Many traditional diet plans take a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss. Peter D'Adamo, naturopathic doctor and author of "Eat Right 4 Your Type" believes that individualized diet plans based on blood type improve health outcomes. His diet program suggests that you should eat specific foods based on your blood type. This diet is controversial, so talk to your doctor before beginning the diet plan.
Diet Theory
The blood type diet is based on the theory that your blood type, determined by the types of proteins found on the surface of your red blood cells, affects the way your body reacts to foods. Looking to the evolutionary history of each blood type can supposedly tell you the foods that are beneficial, neutral or harmful to your body. Type B blood evolved when hunter-gatherers in Africa moved eastward to the highlands of Central Asia and began domesticating animals. Thus, D'Adamo believes that modern people with type B blood should eat mostly meat and dairy products.
Meats and Fish
Meat and fish form an important part of the diet for people with type B blood. Beneficial foods include goat, mutton, rabbit, venison and lamb. Pork, chicken and game hens supposedly cause problems for type B individuals. Beneficial or neutral types of fish include cod, haddock, mahi mahi, perch, salmon, sardines and sea trout. Avoid eating sea bass, octopus, eel and cured salmon.
Dairy Products
Because type B blood evolved as humans began to domesticate animals for their meat and milk, dairy products form an essential part of the diet. Drink goat milk or nonfat cow milk several times per week. Most cheeses, yogurt and other milk products are also acceptable.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes provide your body with protein, but few types of beans are considered neutral or beneficial for type B individuals. You may eat small portions of kidney, lima or navy beans while on the blood type diet. All other beans, including garbanzo beans, pinto beans, black beans, lentils and black-eyed peas are forbidden.
Grains
When type B blood evolved, the early humans in Central Asia did not cultivate grains. D'Adamo claims that corn, wheat and buckwheat cause weight gain in type B individuals. The only beneficial or neutral grains allowed on the diet are millet, oats, rice and spelt. Small portions of these grains may be eaten on occasion. All other grains should be avoided.
Fruits and Vegetables
People with type B blood may eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Beneficial or neutral vegetables include leafy green vegetables, broccoli, beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, peppers and eggplant. Bananas, grapes, papaya, pineapple, plums and cranberries are considered acceptable fruits. Avoid eating avocados, olives, pumpkins, radishes, soy products, coconuts, rhubarb or pomegranates, which are considered harmful.
Expert Insight
Although D'Adamo claims his blood type diet is based on scientific principles grounded in human evolution, most conventional nutrition experts reject his claims. Nutritionist Edee Hogan, a culinary consultant in Washington, D.C., notes that all people have the same basic dietary needs regardless of blood type. Instead of eating a specific list of foods based on blood type, try balancing your diet to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole-grain products. Talk to your doctor for more information about the blood type diet and whether it is safe for you.
Member Comments