
The blood type diet is currently a favorite diet among celebrities (the likes of Cheryl Cole, Sir Cliff Richard, Courtney Cox and Demi Moore) as it does not only result to weight loss but also promotes a longer life span, according to its creator.
Developed by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo, a neuropathic physician, the blood type diet works on the premise that our blood type reflects our internal chemistry and determines the way our bodies absorb nutrients. According to Dr. D’adamo, a chemical reaction occurs between our blood and food we eat. This reaction is caused by a factor called Lectin – a type of protein found in food with agglutinating properties that can affect our blood. If we eat food with lectins that are incompatible with our blood type antigen, the lectins may target an organ or body system and may begin to agglutinate in the said area. Luckily, lectins are not life threatening and 95% of them are absorbed and sloughed off by the body.
What are the different blood types and what are the compatible and non-compatible with each type?
Blood group A – Vegetarian Diet
According to the blood type diet, people belonging to the blood group A are“cultivators”, ”herbivores” or “agrarians“. People of this blood type have low stomach-acid content, therefore they have a hard time digesting meat and dairy products. Eliminating red meat will also eliminate toxic foods in the body. Dairy products, kidney beans and lima beans are not recommended, so it’s important to consume nuts, seeds and tofu for sources of protein.
If you belong to this blood group, your body will benefit most from the consumption of vegetables, seafood, tofu, beans, grains, legumes and fruits. Vegetables will be the main source of minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Type A’s are also very sensitive to the lectins in potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, cabbage, tomatoes and peppers. They should eat more alkaline fruits and avoid mangoes, papayas and oranges since they are not good for the digestive tract. For optimal weight loss, vegetable, pineapples, vegetable oil and soy foods are recommended.
Blood group B – Balanced Diet
People belonging to the blood group B have strong immune and digestive systems and should therefore, eat a balance diet which includes a wide variety of foods, from meat to vegetables. Blood group B people, according to Dr. D’adamo are not as susceptible to diseases as the other groups are and will live long, healthy lives without any complications.
People of this blood type easily gain weight with corn, buckwheat, lentils, peanuts and sesame seeds. Lectins in these foods affect the efficiency of the metabolic process that can result to fatigue, fluid retention and hypoglycemia. Remove chicken from your diet if you are a type B as it contains a lectin that agglutinates in the muscle tissue, attacking the bloodstream and could potentially lead to strokes and immune disorders. Type B’s thrive on deep ocean fish, but should avoid all shellfish since they contain lectins that are harmful to Type B.
They can enjoy dairy products but should stay away from most nuts, seeds and wheat because they contain lectins that interfere with Type B insulin production. It is also very important to eliminate tomatoes completely from the Type B Diet as tomatoes contain lectin that can irritate the stomach lining.
Blood group B diet consists of meat, dairy products, beans, grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Foods recommended for weight loss are eggs, greens, liver and tea.
Blood group AB – Mixed Diet
Food recommended for weight loss are seafood, dairy, greens, tofu and pineapples.
Blood Group O – High Protein Diet
Those in this group, should stick to Vitamin K-enriched vegetables and fruits of alkaline nature such as berries and plums. Dairy products should also be avoided.
Although celebrities vouch for this diet, dietitians, physicians, and scientists dispute that the Blood Type Diet theory is unsupported by scientific evidence, hence the effectivity of this diet is not properly proved as well.
As with any diet, ask you doctor first. You body built may be able to tolerate following the restrictions on this type of diet.
Web references:
http://www.dietpromises.com/blood-type-diet
http://www.dadamo.com/dadamo_cv.htm
http://www.healthylifestyleart.com/the-blood-type-diet-is-popular-among-celebrities
Books:
D’Adamo, PJ & Whitney, C. Cook Right 4 Your Type (GP Putnam’s Sons Publishers)
via WellBody.net