Blood types differ by individual; each person has either type A, B, AB or O. Peter D'Adamo, a naturopathic physician, popularized the concept that blood type should determine your ideal diet and lifestyle choices in his 1996 book "Eat Right 4 Your Type." D'Adamo proposes a diet and exercise plan for each blood type based on hypotheses about genetic differences between blood type groups. No scientific evidence supports the claims made by blood type diet proponents. Talk to your doctor to ensure that your new diet plan is a safe and effective choice for you.
Theory
D'Adamo developed the blood type diet based on differences he noted between people with different blood types. Your blood cells carry particular antigens, or proteins, that mark them as type A, B or AB. Blood cells without these antigens are type O. D'Adamo believes that the time at which your blood type evolved determines the types of foods you should eat. Blood type supposedly affects the types of foods your body absorbs, your susceptibility to certain diseases, stomach acidity levels and hormone levels.
Blood Type B
Blood type diet proponents claim that blood type B evolved when humans moved from eastern Africa to the Himalayan mountains. Modern people from China, Korea, India, Germany and Austria have a higher incidence of type B blood. Because type B blood evolved when farm-dwelling people began to live a nomadic lifestyle, people with this blood type should eat a variety of foods, including vegetables, grains, dairy and meat. In contrast, D'Adamo recommends that types O and A restrict their food intake to include primarily meats and vegetables, respectively.
Diet Plan
The blood type diet recommends that type B individuals avoid eating corn, buckwheat, sesame seeds, wheat, chicken, pork, shellfish, tomatoes, peanuts and lentils. These foods purportedly cause hypoglycemia, weight gain, fluid retention, strokes and immune disorders. Instead, people with blood type B should eat rabbit, venison, mutton and lamb. Green vegetables, eggs and low-fat dairy products also promote weight loss, according to D'Adamo. Although olive oil is acceptable for people with blood type B, they should avoid vegetable, canola, corn and other plant oils.
Considerations
No scientific evidence supports the claims of blood type diet proponents. There are no known links between blood type and factors influencing weight gain, chronic diseases and physical activity choices. Nutritionist Juliette Kellow from the United Kingdom notes that following the blood type diet may cause long-term health problems because it restricts intake from certain food groups. Instead of following this fad diet, talk to your doctor about your dietary habits to identify ways that you can lose weight and make healthier lifestyle choices.
Member Comments