The flexitarian diet is a term used to refer to a diet which is purely vegetarian. But, this diet includes non-vegetarian dishes occasionally after a period of time. Thus, this die is also termed as the semi-vegetarian diet.

The interesting fact about this diet is that it excludes the red meat from its chart because this can be the prime risk factor of a number of severe diseases and disorders. In place of red meat, it includes other types of organic protein sources.

The health benefits of a flexitarian diet
The people, who follow the flexitarian diet, are benefitted with its manifold advantages and can lead to a healthy lifestyle because of the availability of options of both non-veg and veg dishes. The health benefits of this diet are explained in the following paragraphs:

• It lowers the risk of type-2 diabetes and insulin resistance
  This diet is preferred by most vegetarians because it is helpful for lowering the risk of type-2 diabetes and resistance of insulin. This diet helps one in consuming calories. The vegetarian foods which are included in the flexitarian diet chart help in reducing the level of saturated fats, cholesterol, refined carbs, and sugars. These are the factors which lead to the occurrence of diabetes in the in the body. There are other fats in the body which get stored in the muscles-linings, under the skin, and in the muscles that can create a severe effect on the process of metabolism of the body. This diet also fights against those issues.
• It promotes weight loss
  Weight loss is a frequent goal of most people across the globe. Maintaining your weight according to your height and age is necessary as being overweight or underweight can lead to a number of health problems. There are several processes such as workouts and jogging which helps in weight loss. But, a proper diet is the most important among them. The flexitarian diet is considered to the best among the other types of diet which enhance weight loss. This is because it is loaded with whole grains, veggies, and fruits which are low in calories and promotes weight loss within a short span of time. Proper control of weight is even helpful in lessening the chance of stroke and high-blood pressure.
• It lowers the risk of heart disease
  According to a study at the American Heart Association, it has been proved that this diet is to date the only known diet which plays a crucial role in lowering heart disease. As it includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, this diet is able to regularize the balance of essential nutrients in the body, and it lessens the chance of heart disease which is directly associated with other health problems such as high-blood pressure and stroke.
• It lowers the carbon footprint
  The carbon footprint which is basically the intake of carbon by your body can be reduced by a flexitarian diet.

There are multiple advantages of a flexitarian diet but before you commit to any new regime, it is best to review your personal goals, understand your body and if needed, consult a dietician for expert advice.