Wheat gluten is often used instead of meat in Asian, vegetarian, Buddhist, and macrobiotic cuisines. Most macrobiotic diets are not nutritionally sound. Nutritionists have criticized Kushi's claim that a macrobiotic diet can cure cancer. The macrobiotic diet is a type of fad diet. Children may also be particularly prone to nutritional deficiencies resulting from a macrobiotic diet. Michell himself was a proponent of the macrobiotic diet and philosophy. George Ohsawa, founder of the macrobiotic diet was influenced by Hufeland. During this time, Cage pursued a macrobiotic diet. Her parents raised the family on macrobiotic foods. Gardot is a Buddhist, macrobiotic cook, and humanitarian. "Kukicha" is one of the preferred teas of the macrobiotic diet. The macrobiotic way of eating was developed and popularized by the Japanese. After World War II, Kushi studied in Japan with macrobiotic educator, George Ohsawa. In October 1966, Sams went to England with plans to open a macrobiotic restaurant. I certainly never ate a mango, and had no idea what macrobiotic meant.