List Of Foods For O-negative Blood Type Diet

The Blood Type Diet popularized by naturopathic physician Peter D'Adamo contends that people are healthier and lose weight more easily by choosing foods according to their blood type. D'Adamo says a blood's Rh factor doesn't make much difference in terms of the diet, but people with O-negative blood often need a little more protein and a little less grain than those with O-positive blood. In addition, he says they should be very diligent about staying away from foods he recommends avoiding, especially potential mold carriers.

History

D'Adamo outlined his diet theory in the 1996 book "Eat Right 4 Your Type." The Blood Type Diet is based on his theory that food proteins called lectins are digested differently by people with different blood types, and if you follow a diet designed for your blood type, you can improve your health, help prevent certain diseases and lose weight. His diet is based on the types of foods our ancestors ate as various blood types evolved over the centuries.

Foods to Eat

D'Adamo says type-O blood is the oldest, and he recommends foods for type Os that mimic the high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets of the early hunter-gatherers. Type Os on this diet should eat plenty of animal proteins, such as meat and fish. They can enjoy certain vegetables, nuts, seeds and eggs in moderation. A typical meal might include roast beef or lamb, spinach salad or broccoli, fresh fruits and herbal tea.

Foods to Avoid

The Blood Type Diet also lists the types of foods to avoid, such as dairy products and grains. D'Adamo says people with type-O blood tend to gain weight from the gluten found in wheat products, and to a lesser extent from lentils, corn, kidney beans and cabbage. He says people with type-O blood are especially susceptible to getting arthritis because foods such as grains and potatoes can cause inflammation in their joints.

Best Exercises

Exercise is another key component to the Blood Type Diet. D'Adamo says type Os do best when they engage in intense physical exercise, as their ancestors did. He recommends activities such as aerobics, martial arts, running and contact sports. Other blood types do better with more moderate exercises or calming activities, such as yoga.

Warning

Health professionals from organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, University of California and Vanderbilt University say there is no independent scientific research backing D'Adamo's dieting theory. The Centers for Disease Control points out that you can lose weight on any diet as long as you're burning more calories than you consume. Be aware that when you restrict whole food groups in your diet, you may be eliminating important nutrients as well.