In his book "Eat Right for Your Type," Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo popularized the notion that each blood type requires a different diet for optimal health. Persons with blood type B, or "nomads," as the author calls them, are sturdy, alert individuals who thrive on a varied diet that includes green vegetables, eggs and low-fat dairy products and certain types of meat. In contrast, wheat and corn products, in addition to certain legumes, encourage weight gain.
Foods That Cause Weight Gain
Type Bs are sturdy individuals who are sensitive to fewer foods than other blood types, notes D'Adamo. However, many foods should be avoided by those with type B blood, especially if your wish is to avoid weight gain. These foods include corn, lentils, peanuts and sesame seeds. Wheat products slow digestion and cause food to be stored as fat, as does buckwheat.
Foods That Encourage Weight Loss
Type Bs thrive on a diet that emphasizes green vegetables, which aid efficient metabolism. Meat products, including lamb, mutton, rabbit and venison also support healthy metabolism, but type Bs should avoid red meat, which D'Adamo argues can cause autoimmune disorders and stress. Chicken is another food that should be strictly avoided if you are type B, as it can potentially lead to strokes and immune system dysfunction.
Other Foods to Emphasize
Type Bs thrive on seafood, especially deep-ocean fish such as cod and salmon. In addition, type B is the only blood type that can fully enjoy a variety of dairy foods. These include cheeses, yogurt and milk, although ice cream and American cheese should be avoided. In general, type Bs should avoid many beans and legumes, with the exception of kidney beans, navy beans and lima beans. Of the grains, wheat, corn, buckwheat and rye should be replaced with rice and "live" breads including Ezekiel bread, found in health food stores. Type Bs tolerate most fruits and vegetables well.
Considerations
Although the Blood Type diet has many proponents, critics of the diet plan that Dr. D'Adamo proposes include Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of "Eat to Live." Dr. Fuhrman contends that the 6 to 10 oz. of weekly cheese that D'Adamo recommends for type Bs is excessive, as cheese is high in saturated fat, devoid of fiber and should not be considered a health food. He also notes that D'Adamo supplies no scientific references to back his claims. Always consult a health-care professional before starting any new diet.
References
- "Eat Right for Your Type"; Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo; 1996
- "Eat to Live"; Joel Fuhrman; 2005
Member Comments