All in a husk

The macrobiotic diet, stressing on high-fibre foods, was initiated in Japan and then taken to Europe in the late nineteenth century. Macrobiotics stresses locally or organically grown whole grain cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruit, seaweed and fermented soy products while balancing the yin and yang properties, based on the acidity of the food, where it grows, the colour, shape, flavour and moisture content of the food. Grains are given more importance, particularly brown rice.

Because low-fat, high-fibre diets are often recommended for cancer and other chronic diseases, the macrobiotic diet has been used by these patients. Researchers now are also working on the relationship between macrobiotic diet and cancer prevention.

Besides brown rice one can have whole-wheat, berries, barley and corn. And for those who want to add spice, there8217;s semi-cooked noodles, pasta with veggies and brown bread occasionally. Vegetables are recommended raw but otherwise, they can be steamed, boiled and baked. 8220;The food should never be cooked or steamed in microwave but pressure cookers should be used instead,8221; says Dr Kanupriya Khanna, chief dietitian and consultant Fortis Lafamme.

For non-vegetarians, the choice is between fish and seafood cooked in ginger or mustard sauce to detoxify the harmful effect of fish and seafood instead of meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products.

Fruit lovers too can easily adapt themselves to this diet; one can have green apples, pears, peaches, apricots, grapes, berries, and melons. Tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and papaya that have fat content, are best avoided.

Switching to the diet, however, must be after consultations with dietitians, preferably macrobiotic counsellors as sudden increase in fibre content can cause health problems.

The flip side 8212; critics says reject this diet as being too restrictive and leading to malnutrition and many other serious diseases. The reason being that the body is deprived of essential calories, vitamins calcium and iron. The advocates, though, believe that this happens only in case of severe dieting that involves just brown rice and water.

FINE BALANCE

Very Yin

Tropical fruit

Sugar

Soft dairy products

Alcohol

Honey

Very Yang

Poultry

Meat

Firm dairy products

Eggs

Refined seasalt

Coffee

Typical Macrobiotic

Onigiri is a Japanese rice ball snack most commonly formed into triangle or oval shapes and wrapped in seaweed. Onigiri is filled with pickled ume fruit umeboshi, salted salmon or any other salty or sour ingredient. Either pickled filling or vinegar is used for preservation.