What is a flexitarian diet?how it works

The flexitarian diet, also known as a semi-vegetarian diet, emphasizes plant-based foods and limited or occasional meat intake. A new study published in the journal BMC Nutrition shows that a flexitarian diet has lower cardiovascular risks than an omnivorous diet.

This study highlights the benefits of eating more plant-based foods instead of meat to improve cardiovascular health.

A total of 94 participants were surveyed
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a flexitarian diet on heart health. The study involved 94 participants between the ages of 25 and 45 who had been following a vegan, omnivore, or flexitarian diet for at least one year before the study. Those who consumed less than 50 grams of meat per day were classified as flexitarians, and those who consumed more than 170 grams per day were classified as omnivores. Vegans, who completely avoid animal products, made up the third group.

A questionnaire was used to assess participants’ dietary habits and lifestyle factors.

Research results
On the day of the study, blood samples were collected from participants to assess cardiovascular disease biomarkers. Additionally, the researchers measured participants’ blood pressure, BMI, and arterial stiffness during the visit. Blood biomarker analysis revealed that both flexitarians and vegans had better cardiovascular health than omnivores. Specifically, they showed lower levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol than omnivores.

Additionally, compared to omnivores and flexitarians, vegans showed lower fasting insulin levels, but the difference lost significance when the researchers adjusted for co-founder. Finally, flexitarians and vegans had lower metabolic syndrome severity scores, a composite measure of various cardiovascular risk factors such as blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight.

Expanding

What does a flexitarian diet include?
A flexitarian diet consists primarily of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Flexitarians may incorporate animal products such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs into their diets, but in smaller amounts and less frequently than traditional omnivores. The emphasis is on a plant-based diet that offers health and environmental benefits, with the flexibility to incorporate animal products depending on personal preference and occasional cravings. This approach encourages a varied and nutritious diet while reducing overall meat consumption, making it suitable for those seeking a more sustainable and balanced way of eating.

Benefits of a flexitarian diet
The flexitarian diet offers many health benefits by emphasizing plant-based foods while allowing occasional consumption of animal products. Promote weight management by focusing on nutritious, low-calorie plant foods and reducing intake of high-calorie meat. Flexitarians typically have higher intakes of fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, which lowers their risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Additionally, this diet supports digestive health, increases energy levels, and improves overall health. From an environmental perspective, reducing meat consumption reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reduces water usage, making the flexitarian diet a sustainable option for both personal health and the planet.
(Information provided by agency)