acai Berry Diet instead there are a number of various Acai berry supplements available which claim to increase weight loss.

Acai berry supplements are available in a number of forms including juice, puree, and capsules. When considering supplementing with Acai berry supplements it is important to ensure that it is of high quality and from a reputable source.

Cabbage Soup Diet

The Cabbage Soup Diet centers around a cabbage soup which is prepared and then consumed daily over the seven day program. Each of the seven days offers different allowable foods. For example, on day one you may eat all the fruit you desire with the exception of bananas along with the cabbage soup. The remainder of the seven days features different items along with the cabbage soup.

The Cabbage Soup Diet is very strict because of the limiting nature of this program it is very difficult to follow. However, if you are able to maintain this program it claims to result in up to 10 pounds of weight loss per week.

Grapefruit Diet

The Grapefruit Diet has been around since 1930 when Kelly D. Brownell, Ph.D. introduced the plan. The core element of the Grapefruit Diet is, of course, the grapefruit. The core principle is that a half of a grapefruit is eaten or 8 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice is drunk before each structured meal.

Grapefruits contain a specific enzyme which can help increase fat loss when combined with a low calorie diet. The Grapefruit Diet claims to result in up to 10 pounds of weight loss in 12 days.

Want to learn more about types of vegetable and fruit diets?

Health effects of vegetables and fruit from American Society for Nutrition
The Value of Fruits and Vegetables from The American Council on Exercise