People's blood types are either type A, B, AB or O. Research conducted by Dr. D'Adamo indicates that your characteristics differ depending upon your inherited blood type and suggests that your diet should vary accordingly. According to Dr. D'Adamo, if you have type A blood, you will achieve optimal health by following a primarily vegetarian diet.
Protein Sources
If you have type A blood, Dr. D'Adamo advises you to avoid all meats, specifically processed, and poultry. Eat fish in moderate amounts, but avoid white fish like sole and flounder. Examples of beneficial seafood include salmon, cod, snapper and grouper. Eat soy foods if you have type A blood as they optimize immune function, increase digestion and aid in weight loss.
Carbohydrate Sources
Type As do very well when eating a selection of beans and legumes, which could also be considered an additional protein source. The most beneficial beans include black, green, pinto, lentils and black-eyed. Importantly, garbanzo, kidney, Lima, navy and red beans should be avoided. Whole grain cereals, breads and pastas made from buckwheat, amaranth, rice and oats are extremely beneficial. White and whole wheat flour however, should be avoided as should granola, grape nuts and shredded wheat.
A selection of fruits and vegetables recommended for type As will also provide you with sources of carbohydrates. Consuming vegetables raw or lightly steamed will offer you the most benefits. Broccoli, carrots, collard greens, kale, pumpkin and spinach are important, but not all contenders. Avoid potatoes, including sweet, cabbage and tomatoes. Dr. D'Adamo recommends dieters eat fruits three times a day. Alkaline varieties such as berries and plums are highly beneficial as are cherries, grapefruits, pineapple and figs. Fruits to avoid include bananas, mangoes, melons, oranges and papayas.
Fat Sources
If following the type A diet, eat beneficial oils that aid in digestion include flax and olive. Fat from peanuts and pumpkin seeds are extremely beneficial while cashews and pistachios should be avoided. Only small amounts of dairy are tolerated by type As, including an occasional egg, but anything made with whole milk should never be consumed. Soy milk and cheese are well-tolerated dairy alternatives.
References
- Eat Right For Your Type: Type A
- "Eat Right for Your Type"; Dr. D'Adamo and Catherine Whitney; 1996
