Understanding Macrobiotics

Discover macrobiotics, The “MUSO Principle” and why our brands value what it stands for.

It's less about controlling weight and more about creating a balanced lifestyle.

Macrobiotics is not a radical theory or an extreme diet -

But it is a basic traditional way of living, providing fundamental principles of how to live in harmony with nature.

The macrobiotic diet focuses on choosing organic, locally grown and seasonal produce. It is not so much a 'diet' as a lifestyle system.

The Principles of Macrobiotics

ONE

Eat Seasonally and Source Locally

Macrobiotics encourages people to eat food grown in the local environment in which they live and that the crops be eaten in the season when they naturally grow.

TWO

Eat Foods Whole

Food is balanced as a whole and there is no unnecessary part. This concept comes from the basic eastern idea, "there is nothing to waste in this world."

THREE

Eat Grains and Vegetables

Eating grains and vegetables is a way for humans to regain their true human nature with health and love.

FOUR

Embrace Yin and Yang

Yang refers to contracting energy and Yin refers to diffusing. Macrobiotics uses the Yin & Yang as a way to approach a balanced diet. The traditional Japanese meal with rice, vegetables, sea vegetables, and pickles is recognized worldwide as the best-balanced in Yin and Yang.

FIVE

Eat in the Right Manner

Many people do not know that our teeth reveal the ideal proportion of foods for the human diet. Macrobiotics embraces the theory that the right eating balance for humans is 60% grains, 30% vegetables and sea vegetables, and 10% animal foods.

THE “MUSO PRINCIPLE” IS BORN

George Ohsawa brought together the principles of macrobiotics, Japanese traditions of growing and preparing food to coin the term the “MUSO Principle”.

George Ohsawa devoted his life to promoting macrobiotics and the “MUSO Principle” throughout the world.

In 1953, he introduced the idea of macrobiotics and the “MUSO Principle” to Shuzo Okada (the founder of MUSO, Co). Together, they founded the Japan Macrobiotic Association to spread the “MUSO Principle” throughout Osaka. That same year, Shuzo Okada founded MUSO, CO to not only spread the “MUSO Principle” but to provide access to the right food.

Ohsawa products embody these concepts and are produced using traditional Japanese practices. Our other brands understand the value of the “MUSO Principle” and want to encourage others to incorporate it into their daily lives.

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