You have one of four blood types: O, A, B or AB. The presence of unique proteins in your red blood cells determines your blood type. Naturopathic doctor Peter D'Adamo, author of the book "Eat Right for Your Type," developed a diet plan in which blood type determines the specific foods you should eat. Because the blood type diet is a fad diet that remains unsupported by scientific evidence, you should talk to a medical professional before beginning this diet plan.
Type O
Type O blood was the first blood type in human evolution, occurring in early humans living in Africa who relied on hunting and gathering for food. To avoid weight gain and thyroid problems, the blood type diet recommends that type O individuals eat saltwater fish and sea vegetables such as seaweeds. Type O people may eat certain fresh, organic vegetables, including broccoli, spinach and kale, but should avoid grains, beans, cabbage, cauliflower and mustard greens. To prevent stomach problems, D'Adamo recommends that type O individuals take a licorice supplement called deglycyrrhizinated licorice to improve the stomach lining.
Type A
Type A blood evolved when humans migrated into Europe and Asia and began to develop stable communities. The movement away from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle allowed early humans to grow grains and other crops. As a result, people with blood type A should eat a primarily vegetarian diet with plenty of grains, vegetables and soy protein, according to D'Adamo. Eliminating meat and animal products from your diet supposedly boosts immune system functioning, increases energy and promotes weight loss.
Type B
As early humans moved from eastern Africa to the highlands of Central Asia, blood type B evolved. Blood type B frequently occurs in Japanese, Mongolian, Chinese, Indian and Western European people. The people of Central Asia relied on domesticating animals for food. Thus, people with blood type B should eat a blend of vegetables, dairy products and specific meats. D'Adamo recommends eating goat, lamb, rabbit, venison, eggs, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables. Foods containing corn, buckwheat, lentils, wheat, tomatoes, peanuts and sesame seeds supposedly cause weight gain and immune system problems for this blood type.
Type AB
Type AB blood was the last to evolve. Dieters with type AB blood can eat foods allowed by the diet plans for blood types A and B. These individuals should eat a variety of foods, including tofu, low-fat dairy products, green vegetables, fruits, legumes and fish. People with type AB blood should avoid caffeine, alcohol, cured meats, smoked meats, kidney beans and lima beans.
Warning
Blood type diet proponents claim that eating foods that are incorrect for your blood type may cause metabolic problems, cancer, allergies, asthma, fatigue and cardiovascular disease. However, no scientific evidence supports these claims or the use of the blood type diet for weight loss. Mayo Clinic dietitian Katherine Zeratsky recommends dieters avoid the blood type diet and instead focus on creating a balanced, healthy diet plan that is sustainable over the long term. Before beginning the blood type diet, talk to your doctor for more information.
