IS A MACROBIOTIC DIET HEALTHY?

Although this diet has been a way of life for some civilisations for centuries and developed in the Western world from the 1950’s, it is only recently that most of us will have heard of it on account of it’s endorsement by such celebrities as Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kelly Brook. 

The term “macrobiotic” was first mentioned by Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine, born in 5^th Century BC Greece.  He used the word to describe people who were healthy and long-lived.  Other Greek classical writers used the term to describe a lifestyle which included a balanced diet leading to good health and a long life.  Many civilisations are believed to have followed this regime including the ancient civilisations of the East and the Incas. 

It was brought to the USA in the 1950’s by a Japanese philosopher and on the surface, resembles a vegan diet, but there are some significant differences, most obviously the inclusion of animal protein.  It consists of natural, unprocessed, preferably local foods, such as vegetables – organic and seasonal, whole grains, pulses, small amounts of fish and seafood, soups, seeds, nuts and some fruits: all in strict proportion and cooked (or not) in a certain way:- 

• 50% whole grains (brown rice, wheat, bulgar, quinoa, rye, corn, for example, but oats only occasionally)
• 25% seasonal vegetables
• 5% sea vegetables
• 10% protein such as fish, seafood or pulses
• 5% fruit, nuts and seeds
• 5% soups (e.g. miso) 

A third of the vegetables may be eaten raw, the rest cooked, preferably steamed and definitely not microwaved or (if you want to be really strict) cooked with electricity!  You can bake, boil or fry (use vegetable, sesame, corn or mustard oil – best quality).

If you choose with care, a macrobiotic diet is a very healthy way to live

It is low in saturated fats and processed, refined foods.  The portions should be kept small and every mouthful should be chewed thoroughly.  The diet is balanced and in Chinese this would be described as yin and yang.  Yin foods – over-stimulating foods which will exhaust the mind and body – should be avoided.  These include:- 

• Sugar
• Alcohol
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Chemicals and preservatives
• Meat, dairy and eggs

Such vegetables as peppers, tomatoes, aubergine, spinach and potatoes should be used sparingly, together with tropical fruit. 

STRENGTHS 

This is a very healthy diet, high in fibre, low in fat and sugar and full of phyto-oestrogens, all considered to be vital in the fight against obesity, diabetes, cholesterol problems and diseases such as cancer.  It may also have a balancing effect on female hormonal fluctuations, easing the symptoms of PMS and menopause.  Most of the foods contained in this diet are missing from the average western diet with disastrous results and it’s hard to know how this happened as it is a logical way to eat. 

WEAKNESSES 

It is a pretty strict diet and as such would take a fair amount of self-discipline to stick to.  Because of the lack of animal protein and dairy, it could potentially lead to a deficiency in iron and calcium.  

CONCLUSION

In general, this is a very healthy diet.  By following this regime you will keep your weight under control, avoid mood swings and the modern diseases rife in our society today.  With careful planning you should not be deficient in any nutrient and great care should be taken with children due to the fact that they are still developing.

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