According to Dr. Peter D'Adamo, author of "Eat Right For Your Type," optimum health and weight control is best achieved by eating according to your blood type. D'Adamo suggests that your blood type dictates what foods you are best able to digest and absorb. By eating foods that are suited to your biochemical makeup, you will enjoy easy weight loss, greater energy levels, less disease and greater longevity. Blood group type-O is considered to be the oldest of the blood groups and best suited to a high protein, low-carb diet.
Meat
In his book "Eat Right for Your Type," D'Adamo says type-O's are descended from humanity's hunter-gatherer ancestors and are biologically suited to a high protein diet. The list of foods deemed to be highly beneficial for type-O's includes beef, lamb and buffalo, while pork and related items such as bacon and sausages are best avoided. Type-O's should also thrive on organ meats such as livers, kidneys and hearts.
Fish
Another valuable source of protein for type-O's is fish, which is rich in healthy oils, or omega-3 fatty acids. D'Adamo suggests that type-O's are best suited to oil-rich coldwater fish such as cod, mackerel, salmon, sardines and trout. Very few fish are considered off-limits to type-O's, but the main exceptions are catfish and barracuda.
Grains
Grains were not part of hunter-gatherer diets, so very few grain-based foods are recommended for type-O's. While pasta and bread made from wheat are to be avoided, type-O's can enjoy products made from grains such as spelt, millet, rye and soy. D'Adamo suggests that while these alternative grains can be safely consumed by type-O's, that they should only be eaten in moderation, as even these healthier grains can be problematic if consumed in large quantities.
Vegetables
Vegetables were freely available to hunter-gatherers and subsequently can be eaten freely by Type-O's. The healthy benefits of vegetables are well-documented, and the vitamins, minerals and fiber contained in vegetables are essential to your well being. Type-O's should consume liberal amounts of most vegetables, including pumpkin, spinach, kale, onions, turnips, broccoli and red peppers. There are a few vegetables that type-O's should avoid, however, including cabbage, cauliflower and eggplant. These vegetables allegedly are not tolerated very well by type-O's.
Fruit
Fruit is chock-full of vitamins and minerals but, according to D'Adamo, there are only a handful of fruits that are considered beneficial to those with type-O blood. While fruits such as apples, bananas, mangoes and pineapples are considered neutral, the only fruits D'Adamo classifies as beneficial are prunes, plums and figs. He goes on to suggest that fruits -- including oranges, melons and strawberries -- are best avoided. D'Adamo's recommendations apply to fruit juices as well as the whole fruit.
References
- "Eat Right 4 Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer and Achieving Your Ideal Weight"; Dr. Peter D'Adamo and Catherine Whitney; 1996
- "Blood Type O Food, Beverage and Supplemental Lists"; Dr. Peter D'Adamo and Catherine Whitney; 2002
