A macrobiotic diet is so much more than just another variation of a vegetarian diet, though it might look the same at first.
While a macrobiotic diet is generally vegetarian in nature, it consists of wholegrains, cereals, cooked vegetables and just a touch of meat and fish.
AUGUST 9, 2015
Healthwise
The macrobiotic diet is generally vegetarian that focuses on organic and natural food.
A macrobiotic diet is so much more than just another variation of a vegetarian diet, though it might look the same at first.
While a macrobiotic diet is generally vegetarian in nature, it consists of wholegrains, cereals, cooked vegetables and just a touch of meat and fish.
Think of it as a heart-healthy Japanese diet – without the tempura!
Adherents of the macrobiotic diet prefer locally-grown, natural, organic foods prepared and eaten in simple ways, such as baking, boiling and steaming. Chemically-processed foods are not allowed – this includes items such as coffee, chocolate, refined flour and preservatives.
The essential aim of a macrobiotic diet is to balance the yin and yang in one’s diet, so spicy foods or other stimulating/concentrated foods that might upset nature’s delicate balance (such as alcohol) are not allowed.
Brown rice and grains such as barley, millet, oats and quinoa are considered to be very “balanced”, and play a large role in a macrobiotic diet.
Vegetables from the nightshade family, however, including tomatoes, eggplant, avocados, peppers, potatoes, are considered extremely yin. Thus, they are often excluded or used sparingly.
The simple and natural kimchi is ready after fermenting for one to two days.
How does it work?
The emphasis on unprocessed foods, as well as fruit and vegetables, means that a macrobiotic diet can be excellent for your health, especially when it comes to your heart. The macrobiotic diet is low in saturated fats and bad cholesterol, thus lowering your risk of heart disease.
Some followers of a macrobiotic diet claim that the diet is effective in treating cancer. There is no scientific proof, but low-fat, high-fibre diets that consist mainly of plant products are thought to reduce the risk of disease and some forms of cancer.
In fact, the link is so strong that the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States has funded a pilot study to determine whether a macrobiotic diet may prevent cancer.
I’d like to give it a try
Because processed foods are frowned upon, vitamin and mineral supplements are not allowed within a macrobiotic diet.
Nutritionists recommend that you seek advice before embarking on a macrobiotic diet to ensure you balance the yin and yang, as well as the nutritional elements of your diet to avoid vitamin or mineral deficiencies.
To get started, try incorporating these 10 top macrobiotic superfoods into your regular meals:
Seaweed – It’s rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, low in calories. Try agar, wakame,hijiki or kombu.
Berries – These are loaded with vitamin C, folate, fibre and anti-oxidants. Try raspberries, blueberries, cherries or blackberries.
Leafy, green vegetables – These are full of vitamins A and C, iron and calcium, among others. Try kale, collard greens, watercress or arugula.
Pickles – Raw, fermented vegetables play a huge role in the macrobiotic diet – they are thought to protect against infection and stimulate your digestion. Try sauerkraut, kimchi orumeboshi.
Soy products – These are high in protein and nutrients, and are linked with heart-protective effects. Try tempeh, miso or tofu.
Oily fish – These are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and are rich in calcium and iron. Try sardines, salmon or mackerel.
Green tea – Not only does this taste great, it’s rich is catechin polyphenols, which are a power antioxidant.
Beans – High in fibre and low in fat, beans are a great source of complex carbohydrates in a macrobiotic diet. Try black beans, adzuki beans or chickpeas.
Mushrooms – Heart-healthy mushrooms are also thought to balance blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. Try enoki, maitake or shiitake.
Nuts – Nuts are an excellent source of protein and unsaturated fat, which is good for your heart. Try walnuts, macadamias, Brazil nuts or pistachios.
To find out more about a macrobiotic diet, visit www.macrobiotics.co.uk/macrobiotics.htm for recipe ideas, nutritional information and more.
