Macrobiotic Diet

The macrobiotic diet was originally designed to help individuals achieve the best health possible through their eating habits. It is a mixture of Chinese philosophical principles and more modern Western nutritional schemes. This vegetarian-style diet is low in fat, emphasizes whole grains and vegetables, and restricts fluids. These are some of the same dietary principles that have been found to help prevent heart disease. Low-fat high-fiber diets are also believed to play a role in preventing some types of cancer. The macrobiotic diet emphasis on fresh non-processed foods may prove helpful in dealing with certain food allergies and chemical sensitivities. In attaining excellent nutritional health, the macrobiotic diet can also be used for weight loss.

Many cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy choose the macrobiotic diet plan. It is important to realize that, despite the benefits achieved from the macrobiotic diet, few mainstream nutritionists endorse the plan. The selection of foods is so limited, they warn, that you can easily develop significant nutritional deficiencies. They add that, while a macrobiotic diet may indeed reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, it will not cure any specific disorder. Also, research has shown that breast-feeding women, who consume the percentages of foods recommended for this diet, develop low levels of vitamin B12, calcium, and magnesium.

The basic Macrobiotic diet consists of: 50 percent whole grains; 25 percent seasonal vegetables; 10 percent protein foods; 5 percent sea vegetables; 5 percent soups; 5 percent fruits, seeds, nuts and drinks.