Health officials, nutritionists and the originator of the Blood Type Diet all agree that people would be better off if they avoided eating a lot of processed foods, but that's where the agreement ends. Federal guidelines for healthy eating don't differentiate between people with type O, A, B or AB blood, but naturopathic physician Peter D'Adamo, the author of the 1996 book "Eat Right 4 Your Type," says people will be healthier if they tailor their diets to their blood type.
Blood Type Diet
D'Adamo says his research into genetics, anthropology and medical history convinced him that people of different blood types digest foods differently. In turn, he developed lists of foods that he says are most compatible with the way in which food proteins called lectins are digested by each of the four major blood types. D'Adamo says the lists are drawn from the types of foods that were eaten by our early ancestors when each of the blood types evolved in human history.
Foods to Avoid
On the Blood Type Diet, there are certain foods that should be avoided by each of the blood type groups because they may lead to weight gain and contribute to problems such as stomach distress and fatigue. D'Adamo says avoiding these foods may even help to prevent diseases such as cancer from developing. Type O's are told to avoid dairy foods and grain products, such as pasta, bread, cereal and rice. Beans should be avoided, too. D'Adamo says wheat gluten, lentils, corn, kidney beans and cabbage are the leading sources of weight gain for Type O's.
Health
D'Adamo contends that people will be healthier if they eat for their blood type. For instance, he says Type O's are prone to arthritis, and grains and potatoes can produce inflammatory reactions in their joints. Other health officials aren't so sure. Many cite a lack of independent scientific evidence to back D'Adamo's claims about links between food, blood type and health. Nutritionists also caution against any diet that eliminates whole food groups, because important vitamins and minerals may be lost, too.
Foods to Enjoy
There are many foods Type O's can enjoy on the Blood Type Diet. D'Adamo says type-O is the oldest type of blood. It's been around since early man depended on his physical prowess to hunt for high-protein animal foods. So, D'Adamo says today's Type O's feel their best when eating a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet and getting lots of intense physical exercise. He recommends a diet rich in meats, poultry, fish and olive oil. Some vegetables, nuts, seeds and eggs are allowed on the D'Adamo diet, but only in moderation.
References
- Dadamo: Eat Right For Your Type
- MayoClinic.com: What is the Blood Type Diet?; Katherine Zeratsky; August 2010
- Doctors of USC: The Blood Type Diet; Maria Adams; December 2009
- Every Diet: Blood Type Diet
- 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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