The macrobiotic diet and raw food diet have some similar features, as well as many attributes that are very different. Many of the claimed health benefits of either diet are similar as well. Both diets tend to levy significant restrictions on the types of foods you can eat, which may pose health dangers. Before you begin a macrobiotic or raw diet, talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to ensure that you're getting sufficient nutrition.
Macrobiotic Diet
The macrobiotic diet is basically a vegetarian diet that focuses on whole grains and vegetables, according to the University of Michigan Health System. If you follow a macrobiotic diet, you avoid eating most animal-derived food products such as meats, dairy and eggs, as well as most fatty and cold-temperature foods. The diet is comprised of 50 to 60 percent whole grains and brown rice, 25 to 30 percent vegetables, 5 to 10 percent vegetable-based soups, and 5 to 10 percent sea vegetables and beans, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The macrobiotic diet includes "supplementary foods" including fish, seafood, snack foods, certain beverages and temperate-climate fruits or fruit juices.
Raw Diet
A raw food diet involves eating raw fruits, vegetables and grains, without heating the foods higher than 116 degrees Fahrenheit, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Nuts, seeds and other raw foods are also included in the diet. The diet is typically very low in calories and protein, but rich in other vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and phytochemicals. The idea behind a raw food diet is that cooking foods at temperatures higher than 116 degrees destroys the natural enzymes in foods that help your body to fight most chronic diseases and support healthy digestion.
Effects
Proponents of the macrobiotic diet believe that it helps to promote overall health and longevity, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Although the claims are unproven, proponents assert that following a modern Western diet causes a wide array of illnesses, including chronic diseases and conditions such as cancer. Some proponents go as far to say that following the macrobiotic diet can even help cure diseases, says the University of Michigan Health System. Similarly, proponents of the raw food diet believe that it helps to prevent or treat illnesses and diseases, with the belief that cooking foods actually causes health problems. Raw foodists also claim that the diet helps you to become more mentally alert, more active and free of sickness. No scientific evidence supports any of these claims regarding a macrobiotic or raw food diet.
Dangers
In addition to the unsubstantiated claims of health benefits relating to the macrobiotic diet and raw food diet, there are some potential health dangers. The macrobiotic diet limits certain food choices that may lead to nutritional deficiencies, warns the University of Michigan Health System. Because the diet limits most animal products, it basically excludes whole food groups, which can lead to other health problems in addition to deficiencies. Specifically, a macrobiotic diet can lead to dehydration, as well as possible deficiencies in calcium, vitamin B-12 and protein. The raw food diet also poses health risks for many people, particularly in causing food-borne illnesses. Uncooked and unpasteurized foods can harbor harmful bacteria, causing illnesses. Although cooking can reduce concentrations of certain B-vitamins and vitamin C in foods, cooking also increases your body's absorption of lycopene, beta-carotene and other types of carotenoids.
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