The Blood Type Diet is based on the theory that people with different blood types digest food proteins differently. This diet, popularized by naturopathic physician Peter D'Adamo, claims that if you eat the foods that are most compatible with your blood type, you can lose weight, be relieved of some chronic medical conditions and possibly prevent certain diseases from developing. The diet plan has been criticized by others in medicine for a lack of scientific evidence to back the claims.
History
D'Adamo's blood type theory traces its roots to early man. He claims that as blood types evolved over time, the foods being consumed were evolving, too. D'Adamo says Type O blood was present during the hunter-gatherer period when early man was very physically active and consumed high-protein foods. The theory holds that as people became more agrarian, type A blood evolved. So, the diet plan calls for Type O's to eat a high-protein, low-carb diet while Type A's stick to a more vegetarian-style diet. He also suggests intense physical exercise for Type O's and more calming exercises for Type A's.
Approved Foods
The Blood Type Diet recommends people with type O blood eat a diet rich in foods such as meat, poultry, fish and olive oil. Type O's can enjoy certain vegetables, nuts, seeds and eggs in moderation. A typical day's menu might include beef and lamb, fruits, salads and herbal tea. While maintaining this diet, Type O's should engage in intense physical activities three or four times a week. D'Adamo suggests aerobics, martial arts and contact sports.
Foods to Avoid
The Blood Type Diet also lists foods that should be avoided by people with type-O blood. This list includes dairy products and grains, such as cereal, bread, pasta and rice. D'Adamo says beans are not compatible with type-O blood. He also suggests Type O's stay away from avocados, Brazil nuts and oranges. D'Adamo recommends that people of all blood types shun processed foods.
Warnings
The Blood Type Diet for people with type-O blood shares similarities with many other high-protein, low-carb weight loss plans on the market. While these plans can help you lose weight, restrictive diets can prove to be harder to maintain over the long term. In addition, medical professionals have expressed concerns that people who follow these diets may be missing out on important nutrients. D'Adamo sells a line of supplements targeted to each of the blood groups, but nutritionists say most people should be able to get the vitamins and minerals they need from eating a healthy balance of foods.
References
- 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
- Santa Clara University: Wellness Center: Fad Diets
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Weight---It's Not a Diet, It's a Lifestyle!
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