Macrobiotic diet: Encyclopedia - Macrobiotic diet

Macrobiotic diet

Macrobiotics (from the Greek "macro" (large, long) + "bio" (life)) is a lifestyle that incorporates a dietary regime. The word was first coined by Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland of Germany with his book, "Makrobiotik, oder die Kunst das menschliche Leben zu verlängern" ("Macrobiotics, or the Art of Extending Human Life"), in 1796.

Macrobiotic diet - History

Japanese philosophers and physicians inspired the Japanese philosopher Georges Ohsawa (1893-1966) to finally formalize this methodology. Among them chronologically were Kaibara Ekiken, Andou Shōeki, Mizuno Nanbaku, and Sagen Ishizuka and his disciples Nishibata Manabu and Shojiro Goto.

Macrobiotics was brought to Europe from Japan by Ohsawa, after spending much time with Nishibata Manabu (who taught extensively in Paris), and subsequently to North America in the late 1960s by his pupils Herman Aihara, Michio Kushi and Aveline Kushi among many others. Before the word "macrobiotics" became global in usage, it was known as the Unique Principle (a direct translation of its name in the Japanese language).

Macrobiotic diet - Philosophy

Followers of macrobiotics believe that food, and food quality, affects our lives more than is commonly thought. It is thought to affect our health, well being and happiness. They claim it is better to choose food that is less processed, more natural, use more traditional methods of cooking and cook for oneself, and families and friends of oneself.

Macrobiotics emphasize locally grown, whole grain cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruit, seaweed and fermented soy products, combined into meals according to the principle of balance between yin and yang properties, rather than scientific dietary guidelines. Cereals (and in particular, rice), which are seen as being naturally balanced in terms of Yin and Yang make up the main part of the diet. Foods which are either extremely Yin in nature (such as very sweet foods, or dairy products) or extremely Yang in nature (such as very salty foods or red meat) are eaten very rarely if at all.

Oshawa described ten diets in total, with varying proportions of the following food groups: cereals, vegetables, soups, animal foods, salad and fruits, desserts, and beverages. The ideal diet of the ten, according to Oshawa, was named "Number 7" and consists almost entirely of cereals with a minimal amount of beverages.[1]

Some followers try to extend the diet into a macrobiotic lifestyle. People who practice a Macrobiotic lifestyle believe they try to observe yin and yang in everything they do. They strive for balance and happiness in their daily lives and living in harmony with nature and their physical surroundings.

Macrobiotic diet - In practice

For those wishing to adopt the diet, it is recommended, as for all diets, to read more about it, and consult a dietitian or physician before starting, or in the case of illness. Some even consult a macrobiotic counselor. It is generally recommended that any diet be adopted gradually, for instance, reducing animal products, refined flour, sugar, dairy products and adding more whole grain and vegetable quality foods.

Macrobiotic diet - Criticisms

Following the macrobiotic diet is not universally accepted as a healthy practice. The diet has been studied by Western nutrional and medical experts, and some conclude that, when strictly followed, the diet could be harmful to some individuals. An extreme example of such criticism is:

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Macrobiotic diet", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki