Peter J. D'Adamo, author of the 1996 book "Eat Right 4 Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer & Achieving Your Ideal Weight," claims that people who have B-positive or B-negative blood will lose weight, be more energetic and lessen their risk of disease if they eat certain foods. D'Adamo claims that these foods are the ones their genetic ancestors -- supposedly ancient tribal herders living in Eurasia -- consumed regularly. D'Adamo's program, often called the Blood Type Diet, provides highly specific dietary instructions for type B individuals. Critics, however, warn that there is no scientific evidence to support D'Adamo's blood-based diet theory, or that following the B type diet is safe or healthy. Speak to your doctor before following any diet recommended for a B-positive blood type.
Protein
D'Adamo contends that people with B-positive blood thrive on the meat of the animals that their prehistoric ancestors domesticated. These include venison, goat, lamb and mutton. Type B people are also encouraged to eat dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cottage cheese, and fish, particularly cod, flounder, salmon, ocean perch, mackerel and halibut. D'Adamo recommends that B-positive people strictly avoid chicken, nuts such as peanuts and most types of beans, especially lentils. These foods supposedly contain lectin compounds that can compromise a B-positive individual's immune system and lead to blood sugar and heart problems, although these claims have not been verified by independent scientific research.
Carbohydrates
D'Adamo advises that most grains -- including all corn and wheat products, barley, rye, bulgur and buckwheat -- can cause type B persons to gain weight, lose energy and develop hypoglycemia or cardiovascular problems. The Blood Type Diet guidelines specify that the most suitable carbohydrates for B-positive individuals are rice, millet, spelt and oatmeal. Ezekiel, Essene and wasa bread is also considered beneficial for the B blood type, as well as baked goods made from oat or rice flour.
Fruits and Vegetables
D'Adamo advises people with type B to eat plenty of fresh, organic vegetables. The most beneficial supposedly include peppers such as jalapenos and red, green or yellow bell peppers; carrots; beets; eggplants; yams; sweet potatoes; cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower; and dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, mustard greens, broccoli and collard greens. The variety of fruit recommended for type B individuals is much smaller, consisting of all types of grapes, bananas, cranberries, plums and pineapple. The Blood Type Diet guidelines instruct people in the type B blood group to avoid tomatoes, corn, avocados and coconuts.
Oils, Condiments and Spices
B-positive people following the Blood Type Diet are advised to use extra virgin olive oil when cooking, but are permitted to use flaxseed oil or cod liver oil up to twice a week. While they are advised to limit their use of condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, salad dressing and jam, type B people are encouraged to use parsley, curry, cayenne pepper, ginger and horseradish. People belonging to blood group B should avoid using pepper, allspice, cinnamon, ketchup and almond extract.
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