Believe in Fruit
Few people negate the health benefits of fruit. There are discussions on how much fruit is adequate, but the benefits of fruit consumption are clear and well established.
Fruit based diets are also the most beneficial diets for animals and the environment. The practice of fruitarianism can easily be understood as a sub-set of veganism. Fruitarianism can extend compassion, not only to animals, but plants as well.
In “Destination Eden”, Mango Wodzak does an incredible job explaining that plants, along with animals, have thoughts and feelings, very similar to those of humans. He explains that the fact that plants lack a nervous system doesn’t mean they aren’t conscious individuals, with a desire to live in comfort and procreate. This should be common sense for spiritual practitioners who know that “consciousness is in everything, and everything is in consciousness”.
Unfortunately, most of us fail to remember this. We are drowning in our own selfish interests, and pursuing pleasure with disregard to how we affect our neighbors in planet earth. We must wake up to the consequence of our actions.
Sometimes it’s challenging to see what is in front of our face, and animal slaughter is purposely hidden from our view. That’s the main reason why most people haven’t yet found enough empathy to practice veganism. We must realize that animals with nervous systems, such as cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, and fish, have thoughts and feelings similar to those of humans. Those who struggle to understand this may need to watch documentaries such as “Earthlings”, and “Fork over Knives”. Once you include all animals in your circle of compassion, you will be closer to including plants as well.
Every day, more people are waking up to understanding that animals are also sentient beings. They are worthy of a happy and comfortable life. They deserve freedom from suffering and abuse from others. I believe that soon, more people will wake up to the understanding that plants are also sentient beings, that merit a life free from pain and abuse.
New research and discoveries are coming to the same conclusions. A good example is found inside “The Secret Life of Plants”, a book by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird. The book shows that plants have a “nervous system” similar to those of animals and humans. Needless to say, “The Secret Life of Plants” has receive constant criticism since its publication. Most people claim it is full of pseudoscience. It can be hard to believe on what we can’t see, but we know that electricity and atoms are also invisible to the human eye, and this doesn’t negate their existence.
The extent to which fruit based diets can benefit the environment depends on the foods included in each meal, and how they are harvested, processed, transported, and consumed. Fruit based diets that contain 100% fruit are likely to be more beneficial to the environment than those containing 50% fruit and 50% animal products. There is also a huge difference in the environmental impact of those who eat fruit fresh from local trees, versus those who consume fruit shipped across the earth. Other factors include organic vs non-organic, processed vs. non-processed, and pesticide-grown vs. pesticide-free.
Despite arguments made against fruit-based diets, a few facts remain indisputable. First, we know that plants benefits from humans eating their fruit. Much in contrast to animals who suffer from slavery and murder. By eating the plant’s ripe fruit, and dispersing its seeds, humans enter a symbiotic relationship with the plant. Both parties benefit from the interaction. By eating fruit, humans get to enjoy its taste, receive excellent nutrition, and hydrate their bodies. Remaining seeds can be dispersed in the ground, helping the plant’s ability to procreate, extending its territory and ensuring the survival of its species.
Humans can live in perfect symbiosis with fruit-bearing plants. We can support each other’s life and the survival of our species. Humans are naturally attracted to eating fruit. Most of us have a natural “sweet tooth,” and the benefits of fruit eating are undeniable. We’ll go way deeper into the benefits of fruit in future chapters.
Previews Section:
The Potential of Fruit Based Diets
Next Section:
The Golden Rule
