The blood type diet is the brainchild of naturopathic physician, Dr. Peter D'Adamo. According to him and other proponents of the diet, food choices are best determined according to your blood type. The Rhesus factor, which categorizes blood types as positive or negative, is not considered in the four groups of the blood type diet; Type A, Type B, Type AB and Type O.
Meats, Fish and Eggs
According to the blood type diet, Type O blood is the original type and is linked to the earliest humans. Also, people with Type O blood tend to have high amounts of acid in their stomachs so they may be better able to tolerate a diet rich in meats and fish. However, eggs and pork should be restricted or eliminated from the diet. Some of the most beneficial meats and fish for Type O blood are veal, lamb, beef, cod, mackerel and herring. Any type of seafood is also allowed for Type O blood.
Grains and Dairy
Foods in the grain and dairy groups are severely restricted for Type O blood. To encourage weight loss, all foods containing gluten should be eliminated from the diet. Gluten, found in wheat products, may have a negative effect on metabolism and insulin response in people with Type O blood. Beneficial breads for Type O blood are Essene and Ezekiel breads. Grains that are allowed include millet, spelt, barley and rye. Products made from soy milk, goat's milk or almond milk may be substituted for dairy foods made from cow's milk.
Fruits and Vegetables
The most beneficial fruits for blood type O are those that are red, blue or purple in color due to their alkaline properties. Fruits like plums, cranberries and pomegranate may help to balance the high stomach acidity in people with Type O blood. Citrus fruits which are highly acidic should be restricted. Coconut, berries and melons should also be avoided. Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, romaine lettuce and spinach are among the most beneficial for Type O blood. Other beneficial vegetables include chicory, sweet potatoes, onion, red peppers, turnips and pumpkin. Brassica and nightshade vegetables such as cabbage and eggplant should be avoided. Alfalfa and Brussels sprouts should also be discouraged.
Beans and Spices
The most beneficial spices for Type O blood are curry, parsley, iodized salt, cayenne pepper and seasonings made from kelp. Nutmeg, vanilla, white and black pepper and cinnamon are among the spices that people with Type O blood should limit. In general, beans are not tolerated well but some types may be beneficial. They include Aduke, Azuki, pinto and black-eyed peas. Some beans may block the absorption of nutrients for people with Type O blood. They include kidney, navy and copper beans.
Seeds, Nuts and Oils
All types of oils, especially olive and flax, are well tolerated in people with Type O blood. Nuts and seeds are also beneficial but should be limited in people that are overweight due to their high fat content. Pumpkin seeds and walnuts are the most beneficial, while cashews, peanuts, poppy seeds, pistachios and Brazil nuts should be avoided.
