A macrobiotic diet is a limited diet based on ancient philosophy that prohibits the consumption of specific foods that may increase the risk of certain diseases. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that supports the macrobiotic diet in treating or preventing diseases. The American Cancer Society suggests a more flexible diet that is well-balanced and offers fewer limitations. Consult a registered dietitian for healthy food options.
Identification
The macrobiotic diet focuses primarily on vegetarian food sources. Traditional versions of the macrobiotic diet were very restricted and only allowed whole grains, according to the American Cancer Society. Today, macrobiotic diets are more flexible and allow more variety and healthier food options while discouraging foods such as dairy, meats and processed sugars. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center notes that 50 to 60 percent of the diet consist of whole grains and another 25 to 30 percent is made up of fresh vegetables. The diet also includes but limits certain fruits, nuts, seeds and fish.
Diet Significance
The diet is based on fundamentals of Buddhist teachings that restrict certain foods that may contain toxins and cause health complications, according to the American Cancer Society. The premise of the diet is to balance the body's yin and yang, energy forms that are present within everything that are based on ancient Asian teachings. A balanced yin and yang from sacred foods is intended to promote spiritual and physical well-being while preventing diseases such as cancer, according to the ACS.
Foods
The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center notes that brown rice, oats, barley, wheat, rye and other similar whole cereal grains are recommended for regular use in the diet. Cornmeal, rice cakes, and tortillas may also be consumed occasionally but any refined cereals or white flour products must be avoided, according to the BIDMC. Only certain vegetables are recommended for regular or occasional consumption in the macrobiotic diet. A variety of green leafy vegetables are acceptable for regular or occasional consumption such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, green cabbage and turnips. Other vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, pumpkin, mushrooms, corn, squash and sea vegetables are also allowed, according to the BIDMC. In addition to whole grains and certain vegetables, a variety of beans are also allowed for individuals following the macrobiotic diet. Chick peas, lentils, soy, tempeh, tofu, black beans, kidney beans are some examples of beans that can be regularly or occasionally consumed, according to the BIDMC. The macrobiotic diet also recommends consuming certain fruits that are locally grown, according to the American Cancer Society.
Considerations
The macrobiotic diet is only one part of a much larger macrobiotic lifestyle and philosophy. Therefore, all foods consumed in the macrobiotic diet must be organic and prepared without the use of microwaves or electric ovens, according to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Breastcancer.org notes that individuals are encouraged to use only cooking utensils made of wood, glass, steel or enamel for cooking foods. In addition to limiting certain foods, beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juices, soft drinks and tap water are also prohibited, according to BIDMC.
Warnings
A limited diet should never be recommended unless under the supervision of a health care provider or specialist. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports that dehydration, and deficiency of dietary protein, vitamin B12 and calcium are some of the potential concerns with the macrobiotic diet. Infants, children, and pregnant or nursing women should not follow the macrobiotic diet because of its nutritional limitations. The American Cancer Society reports that following only a macrobiotic diet and avoiding conventional medical treatment for cancer or other diseases is not recommended and may result in health complications.
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