Popular Dietary Models - Macrobiotic Diet

Question 1

Macrobiotic Diet

Answer 1

Founded by George Oshawa who drew from Asian and Japanese folk medicine to create his version of this philosophy of health.
* The principle behind the macrobiotic diet combines tenets of Zen Buddhism with a Western-style vegetarian diet.
* Foods are combined into meals according to the principle of balance; known as Yin and Yang.
* Yin foods are cold, sweet, and passive.
* Yang foods are hot, salty, and aggressive.
Yin and Yang in TCM: opposite yet complementary energies
From Greek macro = large, long, bios = life.

Question 2

Included Foods

Answer 2

A macrobiotic diet is a regimen that involves:
* Well chewed, whole cereal grains, especially brown rice: 25‒30%.
* Vegetables: 30‒40%
* Beans and legumes: 5‒10%
* Miso soup: 5%
* Traditionally or naturally processed foods: 5‒10%.
* The remainder: Fish, seeds, nuts and nut butters, seasonings, sweeteners, fruits, and beverages.
* Practice mindful eating, chew foods well, avoid overeating

Question 3

Excluded Foods

Answer 3

• Excluded foods: Dairy, meat, processed foods, nightshade vegetables.

Question 4

Therapeutic Benefits

Answer 4

The macrobiotic diet is similar to a vegan diet and has similar therapeutic benefits:
* Shown to improve glycaemic control in individuals with Type II diabetes —increased fibre and complex carbs, decreased refined carbs.
o Slows glucose absorption, decreases insulin requirements.
o Supports intestinal flora, increases SCFAs which can support blood glucose balance.
* Linked with many case reports of dramatic recovery from cancer.
* Reduces the risk of hormone-dependent cancers in women by lowering oestradiol levels.