Promoting a very simplistic diet, macrobiotics integrates spiritual aspects from various religions, including Zen Buddhism and Christianity. Western medicine and Chinese medicine are both woven into areas of the macrobiotic philosophy. By only consuming foods which are "balanced energetically" and integrating spiritual principles into daily life, a follower of macrobiotics strives to stay healthy and in harmony with nature.
History
Developed in the 1930s by a Japanese philosopher named George Ohsawa, macrobiotics was first brought to the United States in the 1960s when Ohsawa emigrated from Japan. His teachings involved a ten-stage diet that was increasingly more restrictive. In 1978, a disciple of Ohsawa named Michio Kushi opened the Kushi Institute in Boston, which promoted a modified form of Oshawa's teachings. Interest in a macrobiotic diet increased when the president of a Philadelphia hospital, Anthony Sattilaro, wrote a book claiming that a macrobiotic diet was responsible for his prostate cancer going into remission.
Principles
According to Verne Varona of "A Guide to the Macrobiotic Principles," there are 30 macrobiotic principles for a great life. These principles are basically a list of philosophies about life that approach subjects, such as the uniqueness and changeability of life and the existence of polar opposites of yin and yang, which blend together to support health and overall well-being. Macrobiotic principles related to diet include selecting local foods and taking care to chew foods thoroughly into a liquid to promote proper digestion.
Food Choices
A macrobiotic diet involves consuming 50 to 60 percent organically grown whole grains. Local organic fruits and vegetables make up the remainder of the macrobiotic diet, in combination with eating vegetable soup. Occasionally, white fish, seeds and nuts are included. Dairy products, additional meats and refined sugars are discouraged. Drinking coffee and eating processed foods is also forbidden.
Benefits
According to the UK's online macrobiotics guide, a macrobiotic diet may be useful in warding off diseases, including cancer. The site claims that macrobiotics will also help prevent cardiovascular disease and balance blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Some cosmetic benefits, which are claimed to be experienced as a result of macrobiotics, include a more radiant complexion, brighter eyes and a slimmer physique.
Caution
Because some components of a macrobiotic lifestyle include the idea that it can prevent and heal diseases such as cancer, it is necessary to take a closer look at the facts. According to the American Cancer Society, research is underway to examine the effects of a macrobiotic diet on cancer prevention. It should be noted that there is an earlier version of the macrobiotic diet that involves eating only brown rice and water. Severe nutritional deficiencies and even death may occur as a result of following this outdated regimen. However, the American Cancer Society does state that a diet low in fat and high in fiber, such as the macrobiotic diet, is believed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.
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