Diet Plan According To Blood Group

The Blood Type Diet was popularized by Peter D'Adamo, N.D., author of the 1996 best-selling book "Eat Right 4 Your Type." The idea of eating for your blood type stems from the notion that an individual's response to specific foods is associated with her blood type. The concept is also based on evolution and how different blood types emerged in response to environmental conditions and dietary changes.

Function

According to "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods," the physiological explanation for why people should eat according to their blood type is linked to protein-like substances known as lectins that are present in commonly eaten foods. Blood type is determined by the presence or absence of sugar-containing molecules on the surface of cells and lectins are believed to interact with these molecules.

Type O

Individuals with type O blood are encouraged to adopt a diet similar to that of early humans, who consumed primarily a meat-based diet. Dr. D'Adamo recommends consuming lean beef, turkey, chicken, seafood, beans, green leafy vegetables and fruit . However, Dr. D'Adamo warns that those with type O blood should avoid eggs, dairy products, breads, pastas and corn.

Type A, B and AB

"Type As flourish on a vegetarian diet," as stated by Dr. D'Adamo. Therefore, type As should consume a plant-based diet and adequate amounts of raw vegetables, lentils, beans, whole grains, and soy products.

Dr. D'Adamo's official website for "Eat Right For Your Type" notes that those with type B blood should eat seafood, lamb, dairy products and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

According to Dr. D'Adamo, type AB has characteristics of both A and B blood types: low stomach acid and the adaptation to meat consumption. However, low levels of stomach acid inhibits the proper metabolizing of meat, resulting in it being stored as fat. Therefore, consumption of beef should be limited. Individuals with type AB blood should choose dairy products, eggs, rice and fruit.

Effects

Dr. D'Adamo believes that the immune response to lectin is the basis of health problems and that "blood type, with its digestive and immune specificity, is a window on a person's probable susceptibility to or power over disease." The MayoClinic.com adds that while proponents of the Blood Type Diet suggest that individuals who eat foods that are not compatible with their blood type "may experience a host of health problems, including slow metabolism, allergies, asthma, cancer, heart disease and chronic fatigue," there is a lack of solid scientific evidence for these claims.

Considerations

While some individuals claim to have benefited from eating a diet according to their blood type, there is no scientific basis for the blood type diet. The best approach for everyone is to eat a diet that avoids processed foods high in fat and sugar, which are associated with weight gain and chronic disease. More research is needed regarding the value of a blood type diet.