Blood Type Diet Plans

In his book "Eating Right for Your type," Dr. Peter D'Adamo explains that as humans have evolved we have developed genetic predispositions relating to personality, activities of daily living as well as nutrition. He asserts that by eating the types of foods that our ancestors of the same blood type ate, we can avoid weight gain and other health problems. Talk to your health care provider before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Blood Type O

O positive is also the most common blood type in humans. According to Dr. D'Adamo, individuals with blood type O thrive on lean, high-protein diets. Ancestors with this blood type were hunters. Ideal foods for O types include lean red meat, venison, liver, wild foul, salt water fish as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. They should avoid wheat and dairy as they tend to cause allergies. They should also avoid all gluten products, processed sugars and other refined foods.

Typical type O meals include chicken cacciatore and asparagus, garden salad with hard boiled eggs and broiled salmon with lemon butter. Examples of breakfast items would be eggs and bacon, gluten-free cereals and spelt or oat flour pancakes.

Blood Type A

People with A blood types do well on a primarily vegetarian diet. Dr. D'Adamo explains that this blood type emerged later, after many game herds were dwindling and people began to rely on plants more as a source of food. During this time people began to gather food and cultivate crops. As such, A's require more complex carbohydrates in their diet, along with nuts, berries and fresh fruit.

It is also recommended that A blood types eat smaller, more frequent meals. Examples include Italian bean and pasta salad, veggie burgers on whole grain rolls, broccoli salad and mushroom pizza on whole-grain bread. Breakfast items include buckwheat pancakes or waffles, breakfast scones and whole-grain cereal with fresh blueberries.

Blood Type B

According to Dr. D'Adamo's official website, blood Type B developed in the Himalayan highlands, now part of present-day India and Pakistan. Most B blood types today are found in India, China, Korea and to some extent Japan. Because of frequent migrations within this group of people, decendents with blood type B tend to adapt to most climates and conditions easily.

Where type A and O are polar opposites, type B's can eat a wider variety of foods. They can eat lamb, venison, beef, fish, as well as quality whole grains such as brown rice. As with all blood types, they require plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and should avoid high-sugar foods and processed grains. Examples of blood type B foods include Pad Thai rice noodles with beef, veggie pitas and swordfish with sauteed zuchini. Breakfast items include most whole grain cereals and breads, as well as eggs and omelets.

Type AB

AB blood type is the newest blood type found in humans. It is found in roughly 5 percent of the population and is the rarest type. As its name implies it is the product of intermingling A and B blood types. This type is unique as it is the result of mixing two types and not the product of evolution or adaptation. According to Dr. D'Adamo, AB's are much like chameleons, and their characteristics change depending on their environment. At times they may do well following a laid-back B-type diet, while in other circumstances it is advisable to follow a strict A vegetarian diet. It is important to pay attention to what effect different foods have on the body. In addition, Dr. D'Adamo recommends eating smaller, frequent meals as with A blood types.