According to the book "Eat Right 4 Your Type," there are different dietary needs specific to your blood type. Those who are Type A blood would benefit from a certain kind of diet that will help promote weight loss, higher energy levels and better overall health. Type As generally have sensitive immune systems, are prone to cancer, diabetes and heart disease and the book describes foods best suited for people with Type A blood.
Vegetables
Type As typically store meat as fat and feel less energized than when they get their proteins from vegetable sources. Type As also tend to have lower stomach-acid content, which makes breaking down meat more difficult and causes the body to simply store it away as excess fat rather than breaking it down for energy. People with a Type A diet should incorporate vegetables to help make their caloric utilization more efficient and to lose weight. Eating raw or steamed vegetables preserves their nutrients. Type As can choose from a variety of vegetables to add to their daily diets, but should stay away from eggplants, potatoes and tomatoes, among others. "This is a wonderful, natural way to lose weight. Anytime to add in more veggies to your diet, you're going to see some weight loss," said registered dietitian Kim Dorval. "But for some Type As, you'll get even more benefits because your body is designed to make the best of each and every veggie you eat."
Soy Foods
Soy protein is another way Type As can add in more protein to their diet without consuming meat. Soy comes in many varieties and can be found in several types of foods and drinks or can be eaten on its own in foods like tofu. "Because you're changing your meat intake, or eliminating it altogether, you can eat a lot of soy foods to help you get more protein. Tofu is quite inexpensive and can be prepared in so many ways, it won't get you bored," said Dorval.
Pineapple and Fruits
Type As should eat fruits at least three times per day. Pineapple contains an enzyme that aids in digestion and help promote weight loss. Other fruits include berries, which are high in alkaline and help counteract extra acid in your muscles. Because type As have sensitive, alkaline-rich stomachs, be careful not to eat fruits that will irritate the stomach lining, like oranges and bananas. "Again, the Type A is lucky because they've got a lot of fruits to choose from," said Dorval. "Not only are they going to benefit from vegetables, but they're going to respond very well to fruits too, which is key for better overall health and weight loss."
References
- "Eat Right 4 Your Type"; Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo, Catherine Whitney; 1996
- Kim Dorval, RD; Nutrition in Motion; Bedford, New Hampshire
