The foods you eat have a profound effect on your body, and according to one theory, they react differently with different blood types. There are four blood types: O, A, B and AB; the most common blood type is type O. Dr. Peter D'Amado, creator of the Eat Right For Your Blood Type diet, prescribes a specific diet for each blood type, based on the reactions between your blood type and certain foods. People with blood type B are prone to different diseases and conditions than people with blood types O or A, and need a different diet to maximize health benefits, he says. While many people claim to have benefited from the Blood Type diet, there isn't conclusive scientific evidence proving its effectiveness.
Type B Diet
Type B blood types are described as generally strong and energetic; most are thought to be able to resist diseases such as heart disease and cancer. So, the diet for type B may assist the body in resisting diseases and may provide a long, healthy life. This controversial diet is based on the amount of lectin, a protein in foods that affects metabolism. Compared to others, type B blood types can include most kinds of food in their diet.
Meat, Poultry and Seafood
Meat such as lamb, venison, beef and veal boost blood type B immune systems. Fish such as cod, salmon, flounder, and halibut are also beneficial for blood type B. Chicken, poultry and pork products should be avoided, as they contain high amounts of a protein that may promote blood clotting, strokes and other health conditions. Shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, crab, oyster and mussels should be avoided, as they may cause digestive problems in people with type B blood.
Grains, Legumes and Nuts
Type B blood types do not process grains efficiently; most grains contain lectins that can cause fatigue, slow metabolism, blood disorders and fluid retention. Corn, wheat and buckwheat are thought to be major causes of weight gain in this diet type. Legumes and nuts, such as lentils, beans, peanuts, sesame seeds, cashews and walnuts, also should be avoided, as they may interfere with insulin production.
Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables are acceptable for the type B diet. Pineapples are especially helpful, as they promote digestion. Specific fruits to include in your diet are bananas, grapes, plums and cranberries; most other fruits are also beneficial to type B blood types. Tomatoes, corn and olives should not be consumed, as they contain components that can react with blood type B. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, swiss chard, lettuce and kale are high in magnesium, which helps to fend off viruses and diseases of the immune systems, and they are highly recommended.
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