Eating Foods for Blood Types: The Blood Type Diet
The idea of their being specific foods for blood types was brought to life when a blood type diet was created in 1996 by a naturopathic physician by the name of Peter D’Adamo. It was at this time that he published a book, “Eat Right 4 Your Type”, which essentially outlined the need for humans to eat foods depending on what their blood type is.
The basic principle of the blood type diet is that a chemical reaction takes place in our bodies between the food we eat and our blood due to sugar-binding proteins in food known as lectins – you simply eat certain foods which correspond with the type of blood group you have. This selective eating results in a reduction in the reaction between lectins and your blood.
Dr. D’Adamo believes that the different blood types evolved throughout the years as mankind evolved and therefore the blood group should determine what foods you can eat.
The following is a summary of how the blood groups are broken down and what each group can consume when following a food for blood types diet:
Blood type O
Based on his own research, D’Adamo states that blood group O was the first type that existed in the history of humankind (over 30,000 years ago). For this reason, the diet states that this particular blood type should eat a diet that is very high in protein and are essentially meat eaters. Foods which the blood group should eat include meat, fish, vegetables and fruit while limiting grains, beans and legumes.
Blood type A
This blood group came into being approximately 20,000 years ago and it is believed that at this time mankind was more agricultural than previous years. For this reason, people of this blood group should eat a meat-free vegetable-laden diet and are essentially vegetarian. Foods which this blood group should eat include vegetables, tofu, seafood, grains, beans, legumes and fruit.
Blood type B
Coming into being around 10,000 years ago, this blood group is said to be the only ones who have a truly strong immune system and a very versatile digestive system. The creator of the blood types diet states that this group thrives on dairy products and so this food group should be the main part of their diet. Foods which this blood group should eat include dairy products, grains, beans, legumes, vegetables and fruit.
Blood type AB
This is said to be the youngest of all the blood types, only having evolved around 1,000 years ago. As you may expect, this blood type can have a mixed diet based on the principle dietary factors of the individual blood groups of A and B.
The foods for blood types diet seems quite straightforward in its explanation and may appeal to many people due to its simplicity, as well as the fact that there is no messing about counting carbs or calories etc.
The Pros and Cons of Following A Food For Blood Types Diet
The results of following a blood types diet will vary from person to person, as most diets do, with some claiming that it helps them lose a lot of weight and gives them lots of energy.
Another of the interesting foods for blood types fact is that it is claimed that the diet not only helps with weight loss and energy levels but it can also help to prevent serious illnesses including cancer.
The blood type diet gained much attention when the beautiful English singer, song writer, dancer and model Cheryl Cole highly praised the diet for improving the way she feels and her energy levels.
Nonetheless, the main fallback of this diet is that most of the scientific research that this diet is based on is carried out by the creator of the diet and therefore may not be free of bias. There is also evidence to suggest that fellow naturopathic physicians do not share the same views as Peter D’Adamo and believe that the diet may even be harmful to the body¹.
Although the practice of eating certain foods may work for some people, there is nothing substantial to proclaim that this type of diet works for the majority. This ultimately leaves us in the same place that the concept of food combining for health leaves us….uncertain of its effectiveness.
The decision to follow a food for blood types diet must be left up to the individual to decide whether it is an avenue in the vast world of diets worth pursuing or not.
To learn more about this diet and to help you make your decision we recommend you read Dr. D’Adamo’s book “Eat Right 4 Your Type”
1. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50713&page=2