The macrobiotic diet is a way of eating that focuses on consuming whole, natural foods as often as possible. The American Cancer Society states that following a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat, such as a macrobiotic diet, has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancers.
Complex Carbohydrates
According to the book "The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health," one of the main principles of macrobiotic diets is a focus on consuming complex carbohydrates. You can find complex carbohydrates in foods such as whole grains and vegetables. Macrobiotic diets emphasize consuming more complex carbohydrates and fewer simple sugars such as white sugar and honey. A diet rich in complex carbohydrates provides the body with a more consistent energy source, while consuming too many simple sugars can lead to obesity.
Vegetable Protein
People following macrobiotic diets consume most of their protein from vegetable as opposed to animal sources. "The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health" suggests anyone following a macrobiotic diet consume poultry or meat once a month, and seafood once per week at most, as consuming large amounts of animal protein can add excessive saturated fat to your diet.
Full of Fiber
A basic principle of macrobiotic diets is a push toward consuming large amounts of beneficial dietary fiber. People following a macrobiotic diet should eat minimal amounts of processed foods, which tend to have low levels of fiber, and consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans, which contain large amounts of fiber.
Lower Fat
Macrobiotic diets are not fat-free diets, but they are lower in the most harmful types of fat. When following a macrobiotic diet, you consume unsaturated fats in the form of oils derived from nuts and seeds. Moderate amounts of these types of fats are less harmful to the body than saturated fats, which come from animal sources such as meat and dairy.
Balanced Vitamins
"The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health" claims that people who follow a macrobiotic diet tend to intake more necessary vitamins and minerals from their food, so they require fewer vitamin supplements.
Fewer Processed Foods
Followers of macrobiotic diets consume minimal amounts of processed and chemically treated foods. One basic principle of macrobiotic diets is the importance of consuming organic foods that are as close to their natural state as possible.
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