Carpophobia: how to overcome this fruit phobia?

Carpophobia is considered an eating disorder (TCA) which can be the cause of non-negligible nutritional deficiencies. How to overcome ?

To be in the best possible shape, it is generally recommended to eat five fruits and vegetables a day. But for some people, this is insurmountable: at the mere mention of a very ripe apple they are prey to a strong feeling of disgust, even to uncontrollable physical symptoms (sweat, tremors, nausea, etc.).

Definition: what is carpophobia?

Carpophobia has nothing to do with carp, well-known freshwater fish. Its etymology derives from the Greek carpo, which means “fruit” and phobos, which means “fear”. It therefore designates the irrational and excessive fear of fruits. Although uncommon, and surprising – it must be said – it should not be minimized.

It is not expressed in the same way from one individual to another, and can be associated with lachanophobia, in other words, the phobia of vegetables. In the absence of precautions, it can therefore cause serious health problems.

How does this aversion manifest itself?

Carpophobia results in a panic fear and a deep discomfort in the face of certain fruits. Carpophobes feel such a revulsion towards fruits that they are sometimes unable to touch or eat these foods. Sometimes even the mere mention of one of them upsets them. Before tasting a new dish, a starter, or even a dessert, they often carefully examine their plate, looking for the slightest piece of fruit. It should be noted that some carpophobes still manage to eat fruit in a processed form, in juices, in yoghurts without pieces, in smoothies or in cakes, for example.