Macrobiotic Diet

Macrobiotic diet prioritizes locally grown foods which are prepared in a natural manner. Undertaking a macrobiotic diet also means taking extra care in the way the foods are being prepared and cooked. There is a strong emphasis on eating foods that are baked, boiled and steamed and little fried and processed foods.

Whole grains, vegetables, fermented soy, fish, nuts, soups, seeds and fruits are the main composition of a macrobiotic diet. Other natural food products can also be incorporated in the diet. The composition of a macrobiotic diet can be altered in order to suit an individual's needs with much consideration to his health status. People who are into a macrobiotic diet must condition themselves to eat slowly and chew their food thoroughly.

Since a macrobiotic diet strongly recommends that foods must be eaten in their most natural state, processed foods should be avoided. Fatty meats, dairy products, sugar, caffeine, refined flour, alcohol, poultry, zucchini and potatoes are some examples of foods that should not be included in the macrobiotic diet. Remember that macrobiotics aims to achieve balance in every aspect of your life. Therefore, those foods which were found to be too extreme, highly-concentrated and over stimulating must also be eliminated in your daily diet.

Some studies reveal that following a Macrobiotic diet has helped many people lower their levels of blood pressure and serum lipids. This is why some experts suggest that this kind of diet can also be used as an effective means of preventing the emergence of many cardiovascular diseases.

Many experts also believe that a macrobiotic diet can also serve as a valuable inclusion in a cancer prevention plan. However, the macrobiotic diet remains the subject of controversy as many experts doubt its benefits when practiced by people who have diagnosed malignancies.

On the other hand, many anecdotal reports claim that its therapeutic effects are remarkable to patients who are suffering from advanced cancer diseases. But, to date very few research and studies have been conducted that would prove or disprove the benefits of a macrobiotic diet. Further studies are warranted in order to prove its effectiveness in cancer prevention. Other concerns expressed by some experts include those factors that affect social limitations and nutritional deficiencies. However it is difficult to dispute the long term health benefits of any diet which is based on the consumption of organic and locally grown foods.