Are Macrobiotic Diets Healthy?: This Week on AOL Health

When Gwyneth Paltrow recently announced she had osteopenia, a condition that causes weakening of the bone and is typically found in older adults, people began questioning whether her macrobiotic diet could be the cause.

A macrobiotic diet consists of unprocessed, whole and natural foods and is largely vegetarian with a focus on whole grains, vegetables, fermented soy, beans and soups. Though fans of this diet say it protects against diseases such as cancer while improving spiritual and physical wellness, nutritionally it can be low in certain vitamins and minerals, specifically vitamins D and B12, iron, protein and calcium.

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, as it helps the body absorb calcium. Paltrow says she's not as strict with her diet since having her children, but she admits that she doesn't eat much diary.

Visit AOL Health to learn more about osteopenia, its related condition osteoporosis and macrobiotic diets.

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