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Eating clean, eating local have much in common with macrobiotic diet

registered dietitian nutritionist Maria Erdman of the Upstate Cancer CenterSome people believe that a macrobiotic diet is a healthy way to eat and that it can help prevent cancer. While no strong evidence exists for its cancer-fighting abilities, a mostly vegetarian diet rich in whole grains and vegetables can be satisfying and healthy, explains registered dietitian nutritionist Maria Erdman of the Upstate Cancer Center. The modern macrobiotic movement gained traction in the 1960s, she says. Macrobiotic means "great life," and along with particular foods, followers of the diet also strive for a peaceful lifestyle. People who eat a macrobiotic diet get up to 70 percent of their calories from whole grains, plus beans, sea vegetables (various seaweeds) and white fish. The foods are thought to reduce inflammation. Erdman said most of the foods in the diet are considered to be heart-healthy.

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