The macrobiotic eating plan is designed to promote physical and spiritual well-being. Proponents of the macrobiotic diet contend that foods should achieve a balance of yin and yang, the two main energy forces. Therefore, even certain vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables might be seen as too yin or yang to be part of the macrobiotic diet. The fermented drink known as kombucha tea has a fanatical following, too. But while kombucha fans revere its medicinal reputation, the black tea, sugar and yeast used to create it makes the drink unsuitable for inclusion in strict macrobiotic diets.
Macrobiotic Diet
Although advocates maintain that the macrobiotic diet prevents and even treats serious diseases, such as cancer, no current research supports the specific health claims. Still, eliminating fatty and sugary foods can improve overall health for some people. Macrobiotic adherents eliminate meat, dairy products and processed foods from their diets, focusing instead on grains, some vegetables, legumes, seafood, seaweed and spring water. According to the American Cancer Society, some foods typically common to healthy diets, such as non-local fruits, tomatoes, eggplants and spinach, are considered too yin or yang to be healthy on a macrobiotic plan.
Kombucha Tea
Kombucha tea advocates contend the beverage possesses potent health-giving properties. MayoClinic.com notes that people who brew and drink their own kombucha tea or buy it from health food stores believe it boosts their immune systems, providing protection from cancer, digestive problems and liver diseases. The tea itself is created by fermenting a “starter” of yeast and bacteria, sometimes known as the kombucha mushroom, with sugar and tea. The resulting beverage is fizzy and often pungent. According to MayoClinic.com, the beverage contains B vitamins, vinegar and other compounds, but its medicinal value remains unclear.
Kombucha and the Macrobiotic Plan
Although foods with refined sugar are not part of the macrobiotic system, some fermented foods fit into the diet plan. Some condiments, such as vinegar and barley malt, are on the “occasional” list of some macrobiotic plans. On the other hand, most beverages in the macrobiotic eating plan involve mild teas, such as the green tea bancha, or barley tea. Stimulating herb teas and black tea – the base of kombucha – are in the “too be avoided” category. If you have a trusted adviser for macrobiotic meal planning, ask her to determine whether kombucha is a suitable drink.
Caution
Both strict macrobiotic diets and kombucha teas carry health risks if not used under a doctor’s supervision. The American Cancer Society notes that once-popular versions of the macrobiotic diet called for meals consisting almost exclusively of grains. Even the somewhat more inclusive modern versions, with their recommendations to avoid dairy, meat and certain fruits and vegetables, could result in nutritional deficiencies of protein, minerals and vitamins. In addition, people who brew their own kombucha tea risk contamination from the product itself or lead poisoning from the pots traditionally used to ferment the beverage.
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