Peter D'Adamo says he developed the Blood Type Diet after a study of genetics, anthropology and medical history. The naturopathic physician proposes that people can lose weight and live healthier lives by following a diet similar to the one their ancestors were following when their blood type evolved. He claims a link between blood type and the way food is digested. However, the blood type theory has been criticized by medical professionals for a lack of independent scientific evidence.
Blood Type
According to D'Adamo, blood type O evolved during the hunter-gatherer years, and today's Type O's are at their best when eating a high-protein, low-carb diet. As type A blood evolved, early man had become more settled, so a vegetarian-style diet is best for Type A's. People with type B blood can enjoy many of the foods allowed for both types O and A. As the newest blood type, people with type AB blood get an even wider selection of foods, since they can follow diets similar to those for people with types A and B blood. In addition, D'Adamo recommends they follow an exercise plan that includes moderate physical activities, such as hiking, swimming and bicycling.
Snack Foods
No matter your blood type, D'Adamo advises people on the Blood Type Diet to stay away from processed foods. So, even Type AB's will need to put aside those high-calorie, high-fat and sugary foods that have become synonymous with snack foods. Fruits make a good snack for people with blood type AB. Veggie trays are another healthy choice. Tofu cheesecake turns up on one AB snack menu. Since the diet claims wheat and dairy products are not a problem for this blood type, whole-grain breads and yogurt may also make acceptable snacks.
Foods to Avoid
In addition to the list of foods to eat, D'Adamo publishes lists of foods that should be avoided by each blood type. Tomatoes are on the avoid list for types A and B, but they're not said to be a problem for Type AB's. So, people with type AB blood might enjoy a handful of grape tomatoes for a snack. Meats are allowed for Type AB's, but D'Adamo suggests they be enjoyed in limited quantities. Therefore, a Type AB might want to sample cheeses from a cheese tray but leave meats alone.
Warnings
Like all diets that eliminate or severely limit whole food groups, the D'Adamo diet has drawn fire from nutritionists who say the healthiest diets are those that incorporate all the food groups. A person with Type AB blood has less to risk on this diet plan, because they can choose from a wider variety of foods than other blood types. However, there is still a lack of scientific evidence that proves this diet plan works any better than other diets that use a combination of fewer calories and more exercise to achieve weight loss goals.
References
- Dadamo: Eat Right For Your Type
- Every Diet: Blood Type Diet
- MayoClinic.com: What is the Blood Type Diet?; Katherine Zeratsky; August 2010
- Doctors of USC: The Blood Type Diet; Maria Adams; December 2009
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Weight---It's Not a Diet, It's a Lifestyle!
- Santa Clara University: Wellness Center: Fad Diets
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