Choosing A Diet Plan Menu By Blood Type

In the book "Eat Right 4 Your Type," Dr. Peter D'Adamo explains the biochemical interactions between red blood cells and the foods we eat. According to D'Adamo, each of the four human blood groups carries genetic markers that indicate a specific kind of diet. The plan is simple: If a food is recommended for your type, you may have as much as you like. According to D'Adamo, not only will you lose weight, you will experience an improvement in your overall health.

Blood Type

First, you will need to know your blood type. If you are a blood donor, it will be noted on your donor card. If you are not, ask your primary health-care provider for the information. If the information is not in your medical records, you can request a blood typing test.

Blood Type and Genetics

Once you have determined your blood type, you will be able to outline your diet plan. Theoretically, type O blood is the oldest of all blood types. People with type O blood were the original hunters and gatherers. Their diet plan is subsequently high in protein.

Type A blood is believed to have developed next and historically represents the first farmers. It is based on fruits, vegetables and grains.

Type A was followed by the development of Type B, the blood group associated with nomadic travelers and the only type that can tolerate dairy foods.

The newest of the blood types is AB, with recommended dietary guidelines that fall in between type A and type B.

The Plan

Diets based on blood type divide foods into three groups: beneficial, allowed and not allowed.

Type O's are given a basic high-protein diet. Meat is allowed, carbohydrates are not allowed, and dark green vegetables such as kale, broccoli and spinach are listed as beneficial.

Type A's are put on a primarily vegetarian diet, with vegetables, tofu, seafood and legumes. Wheat, meat and dairy products are not allowed.

Type B gets the biggest variety, with vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy and grains on the allowed list. Forbidden foods for Type B include corn, sesame seeds and peanuts.

AB blood types are encouraged to eat seafood and white meat, dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid red meat, corn, lima beans and kidney beans.

Warning

This theory behind this type of diet is highly controversial. To date there have been no peer-reviewed scientific studies that demonstrate a direct correlation between an individual's blood type and her ability to digest specific foods.

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