What is a macrobiotic diet?

Despite the fact that the concept of a macrobiotic has been known for a long time, but in our everyday vocabulary it came in quite recently, when the philosophy of human life with nature on an uncomplicated balanced diet became popular. In this article, we will consider the basics of a macrobiotic diet.

The basis of this diet is the postulate that the guarantee of excellent health and longevity is life in harmony with nature and a balanced diet. The principles of this diet were formed under the influence of Chinese philosophy. According to Chinese philosophy, the two opposite principles of yin and yang govern all life principles.

The macrobiotic diet is a predominantly vegetarian diet, where special attention is paid to the use of whole grains and vegetables in the human diet. Before you go to eat, food must necessarily undergo special steam processing or use food without the use of vegetable oil. Also in the diet of a person with a macrobiotic diet should be present soy products and cruciferous vegetables.

A special role in the macrobiotic diet is given to soups. The peculiarity of this diet is that it completely lacks meat, dairy products and sugar. Even with a macrobiotic diet, very little fluid is used. According to Chinese philosophy, food that is cooked and used according to the principles of macrobiotics reduces the possibility of cancer and the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

With this diet, the following whole grains are recommended: millet, brown rice, oatmeal, rye, wheat.

Vegetables that should be part of the human diet with a macrobiotic diet: broccoli, celery, cauliflower, mushrooms, pumpkin, young mustard leaves, cabbage, turnips.

The following types of lentils: beans and turkey peas.

Seafood:

- sea vegetables: Irish moss, algae wakame, dombu, chiziki, noris, agar-agar, arame;

fresh sea fish.

Experienced adherents of the macrobiotic diet insist on the fulfillment of absolutely all conditions for adherence to this diet, but many do not withstand the strict implementation of all the principles and rules of the Chinese diet. In general, most people find it difficult to completely abandon meat, dairy products and sugar. But if you even eat a little of this food, it will not be approved by the supporters of this diet.

Macrobiotic dieters also exclude from the diet any fruits, except those grown in their garden or vegetable garden. The use of aromatic seasonings and spices, coffee, poultry, beets, tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini and avocado are not welcome. According to Chinese philosophy, these products contain an excessive charge of yin and yang.

The disadvantage of the macrobiotic diet is that the body does not get enough protein, iron, vitamin B12, calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Many critics of this diet believe that it is more harmful to the body than useful, especially for a growing and developing organism, nursing mothers and pregnant women. Another disadvantage of this diet is the limited use of liquid, since its restriction can lead to dehydration of the human body.

The benefits of this diet for health is explained by the low content of fatty foods and rich in fiber. Experts advise you to use this diet not in full, but only partially, thereby you will lose weight, while retaining your health.