Blood Type Diet

This diet plan was first advocated by Peter J. D’Adamo in his book titled “Eat Right 4 Your Type”. The prominent idea behind this diet plan is that following a diet and lifestyle that suits your blood type will make you healthier and even slow down your aging process drastically. According to D’Adamo, a chemical reaction occurs when the blood comes in contact with certain foods, specifically with a protein called lectin. And lectins which are found in most foods have a direct effect on the blood and the digestive tract. The protein binds the cells within the body, causing them to clump together and potentially cause hormonal disruptions. This effect on the body is similar to a foreign substance present in the body which might, in turn, disrupt the entire body system.

It is against this background that proponents of this diet plan believe that there is an unequivocal connection between your blood type and how your body chemistry digests the foods you consume. In other words, it is your blood type that can determine which foods will work best with your internal chemistry - this is almost identical to the gene-food theory, which suggests that everyone responds to food based on their genetic makeup. Most people on this type of diet plan believe that because blood type varies from person to person, all people do not have the same basic nutritional needs even if they are related or have similar lifestyles. This type of diet can be seen as a starting point for you if you are looking to maintain an overall healthy eating lifestyle. It teaches you to be more mindful of the foods you purchase and prepare and practising how to replace processed foods with more fresh, minimally processed options, which in turn produces wholesome, healthy benefits.

Eating for your blood type diet

If you are looking to kick start this diet plan for a change in hopes of a healthy and consistent result then knowing your exact blood type is your first point of call. Based on D’Adamo’s recommendations this diet plan should be followed for the best results possible-

1. Type O- if you are a type O, the blood diet plan suggests that you stay away from simple carbs, especially grains and lectins. Dairy products, wheat, and caffeine should be avoided if you find yourself in this blood group. D’Adamo notes that people with the blood type O tend to be more acidic. This means that they can better digest foods that contain protein and fat better than people in the other blood groups do. Therefore they should stick with a diet high in lean proteins including - beef, lamb, mutton, veal, mackerel, chicken, pork and so on.
   
   People with this blood type are also advised to focus on exercises that promote a healthy cardiovascular and muscular-skeletal system like running for best results.

2. Type A- the blood diet plan recommends that people with this blood type should embrace embrace an all-natural, mainly vegetarian diet with some chicken, turkey, fish/seafood and lamb, people with this blood type have difficulty digesting animal protein and fat. A high intake of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds is highly recommended for people in this category. And particularly, if they are looking to lose weight, then they should embrace a gluten-free diet by avoiding all wheat and all foods containing wheat flour, barley or rye.

3. Type B- if you are a blood type B, the blood diet plan recommends that you eat a diet high in meat, fruits, and vegetables. Some of your best options include leafy greens, bananas, grapes, olive oil, plums, flaxseed oil, turkey, lamb, rice, oatmeal and millet. Peanuts, corn, lentils and most gluten should be avoided, and it is best to combine your diet plan with stimulating exercises such as running, jogging or cycling for best results.

4. Type AB- basically people with this blood type are said to have the most advantage than the rest of the groups because they can digest many different foods, even meals that contain both protein and fat perfectly. People with this blood type can wholesomely consume a variety of foods that are recommended to people with either blood type A or B.

A healthy amount of vegetables, fruits, seafood, fish, meat, dairy, legumes and grains is advised for people within this category. Your best food choices will include apricots, leafy greens, cherries, grapefruit, pineapples, kiwi, lemons and plums. It is best to avoid too much red meat as well as grains and seeds they cause indigestion. You can replace red meat with a good variety of fish and seafood in order to limit meat consumption. Also, limit your intake of beans, corn, vinegar and alcohol. For best results, it is advisable to combine this diet with some cardiovascular exercises.

Benefits of the blood type diet

Although at first glance, these dietary recommendations for the various blood types may seem restrictive, but some flexibility is allowed. These recommendations should be essentially seen as suggestions, as you can go all out and include foods that are limited according to your blood type in moderate or small amounts.

1. Boosts immunity
   
   Notwithstanding the fact that the blood type diet and its chances of success have not been backed by substantial scientific evidence, it is totally a safe diet plan. At its core, the Blood Type Diet recommends practising a healthy eating habit and it in no way suggests eliminating entire food groups. Advocates of this diet plan acknowledge that it can help increase the body’s immunity against illnesses or diseases. This can be logically hinged on the fact that since the blood type diet advocates for a “clean diet” (junk and processed foods are entirely removed from a typical blood type diet) then the body’s immunity is bound to increase. Individuals on this diet will experience remarkable health improvements because they are eating more “clean” foods that help lower inflammation and provide adequate protection against common health conditions.
   
   
2. Stimulates weight loss
   
   Apart from an overall immunity boost, the blood type diet is also an effective formula for weight loss, because the diet recommends that all blood types avoid processed foods and maintain a healthy diet - you can lose weight by just following this rule. Blood type diet focuses more on healthy and real foods and puts you on a healthy regimen rather than letting you stick with your normal eating habit that causes weight gain.

The blood type diet can be taken as a holistic approach towards adopting a healthy eating habit. It is a conscious path to help any dieter maintain proper health status. You could be eating seemingly healthy things while on other types of diet, but unless it is done with the proper compatibility for your body and lifestyle, it may not be effective.

If you are keen on starting the blood type diet, consider it as a wholesome way of maintaining a healthy diet. If you think, the restrictions based on the blood types will deter you, then find a wholesome way to practice the diet recommendations in the best way that fits your style. Although suggestions and diet recommendations are made based on the different blood types, your goal on this diet plan should be to develop a healthy, personalised way of eating that you can stick with on the long run. Avoid being too restrictive early on and its best to be realistic about your preferences and tendencies.

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The content  on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Always seek advice from your regular physician or a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.