What is the ... Macrobiotic Diet

[Guest guest]

JoAnn Guest <angelprincessjo wrote:

,DietaryTipsForHBP From: JoAnn Guest Thu, 2 Dec 2004 19:04:31 -0800 (PST) Your Question: What is the ... Macrobiotic DietYour Question: What is the ... The Macrobiotic Diet From Cathy Wong, N.D., The word "macrobiotic" comes from Greek roots and means "long life". The macrobiotic diet and philosophy were developed by a Japanese educator named George Ohsawa, who believed that simplicity was the key to optimal health. The diet Ohsawa recommended included ten progressively restrictive stages. The last stage of Ohsawa's macrobiotic diet consisted only of brown rice and water. Due to its extreme restriction, Ohsawa's version of the macrobiotic diet is no longer recommended by macrobiotic diet

counselors. Michio Kushi expanded on Ohsawa's macrobiotic theory and opened the Kushi Institute in Boston in 1978. Together with his wife Aveline, Kushi published many books on macrobiotics and was responsible for popularizing the diet in North America. Why do people follow this diet? People seeking a healthy way of eating that integrates physical, spiritual, and planetary health are interested in the macrobiotic diet. The macrobiotic diet is a low-fat, high fiber diet that is a predominantly vegetarian diet, emphasizing whole grains and vegetables. In addition, the macrobiotic diet is rich in phytoestrogens from soy. Because low-fat, high fiber diets are often recommended for cancer and other chronic diseases, the macrobiotic diet has been used by people with these conditions. The phytoestrogen content may be protective and reduce the risk of estrogen-related cancers such as breast cancer. However, further research is needed to

clarify whether the macrobiotic diet is effective in cancer prevention and treatment. People with serious medical conditions such as cancer or AIDS should always seek proper medical care. Some people try the diet because they heard it can cure their disease, but reseach has not substantiated these claims. What are the guidelines of this diet? Whole grains -- 50-60% of each meal Whole grains include brown rice, whole wheat berries, barley, millet, rye, corn, buckwheat, and other whole grains. Rolled oats, noodles, pasta, organic bread and whole grain products can be eaten occasionally. Soup -- 1 to 2 cups or bowls of soup per day Organic Miso and shoyu, which are made from fermented soybeans, are commonly used. Vegetables -- 25-30% of daily food intake Up to one-third of the total vegetable intake can be raw. Otherwise, vegetables should be steamed, baked, and sauteed. Beans -- 10% of daily food intake Cooked

beans or bean products such as organic tofu, tempeh, and natto. Animal Food -- Small amount of fish or seafood several times per week. Avoid meat, poultry and dairy. Consume with horseradish, wasabi, ginger, mustard, or grated daikon to help the body detoxify from the effects of fish and seafood. Seeds and Nuts -- In moderation. Seeds and nuts can be lightly roasted and salted with sea salt or organic shoyu. Local Fruit -- Several times a week. Apples, pears, peaches, apricots, grapes, berries, melons, and other fruit. Avoid tropical fruit such as mango and papaya. Desserts -- In moderation, 2-3 times per week. Desserts can be enjoyed by people who are in good health. Emphasize naturally sweet foods such as apples, squash, adzuki beans, and dried fruit. Natural sweeteners such as brown rice syrup, barley malt, and amazake can be used. Avoid refined sugar, honey, molasses, chocolate, carob, and other

sweeteners. Cooking Oil -- Use unrefined vegetable oil. The most common is dark sesame oil. Other oils that are recommended are light sesame oil and mustard seed oil. Condiments and Seasonings Commonly used seasonings include natural sea salt, organic shoyu, brown rice vinegar, umeboshi vinegar, umeboshi plums, grated ginger root, fermented pickles, gomashio (roasted sesame seeds), roasted seaweed, and sliced scallions. Diet guidelines should be individualized based on factors such as climate, season, age, gender, activity, and health needs. What are the strengths of this diet? This diet emphasizes the foods that tend to be lacking in the North American diet -- fiber-rich whole grains, vegetables, and beans. It is low in saturated fat and high in phytoestrogens, which may help to balance women's hormones and help with menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and prevention against breast cancer and endometriosis. Reference

Kushi M, Kushi A, Jack A. Macrobiotic Diet. Japan Publications, Inc. 1997. Important disclaimer information about this About site. The Fat Just Comes Back? Learn why no diet will keep you thin for long, and what will! www.survivalofthethinnest.com Cleanse intestinal debris John Wayne had 40 lbs, Elvis 60 lbs www.BlessedHerbs.com_________________JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/GenesAIM Barleygreen "Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future" http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html [Non-text portions

of this message have been removed]Please pass this message or article on to someone else so that they may learn also.Community Newsletters.http://www.alternative-medicine-newsletter.infoCommunity Message Boards.http://www.alternative-medicine-message-boards.info"Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a better world." - Linus PaulingGetting well is done one step at a time, day by day, building health and well being..list or archives: :........

- post:............. alternative_Medicine_Forum digest form:...... -digest individual emails: -normal no email:......... -nomail moderator:........ -owner unsubscribe:...... -