Diet Plans
Blood Type Diet

This diet was devised by Dr Peter D'Adamo, he believes a persons blood group determines how their bodies deal with different nutrients. It is based on the idea that each blood group has its own unique antigen marker (a substance that the body recognises as being alien) and this marker reacts badly with certain types of foods, leading to all sorts of potential health problems.

Dr D’Adamo also believes that levels of stomach acidity and digestive enzymes are linked with your blood type. He says, by following a diet designed specifically for your blood type, your body will digest and absorb food more efficiently resulting in weight loss.

Dr D’Adamo also believes this theory relates in part to evolution, because blood types evolved at different times throughout history, we should therefore eat a diet based on the types of foods our ancestors typically ate at the time when our blood type was first recognised.

It is believed that Blood Group O was the first to be identified this was 50,000 B.C in the time of the hunter, therefore these ancestors survived on a high protein diet with high meat content. Therefore it is recommended that people of this blood type should follow a higher protein diet.

The next blood group to be identified was Blood Group A around 15,000 B.C, during this time the ancestors had settled into farming type communities, the creation of blood group A meant these people did well on a vegetarian based diet. The diet recommends that individuals of blood group A eat a diet emphasizing vegetables and free of red meat, a more vegetarian like diet.

Blood Group B was believed to have evolved around 10,000 B.C during the time of the nomads; these ancestors moved from place to place and so established a strong immune system and a flexible digestive system. Dr D’Adamo therefore recommends that those with this blood type are able to eat a balanced diet of meat, dairy, grains and vegetables. It is believed that this is the only group who can thrive on dairy products.

Finally came the Blood Group AB around 1,000 years ago, Dr D'Adamo believes this blood type helped our ancestor to adapt to modern times. It is thought that this group can enjoy a diet similar to those in both group A and B meaning a varied balanced diet.

Eating right for your type-

Blood Group O – The most common blood type

Foods you can eat freely include meat, fish and olive oil; foods you can eat in moderation include eggs, nuts, seeds, certain vegetables and fruits; and foods to avoid include dairy products, beans, cereals, bread, pasta and rice. They should follow a diet similar to Atkins a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. It is also recommended that those of blood group O follow a rigorous exercise regime as the hunter ancestors were very active.

Blood Group A- The second most common blood type

Foods you can eat freely include vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, beans, cereal, rice, pasta and bread. Foods to avoid include meat and dairy products. It is recommended that those with this blood type do calming and relaxing exercise for example golf and yoga.

Blood Group B – Only 1 in 10 people have this type

This diet has the least restriction it is therefore a shame it is not more common. The only foods that need to be avoided are processed foods, although nuts and seeds aren’t recommended and only small amounts of carbohydrates should be eaten. Recommended exercise includes those with a mental component like hiking where there is plenty of time to think and also racquet sports

Blood Group AB – A rare blood type

It is recommended that people of this blood group follow a combination diet of group A and B. As this involves most foods Dr D’Adamo recommends that you follow mainly a vegetarian diet with meat, fish and dairy being included occasionally.

How much weight will I lose?

It doesn’t give a specific weight loss as it depends on the individual, as always though when certain food groups are restricted this does lead to initial weight loss.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Weight loss is likely no matter what blood due to restricting you diet.
• It emphasizes fresh natural foods and encourages you to ditch the processed junk food leading to healthier eating habits.

Cons

• It has received a lot of criticism as it is not based on scientific evidence.
• As with all diets that eliminate food groups it is likely that you are cutting out essential nutrients.
• It may involve a blood test as many people don’t know what their blood group is.

Summary

This plan seems to lack the scientific credentials that some other plans have and by restricting full food groups from the diet it will most certainly lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. If you do decide to give it a go though maybe think about supplements or only following it for a short period of time.