Eating a diet specific to your blood type has been promoted by Dr. D'Adamo in his book, "Eat Right for Your Type." Dr. D'Adamo states that individuals have differing characteristics according to their blood type; he suggests that people follow a diet composed of foods that contain lectins, proteins, that interact beneficially with their cells. Individuals with type O blood therefore, are advised to eat specific foods that vary from those recommended to other blood types.
Type O: Protein Sources
According to Dr. D'Adamo, if you have type O blood, you should achieve optimal health by eating lean, organic meats, poultry and most importantly, fish. Lean beef, lamb, turkey and chicken aid in increasing the efficiency of your metabolism. Seafood should also be a large component of your diet. Dr. D'Adamo believes that fish such as cod, halibut, trout and snapper increases thyroid hormone production in individuals who have type O blood. A protein portion size consisting of no more than 6 oz. per meal is sufficient.
Type O: Carbohydrate Sources
The type O diet is strict on carbohydrate intake and encourages you to restrict the consumption of grains, breads, legumes and beans as they may lead to fatigue and weight gain. In particular, gluten, found in wheat germ and wheat products, may result in significant weight gain if you have type O blood. Although the list is minimal, beneficial legumes include pinto, black-eyed and azuki beans. Ezekiel bread is also recommended on this diet. There are however, no beneficial cereals, crackers, grains or pastas. The primary source of carbohydrates come from vegetables such as broccoli, parsnips, potatoes, spinach and pumpkin, as well as from fruits including figs, plums and prunes.
Type O: Fat Sources
On the type O diet, you should significantly reduce your intake of dairy foods as they do not correspond to an efficient metabolism. Although there are no beneficial dairy foods, neutral products include butter, feta, goat and mozzarella cheese. Fats from oils such as flax and olive are highly beneficial as are walnuts and pumpkin seeds. According to the Blood Type Diet, a lunch consisting of a spinach salad topped with olive oil and dried figs accompanied with a fillet of salmon would put you on the path toward optimal health.
References
- Eat Right For Your Type: Type O
- "Eat Right for Your Type"; Dr. D'Adamo and Catherine Whitney; 1996
