IV. 關于正食的問題
1. Can we have nutritionally balanced meals without
using meat?
Contrary to modern western thought, we do not have to eat meat.
Whatever nutritional value animal foods may provide is also readily
available from a vegetarian diet, particular an Asian diet. One
of the problems associated with eating meat is consuming an excess
amount of animal fat. Animal fat can build up on artery walls making
them fragile. Although animal protein contains all the amino acids,
a healthy body can manufacture what is contained in animal food.
In addition a healthy body maintains intestinal bacteria which can
manufacture the essential amino acids. Therefore, all the necessary
amino acids can be made as long as intestinal bacteria are working.
It is important that we consume dietary fiber and vegetable protein
to feed the bacteria so our bodies can develop and grow. If one
really has a craving for meat, he/she should eat only once or twice
a month.
2. Do we need eggs?
Eggs are often mistaken as a complete nutritional food because
they contain little water but plenty of protein, fat, vitamins,
and minerals. A growing body needs protein, energy sources (fat
and sugar), and supplemental nutrients (vitamins and minerals) which
are considered well-balanced in eggs. A mature body needs energy
sources, minerals and vitamins for balancing hormone and enzyme
activities, and dietary fiber for healthy intestines.
What are lacking in eggs are dietary fiber, and the content of
iron, magnesium, and zinc. Therefore, eggs do not include the complete
nutrients that are necessary for mature bodies. Another problem
with eggs is that they contain high amounts of protein and fat,
which can be hard on the stomach. If one would like to include eggs
in their diet, it is recommended that they be eaten occasionally.
3. Are dairy products necessary for our bodies?
As opposed to the modern western nutritional view, dairy products,
if considered at all, should be considered more as a supplemental
part of our diet as opposed to being an indispensable part of our
daily diet. The one advantage that dairy food has is that it is
easily digestible because they are fermented. On the other hand,
dairy products contain excessive amounts of fat and high molecular
protein, and are easily over-eaten. High molecular protein can be
hard on the stomach for the elderly and small children. Since the
immune system is not fully developed in young children, it is possible
for them to react negatively to dairy foods which can develop into
allergies for certain foods. For elderly people who may have weakened
digestive systems, dairy products may not be readily absorbed or
discharged from the body and cause a problem for the intestines.
Contrary to popular belief, dairy products are not necessary for
young people. Originally dairy products were fermented for preservation
purposes. However the commercial dairy products today contain excessive
artificial additives. These additives can have adverse effects possibly
harming the intestines and suppressing the activity of intestinal
bacteria. Also the protein composition is completely different from
what is needed for a healthy human body. With today's modern diet
already consisting of excessive fat, today's young generation will
only increase their cholesterol and fat levels.
4. Can we eat fish?
Fish is considered supplemental, but what is important is how it's
eaten. One of the basic rules of macrobiotics is to eat it whole.
The fish should be small enough, so that the whole body can be eaten.
All the living things are nutritionally balanced. Eating partial
fish is the same as having an unbalanced diet. Compared with other
animal products, fish has less fat and more minerals particularly
calcium. Fish also contains unsaturated fatty acids which help cool
the body and actually help in eliminating certain fats.
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