Macrobiotics, Yin and Yang Foods

The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the health trend of macrobiotics. Here is their report:

 

The word “macrobiotics” is derived from the Greek language and means “long life.” It is an approach to wellness based on the consumption of “yin” and “yang” foods that are nutritionally and energetically balanced.  

Faithful followers of a macrobiotic diet believe that foods work in harmony to realign natural energies in the body, promoting health and wellness. 

Generally, this diet is low in fat and high in fiber, with an emphasis on seasonal and organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, vegetable proteins, and limited meats.

 

Yin Foods and Yang Foods

There are four elements that determine whether a food is Yin or Yang:

How quickly the food grows and whether it grows up (above ground) or down (below ground).
Whether the food was grown in a northern or southern climate.
The sodium or potassium content of the food.
Whether the food has a hot, cold or neutral effect on the body.

 

Yin foods are rich in potassium, considered to be cool and nourishing to the body and typically grow above the soil. 

Cool or cold foods are often:

White or green in color
Lower in calories
Served raw, steamed or boiled 
Fruits
Vegetables
Legumes
Shellfish

 

Yang foods are higher in sodium, considered to be warm and drying to the body, and typically grow below the soil.

Warm or hot foods are often:

Red, yellow or orange in color
Higher in calories and cooked in oil
Most meats, some fish
Tomatoes
Peppers
Alcoholic beverages

 

Plain Foods (or foods that have a neutral effect on the body) include:

Rice
Pasta
Vegetable
Legumes
Potatoes
White sugar
Honey

 

Devotees of Macrobiotics believe you must eat “cool or cold” foods when it is hot, and “hot” foods when it is cold.

 

The Five-Element Theory

In addition to yin and yang, there are five earth elements associated with qualities of food which must also be balanced, and the healthiest meal encompasses all five.

Fire corresponds with bitter foods and expansive energy such as sadness and joy.  This element is said to affect the heart and small intestine.
Earth corresponds with sweet foods and downward energy such as worry and fulfillment.  Earth is said to affect the spleen and stomach.
Metal corresponds with pungent foods and contracted energy such as grief and hope.  Metal is said to have an effect on the lungs and large intestine.
Water corresponds with salty foods and floating energy like fear and will. The kidney and bladderare affected by this element.
Wood corresponds with sour foods and upward energy such as anger and kindness. The liver and gall bladderare affected by wood.

 

According to the five-element theory, if there is a physical problem in a particular area of the body, you must consume more foods of the corresponding element in order to restore health and balance.

 

The macrobiotic philosophy aims for harmony and wellness within the body.  Those who follow this diet strive for variety in every meal to ensure that a wide range of nutrients are consumed for balance and enjoyment!

 

And for those who are looking at alternative healthy diets, yet are struggling to get their 5 daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, the Institute for Vibrant Living has formulated a new category of whole superfood supplements.

 

Just 1 tbsp. of these finely-milled powders mixed with 6-8 oz. of liquid will provide the equivalent of 5 daily recommended servings of vegetables and fruits. To learn more, visit IVLProducts.com and search: All Day Energy Greens & Go Ruby Go.