Aren't all veggies good for you?

Spinach is high in acids.

Of course they are!  So why are some veggies recommended for only occasional use on a macrobiotic diet?  Before we go into details, it's important to remember that this is just a guideline or more of a starting point for you to jump off from.  Macrobiotics is about listening to what works for you.  Each person has a different blood type and lives in different climate zones, therefore the amount of these veggies you consume will vary greatly depending on what grows locally in your area and just what feels right for you.  

Based on health studies, macrobiotics says that tomatoes, asparagus, red chard, beet greens, spinach, and rhubarb should be consumed only occasionally throughout the week because they are high in oxalic add.  This inhibits the absoprotion of calcium in the body and leeches out vital minerals from the blood and bones.  Other veggies, such as nightshades including zucchini, avocado, eggplant, potato, and various edible weeds, are considered tropical veggies and too extreme for regular use because they have an unhealthful acidying effect on the blood if they are consumed on a regular basis, especially by those living in the temperate zone.

Quick Facts:  Acid vs. Alkaline

• In a healthy state, the human blood and the fluid around most of the body’s cells are slightly alkaline.  When the blood has more of an acid load to deal with, the organs that eliminate it (kidneys and lungs) and the internal system that neutralizes the acid all become overworked. 
• Over time, acid builds up subtly but surely and weakens all the organs and immune system, causing changes in the internal environment that allows infection, inflammation and other symptoms to arise. 
• A key sign of acid build up is fatigue. People who are always fatigued, usually have acid accumulation in the tissue and joints.  
• Most of the diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc., have their roots in chronic acid presence in the blood, tissue and organs.  Immune system disorders, mental illness, and many other health conditions that plague the modern world, have their beginnings in chronic acid build up.  

Plainly said, when your diet becomes too acidic, your body uses vital stored minerals to redress the balance.  Therefore the most practical way to maintain healthy alkaline blood and alklaine fluid around the cells is through the selection and preparation of alkaline-forming foods. A macrobiotic diet is an excellent way to maintain an alkaline condition.

Try this simple and delicious veggie dish ;)

Chinese-style Vegetables

3 cups water

1/2 medium onion, cut into half-moons (about 1/2 cup)

3 shiitake mushrooms, soaked, stems removed, and sliced

1-2 medium cup carrots, cut into matchsticks (about 1/2 cup)

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup sliced Chinese cabbage, cut diagonally into pieces about 1 inch wide

1 1/2 tbsp kuzu

Tamari, to taste

1. Place water in pot and bring to a boil.  Add onions and shiitake and reduce flame to medium-low.  Cover and simmer for 4-5 mins.  Add carrots and broccoli and simmer, covered, for 2-3 mins.  Add Chinese cabbage and simmer, for 1 min more.
2. To make sauce, dilute kuzu in 2-3 tbsp of water.  Reduce flame to low and add diluted kuzu, stirring constantly to prevent lumping.  when kuzu becomes translucent and creamy, season veggies with a little tamari to obtain a mild salt taste.
3. Serve over croquettes, noodles, or plain rice, or as a veggie side dish.