The blood type diet was developed by Peter D'Adamo, N.D., a naturopath. D'Adamo claims that your blood type creates a tendency to react to some foods and benefit from others, and that choosing the wrong foods leads to weight gain, inflammation and chronic disease. There are four major blood types -- A, B, AB and O -- and four corresponding diets. D'Adamo has written several books on the subject, and also markets supplement formulas for the different blood types.
Understanding Blood Types
Blood types are determined by substances called antigens on the blood cell's surface. If you have Type A blood, you have "A" antigens; if you have type B blood, you have "B" antigens. AB blood has both antigens, and Type O has neither. People with type A blood will react to B antigens; people with B blood react to A antigens. Type O reacts to both, and type AB to neither. These reactions are deadly, which is why a doctor will check your blood type before giving you blood.
Blood Type and Food
D'Adamo says that foods have surface proteins which resemble the A and B antigens. Someone with A blood will react to foods that resemble the B antigen and vice versa. Each blood type has a different set of harmful and beneficial foods, and each blood type is at risk for different health issues. For instance, he states people with AB blood type are likely to develop problems with the immune system, stress response and liver function, and that improper food choices will make these problems worse.
Beneficial Foods for Type AB
To nourish an AB type, D'Adamo recommends plenty of green vegetables and tofu. Yogurt and kefir are helpful dairy foods. Recommended fish choices include salmon, tuna and mahi mahi. If you are type AB, green tea and olive oil should be part of your daily diet.
Harmful Foods for Type AB
According to D'Adamo, people with AB blood have low stomach acid, which makes it difficult for them to efficiently digest meats. They should avoid corn, lima beans, sesame seeds and buckwheat because these foods interfere with their production of insulin. Caffeine and alcohol are also considered harmful for those with AB blood.
Is the Blood Type Diet Useful?
D'Adamo claims that followers of his system will lose weight, reduce inflammation and decrease their risk of serious disease. Others are skeptical. MayoClinic.com nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky states that there is no evidence that the blood type diet is more effective than any other diet. Remember that a mix of healthy foods is essential no matter your blood type and consult your doctor to find out if the blood type diet may be helpful for you.
Member Comments