Over thousands of years, humans evolved to have one of four different blood types: A, B, AB or O. Peter D'Adamo, a naturopathic physician and author of "Eat Right 4 Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer & Achieving Your Ideal Weight," believes that your blood type determines the types of foods you should eat. Before beginning this controversial diet, talk to your doctor.
Features
Your blood type is determined by the type of unique protein markers, or antigens, found on the surface of your red blood cells. Your immune system creates antibodies that can attack specific antigens your body considers foreign molecules. There are A antigens and B antigens, creating four possible blood types: type A, type B, type AB or type O. Type O blood cells display neither A nor B antigens on their surfaces. In addition to the four basic blood types, some people have a protein called Rh factor on their cells while others do not. D'Adamo designed the blood type diet based on the premise that the evolution of each unique blood type determines the types of foods you should eat.
Type B-Negative Blood
People with B-negative blood have blood cells with a B antigen and no Rh factor. According to D'Adamo, the Rh factor does not play a significant role in the types of foods you should eat. Blood type B evolved as early humans moved from the warmth of eastern Africa to the cooler highlands of Asia. These people abandoned their hunter-gatherer lifestyle in favor of domesticating animals.
Meal Plan
Because people with type B blood relied on meat during early history, modern day people with B-negative blood should eat lamb, mutton, goat, rabbit and venison. According to the blood type diet, spinach, broccoli, kale and other green vegetables are well-tolerated by people with blood type B. Other beneficial foods include low-fat dairy products and eggs.
Type B-negative individuals should avoid eating wheat, buckwheat, lentils, corn, tomatoes and peanuts, which can affect their metabolism and cause weight gain. D'Adamo also claims that eating chicken can lead to strokes, immune disorders and other medical problems. People with blood type B should avoid chicken and choose other types of meat instead.
Expert Insight
Although D'Adamo's claims sound compelling, there is no scientific evidence to support the theory that blood type influences your metabolism or other physiological processes. Dietitian Edee Hogan, a culinary and nutrition consultant in Washington, D.C., says that people of all blood types share the same basic dietary needs. A healthy diet that promotes weight loss and reduces the risk of chronic illness should focus on balancing consumption of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and lean protein, rather than excluding a certain list of foods from your meals. Talk to your doctor before beginning the blood type diet.
