Macrobiotics refers to the science of longevity and health. 

It is based on the view that each person is largely influenced by their environment and social interactions as well as the geography and climate of the place where he lives in.  

Macrobiotics also views illnesses as the body's attempt to return to a more dynamic and harmonious state with nature. 

It also highly stresses the importance of a healthy diet as one of the major factors that affect one's health and well-being.

 Therefore, a macrobiotic diet not only refers to one's daily diet but also embraces the importance of living with healthy lifestyle habits for the long term. 

What Foods Are Included In A Macrobiotic Diet?

Fresh is Best!

A macrobiotic diet prioritises locally grown foods that are prepared in a natural manner. Undertaking a macrobiotic diet also means taking extra care in how the foods are 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 components of a macrobiotic diet. 

Other natural food products can also be incorporated into the diet. A macrobiotic diet's composition can be altered to suit an individual's needs with much consideration of his health status.

People who are into a macrobiotic diet must condition themselves to eat slowly and chew their food thoroughly.

What Foods Are NOT Included In A Macrobiotic Diet?

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, and alcohol, 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 from your daily diet and its a good idea to speak to a Health Practitioner about this. 

Macrobiotic Diet Studies

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 to prevent 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 practised by people who have been diagnosed with certain chronic health issues.

On the other hand, many anecdotal reports claim that its therapeutic effects on improving health generally are remarkable for patients who are suffering from advanced diseases. 

But, very few research studies have been conducted that would prove or disprove the benefits of a macrobiotic diet.  

Further studies into the limitations of Macrobiotic Meal Planning are warranted in order to prove its effectiveness in the prevention of chronic illnesses. 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 balanced and good healthy diet which is based on the consumption of organic and locally grown foods.

Why not investigate it further?