The idea of nutrition based on blood type belongs to the American naturopathic doctor Peter J. D'Adamo. He proposes a diet that will help you lose weight, improve your body, and slow down aging. This concept is based on the fact that blood groups were formed during the evolution of mankind. The uniqueness of their creation depends on the product prevailing in the food. At the heart of the system proposed by D'Adamo is the consumption of foods that have shaped a certain type of person.
How the Blood Type Diet Works
The doctor established the principles of nutrition depending on the food preferences of our ancestors in his books, which have become bestsellers. Blood type is a system of red blood cells with antigenic identity. It is identified by the specificity of proteins and carbohydrates in the cell membrane. According to naturopaths, in order to maintain the characteristics established by nature, a person should eat only foods suitable for blood type.
Dietary principles:
- pre-pass test to accurately determine your group;
- the Rh factor doesn't matter;
- completely exclude unsuitable foods from the diet;
- calories do not need to be counted;
- no portion size limit;
- stick to a diet for life.
The role of lectins in human nutrition
D'Adamo's theory is based on the dangers of protein components in food. They are called lectins and have the ability to bind carbohydrates to the surface of red blood cells. This process causes the clumping of red blood cells and their deposition. Lectins are found in large amounts in whole grains, soybeans, and wheat. These protein components can interfere with the digestive process, causing excess mucus secretion in the intestines and slowing the absorption of food.
Dr Peter says limiting dietary lectins will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is an alternative point of view. This is based on the statement that not all lectins are harmful. If not abused, it is harmless to the body, some even have antitumor activity.
Weight Loss Effectiveness
Nutrition according to blood type has no scientific evidence basis, but it cannot be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that a diet according to this system helps to lose weight. They don't link weight loss to D'Adamo's theory, because a change in diet will, in one way or another, affect the body. In general, the 4 blood type diet is 4 separate plans.
Both can suit a person and turn out to be dangerous - this does not depend on his belonging to a particular type.
What can you eat based on blood type?
D'Adamo's concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food preferences are formed depending on the method of obtaining food. In the hunting and gathering stage, meat is the main food source. This is how blood group 1 is formed (0 according to the AB0 system), which in Dr Peter's theory is called the "Hunter". After the introduction of humans to the cultivation of vegetables and grain crops appeared the 2nd group (A), or "Farmers".
With the start of the nomadic way of life and the domestication of livestock, dairy products appeared in the diet, and a third blood group was formed ("Nomads", B). When red blood cells with different antigenic characteristics are mixed, a new system emerges. He is considered the youngest and the rarest.
People with blood type 4 (AB) are more adapted to modern living conditions than others, and in D'Adamo's theory they are called "New People".
1 group "Hunters"
The most ancient blood types were formed during the time of the flesh-eating, when no other food was available. For blood group 1, the healthiest foods are considered high protein foods. Lean meat and poultry form the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and liquor.
River fish can be consumed, but in limited quantities.
2 groups of "Farmers"
People who were engaged in the cultivation of plants in ancient times became the ancestors of the vegetarian direction. For the second blood group, it is permissible to eat plant foods - bread, vegetables, fruits, nuts. Red wine and coffee are allowed. From fish you can eat mackerel, carp and herring. All kinds of meat, offal, mushrooms and dairy are prohibited.
It is recommended that the product is minimally processed.
3 groups of "Wanderers"
Those with blood type B are luckier than others. The group was formed with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. The blood type 3 diet should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. A short list of prohibitions includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts, and chicken.
They can be easily replaced with other meat products, eggs and dairy.
4 groups "New people (townspeople)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have a mixed blood pattern. This group is characterized by low gastric acidity, therefore, it is necessary to refuse smoked meats, pickles and alcohol. It is allowed to eat seafood, rabbit meat, turkey, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables.
Cheese and offal are not prohibited, but should be eaten infrequently.
One day blood type menu
A separate diet plan for blood type is created taking into account the characteristics of the organism. It is not only antigenic characteristics that affect daily diet, but also health conditions. If you have problems with the digestive tract, you should consult your doctor about an acceptable diet. During the treatment of chronic diseases, you should refrain from dieting.
It is recommended to all groups to drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Example menu for one day for "hunters":
- Breakfast: toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: grape salad, pear, apple.
- Lunch: roast beef, fresh herbs, apples.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of walnuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod cutlets, beet salad.
Diet for the day for the "farmer":
- Breakfast: fruits, yogurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, lettuce.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon and tomato sauce.
- Afternoon snack: low-fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: grilled vegetables.
One day menu for "nomads":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: cream of cabbage soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green peppers.
- Dinner: mutton stewed with vegetables.
Meal plan for the day for "citizens":
- Breakfast: buckwheat porridge with milk, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, beans.
- Lunch: julienne with turkey, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon snack: applesauce, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: tuna stew, eggplant stew.
Benefits of diet
- Good portability. The calorie content and amount of food is not limited.
- Weight loss. Losing weight without additional effort is observed only at the beginning of the diet. When the body gets used to it, it is necessary to increase the level of physical activity.
- Lasting effect. The diet is properly balanced in terms of the main trace elements, the compatibility of dietary foods for each individual blood group is good, therefore, the proposed meal plan can be adhered to for a long time.
- Metabolism acceleration. Switching to proper nutrition and incorporating protein into the diet always helps speed up a sluggish metabolism.
- Improve health status. A blood test diet, when done correctly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps to eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutritional deficiencies. Restrictions to certain groups (more for 1 and 2) can lead to a lack of calcium, therefore, during the diet, it is necessary to take vitamins and dietary supplements to maintain the body.
- Excess protein. This is more true for group 1. High protein intake with frequent consumption of meat can cause heart problems.
- There are contraindications. This diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, people with severe chronic diseases.