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Whole grains form the main part of the macrobiotic diet, making up about 50 to 60 percent of the entire food intake. Studies have shown that the grains can help to cure various types of cancers. This makes your options to fight cancer more numerous. 

 

One reason for the low-carbohydrate recommendation is the recent popularity of various high-protein / low-carbohydrate diets, which seem to be effective in bringing about weight loss although a number of studies suggest that such results tend to be temporary.

 

Glycemic Index

Another reason is the relatively new theory about glycemic index which measures the effect of carbohydrates on the blood sugar level. Foods with a high glycemic index (70 or more) cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly. Foods with a low glycemic index (55 or less) cause a more gradual rise in the blood sugar level.

 

In general, low glycemic index foods are recommended as such foods are said to help people:

o             lose and control weight

o             improve diabetic control

o             lower the risk of cardiovascular disease

o             reduce blood cholesterol levels

o             avoid over-eating since these foods keep a person feeling full for a longer period.

 

High glycemic index foods, on the other hand, are said to be helpful mainly for people who need an energy boost for sports and strenuous exercise, or to re-fuel after exercise.

 

To some extent, the glycemic index theory supports the consumption of whole grains since they are generally have a lower glycemic index compared to refined grains. However, according to official glycemic index data, brown rice, depending on the type, quite often has a higher glycemic index than white rice! For example, the glycemic index for various types of white rice vary from 45 to 69, whereas that for brown rice vary from 50 to 87!

 

Most grains, whether whole grains or refined, have a glycemic index of in the range of medium to high. And so, a lot of health experts recommend cutting down on grains, including whole grains.

 

Whole Grains Real Life Experience

The actual, real life experience of people who follow a macrobiotic diet, however, does not support the glycemic index theory. Despite eating plenty of brown rice and other whole grains, such people are seldom obese. Macrobiotic people are typically slim and slightly below average in body weight.

 

Nor do they suffer from heart / cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer and other health problems associated with high glycemic index foods. In rural, traditional societies, where people are poor and they eat mainly grains both whole grains and refined grains again people are generally healthy and free from degenerative diseases. To get started, click here. 

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To learn more about the stages of cancer, check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYRGBu9aLzw.