What is a Flexitarian Diet?
Article Sources
- 1. 'It's Time to Try Meatless Meals.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/meatless-meals/art-20048193
- 2. Derbyshire, Emma J. 'Flexitarian Diets and Health: A Review of the Evidence-Based Literature.' Frontiers in Nutrition, Frontiers Media S.A., 6 Jan. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5216044/
- 3. 'Flexitarian Diet and Weight Control: Healthy or Risky Eating Behavior?' Frontiers, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2018.00059/full
- 4. 'Flexitarian Diet: Flexible Approach to Focusing on Plant Foods.' American Institute for Cancer Research, 30 Apr. 2021, www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/food-facts/flexitarian-diet/
- 5. Ritchie, Hannah, et al. 'Potential of Meat Substitutes for Climate Change Mitigation and Improved Human Health in High-Income Markets.' Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, vol. 2, 2018, doi:10.3389/fsufs.2018.00016
Potential Risks
Promoters claim that vegan and vegetarian diets are perfectly healthy. However, those following a vegan diet can experience nutritional deficiencies. A flexitarian diet doesn't exclude any food groups, so the risk of nutrient deficiencies is low.2Derbyshire, Emma J. ‘Flexitarian Diets and Health: A Review of the Evidence-Based Literature.’ Frontiers in Nutrition, Frontiers Media S.A., 6 Jan. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5216044/
Reducing meat consumption, sugar intake and processed foods and eating a balanced diet with a wide variety of foods containing essential nutrients is advantageous. Flexitarians can benefit from protein in occasional meat or fish dishes and the wide range of nutrients in milk, yogurt and cheese.2Derbyshire, Emma J. ‘Flexitarian Diets and Health: A Review of the Evidence-Based Literature.’ Frontiers in Nutrition, Frontiers Media S.A., 6 Jan. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5216044/
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