The blood type diet originated from the writings and research of Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo. The basic premise of the blood type diet is that your body responds to lectins in the foods you eat according to your blood type. According to Dr. D'Adamo, each blood type is associated with a different set of health risks. By avoiding certain foods and eating more of others, people may reduce their risk of certain medical conditions and maintain better control of their weight. While some are convinced of the science behind the blood type diet, there is still debate surrounding it.
Type O Blood
According to the blood type diet, people with type O blood should eat diets that are high in meat, fish and seafood and low in carbohydrates. This is due to their low iodine and thyroid hormone levels and high stomach acid levels. Meat and fish recommended for this blood type include beef, veal, lamb, venison, cod, herring and mackerel. Suggested fats, seeds and nuts are olive oil, flax seed and flax oil, walnuts and pumpkin seeds. Beans and grains are discouraged with a few exceptions: Ezekiel and Essene bread, pinto beans, black-eyed peas, and azuki beans. Kale, collards, broccoli, artichoke and pumpkin are among the most helpful vegetables for type O blood. The best fruits are those that are dark red, blue or purple.
Type A Blood
The blood type diet dictates that type A blood is best-suited for a vegetarian diet. All meat should be eliminated, but fish and seafood are allowed. Recommended fish include cod, salmon, perch and grouper. There are no recommended dairy foods or beans for type A blood. The most beneficial nuts and oils are flax seeds and oil, olive oil, peanuts and pumpkin seeds. Buckwheat, pasta, oats, rice cakes and soba noodles are some of the beneficial grains for type A blood. Most vegetables are recommended for type A blood. Some exceptions include tomatoes, potatoes and mushrooms. Grapefruit, lemon, pineapples, cherries and berries are encouraged.
Type B Blood
Some of the most beneficial proteins for type B blood are lamb, rabbit, venison, cod and salmon. Mozzarella, ricotta, feta, yogurt and cow's milk are recommended from the dairy food group. Suggested grains and fats are olive oil, millet, rice and oats. Some of the most beneficial fruits and vegetables are leafy greens, pineapples, bananas and grapes.
Type AB Blood
People with type AB blood may exhibit characteristics of blood type A, type B or both. Therefore, they should eat a mixture of the foods recommended for type A and B blood. Due to a potentially weaker immune system, they should consume vegetables that contain phytochemicals, disease-fighting plant compounds. Some examples are leafy green vegetables and broccoli. Because of low amounts of stomach acid, people with type B blood should focus on proteins from plant sources such as tofu which is made from soybeans. Berries, kiwi, pineapple and lemon are some of the recommended fruits for this blood type.
