Naturopathic physician Peter D'Adamo claims that blood type is the most important factor for determining a healthy diet. According to D'Adamo, lectins, a type of sugar-binding protein, may adversely react with your body, depending on your blood type. D'Adamo supports his theory based on the ABO blood type classification developed by Karl Landsteiner and Jan Janský. The Blood Type Diet classifies specific foods as highly beneficial, foods allowed and foods not allowed, based on your blood type.
Type O
The blood group diet recommends that individuals with O blood types consume a diet high in protein. Type O individuals should primarily consume lean, chemical-free meats, poultry and fish. Type O individuals should not eat dairy, eggs and grains. Under the diet plan, the first step type O individuals should take to lose weight is to eliminate grains, breads, legumes and beans. Type O people also tend to have unstable thyroid function that causes metabolic problems and weight gain. The diet asserts that some of the most beneficial foods for type O individuals include beef, cod, olive oil, onions, peppers, plums, salt, curry and tea.
Type A
Type A individuals should consume a diet that leans toward vegetarian. Nuts, seeds, beans and legumes should supply the protein content for type A individuals. They can consume small amounts of dairy products such as kefir, yogurt, nonfat sour cream and cultured dairy products. Beneficial foods for this blood type include salmon, sardines, olive oil, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, lentils, black-eyed peas, amaranth, buckwheat, breads, rice cakes, onions, broccoli, carrots, tofu, berries, pineapple, ginger, green tea and red wine.
Type B
According to the blood group diet, type B individuals should eat balanced, wholesome foods. This blood type should avoid corn, buckwheat, lentils, peanuts and sesame seeds to prevent excessive weight gain. Type B individuals can consume dairy products but should avoid poultry, tomatoes and shellfish. Beneficial foods for this blood type include lamb, rabbit, cod, trout, cheese, yogurt, milk, olive oil, oatmeal, rice, green leafy vegetables, pineapple, bananas, cranberries, ginger, cayenne pepper, curry, green tea, licorice and ginseng.
Type AB
Type AB individuals sometimes respond to diet like type A individuals, with weak stomach acid, and sometimes like type B individuals, genetically programmed to eat hearty foods. Individuals with this blood type can tolerate most foods in moderation. Beneficial foods for type AB individuals include lamb, turkey, tuna, snails, yogurt, eggs, olive oil, peanuts, walnuts, lentils, beans, broccoli, mushrooms, yams, grapes, berries, alfalfa, green tea, curry, miso, red wine and dandelion.
