SCIENCE EXPLAINS WHAT FOODS TO EAT ACCORDING TO YOUR BLOOD TYPE
1. WHAT IS THE BLOOD TYPE DIET AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
The blood type diet was developed by Peter J. D’Adamo, a medical doctor and naturopath, back in the year 1996. The theory goes that the types of foods you choose to eat will react in a specific way with the type of blood in your body.
Lectins, which come from protein sources in food, can bind with blood antigens, thus leading to agglutination. In layman’s terms, this is the clumping of blood cells. By staying away from agglutination, the human body becomes healthier and stronger. It can supposedly provide benefits such as increased energy, stronger immunity, better positive thinking, and improved fitness.
Research has suggested that blood type diets can actually show positive results for more than just its specific blood type group. These diets all contain universally acknowledged healthy habits. As the diet is also somewhat calorie restrictive, you can even expect to lose weight on it.
2. O BLOOD TYPE DIET
The O blood type – the universal donor type – makes up 46% of the population. It has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies but without any A or B antigens. Supposedly, those who are of this blood group have the ability to very easily digest animal fats and animal proteins thanks to higher stomach acid levels.
The type of diet specific to those with O-positive and O-negative blood might be likened to a paleo diet or a low-carb diet as it should focus on consuming a good amount of protein. So what are the foods to eat, according to your blood type? Here’s a list of options.
A) MEATS
Lean meat, poultry, and fish are all great options for those with O type blood. Examples include cold-water fish, beef, venison, lamb, veal, mutton, mackerel, cod, and herring. Lean meats and seafood are truly the best bet if you aim to lose weight with this diet.
B) FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Those with type O blood can enjoy most, if not nearly all, fruits and vegetables. However, keep an eye on our list of foods to avoid, which specifies some veggies that should be left out of your diet.
C) NUTS AND BEANS
Nuts are great sources of positive fat and usually have lots of protein. Beans are also good for those with type O blood and are packed with fiber. Again, you’ll have to cross-reference our “not to eat” list to determine which ones work best for you!
D) DAIRY
Dairy is a little tricky in a blood type O diet, as most kinds shouldn’t be eaten. However, you can enjoy cheeses, butter, and soy milk at your leisure.
E) GRAINS
For the most part, those with blood type O should eat very few grains. However, there are some tolerable options. Grains such as buckwheat, rye, barley, kasha, amaranth, and millet are safe for consumption.
F) DRINKS
People often overlook beverages when planning a diet. Of course, water is always your best option, but club soda, seltzer water, wine, and tea are okay, too.
G) SWEETS
Chocolate and cocoa are acceptable type O blood treats.
H) ADD-INS
Seasonings such as iodized salt, curry, and parsley are all safe for use with this diet. Kelp-based seasoning options are also available, and honey is a good additive to most foods and drinks.
Of course, there are also some foods you should avoid if you are a type O. Carbs especially should be avoided, as they may easily be stored as fats within your body and are not as easily processed. Here are foods not to eat if you’re blood type O.
-- Wheat and other grains
-- Most beans and lentils
-- Legumes
-- Cashews
-- Pistachios
-- Brazil nuts
-- Peanuts
-- Dairy and eggs (except as listed above)
-- Pork, bacon, and ham
-- Goose meat
-- Conch
-- Catfish
-- Caviar
-- Smoked salmon
-- Barracuda
-- Caviar
-- Pickled herring
-- Octopus
-- Poppy seeds
-- Brassica vegetables
-- Nightshade vegetables
-- Shiitake mushrooms
-- Alfalfa sprouts
-- Avocado
-- Leek
-- Corn
-- Caffeine
-- Alcohol
This diet is also recommended to be taken alongside aerobic exercise.
3. A BLOOD TYPE DIET
The A blood type contains A antigens and anti-B antibodies. Those with this blood type typically have lower stomach acid levels, meaning they are unable to properly process and digest animal fats and animal proteins. Their immune systems are also a little more sensitive.
This is why the A blood type diet involves a vegetarian diet, with extra focus on organic, fresh foods with minimal additional condiments. Whether A positive or A negative, here are the types of food you can go for.
A) FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Those with type A blood can enjoy most, if not nearly all, fruits and vegetables. However, keep an eye on our list of foods to avoid, which specifies some that should be left out of your diet.
B) GRAIN AND BREAD PRODUCTS
Most grains can be consumed if you have type A blood, but your best options are amaranth and buckwheat. Other options include rice cakes, a variety of flours (rice, soya, oat, rye), a variety of wheat (Ezekiel, soya flour, essene, sprouted), artichoke pasta, and soba noodles.
C) NUTS AND BEANS
Nuts are great sources of positive fat and usually have lots of protein. Beans are also good for those with type A blood and are packed with fiber. Again, you’ll have to cross-reference our “not to eat” list to determine which ones work best for you!
D) DAIRY
This is not the best option for those with this blood type, but some varieties of dairy do yield positive benefits. Kefir, most cheeses, yogurt, and goat milk are okay to consume.
E) ANIMAL PROTEIN
Yes, most animal proteins are bad for those with type A blood. But those who do not wish to go vegetarian can opt for things such as chicken and turkey.
F) DRINKS
People often overlook beverages when planning a diet. Of course, water is always your best option, but you have additional possibilities. Green tea, coffee, and red wine all work, as well as herbal beverages such as those made from ginger, aloe, slippery elm, hawthorn, and more.
G) ADD-INS
Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, amari, and miso are all great flavoring agents for those with A type blood. Blackstrap molasses work too for adding sweetness.
Of course, there are also some foods you should avoid if you are a type A. Here is a list of them.
-- Most animal proteins and seafood
-- Eggs
-- Cashews
-- Pistachios
-- Brazil nuts
-- Grape nuts
-- Oils (corn, peanut, cottonseed, sesame, safflower)
-- Beans (garbanzo, lima, copper, red, kidney, tamarind, red)
-- Granola
-- Seven grain
-- Wheat germ
-- Cream of wheat
-- Farina
-- Wheat bran
-- Shredded wheat
-- Durum wheat
-- Familia
-- Wheat bran
-- High-protein whole wheat breads
-- Multi-grain breads
-- English muffins
-- Wheat bran muffins
-- Pumpernickel
-- Matzos
-- Pasta
-- Whole wheat flour
-- White flour
-- Nightshade vegetables
-- Peppers and capers
-- Olives
-- Mushrooms
-- Cabbage
-- Tomatoes
-- Pickles
-- Citrus fruits
-- Melons
-- Berries
-- Bananas
-- Mango
-- Coconut
-- Bananas
-- Rhubarb
-- Vinegar
-- Gelatin
-- Most common hot dog condiments
-- Alcohol
-- Soda
-- Seltzer water
-- Black tea
4. B BLOOD TYPE DIET
The B blood type contains B antigens and anti-A antibodies. People with this blood type have it the easiest and can eat a lot of different food types. Essentially, they’re omnivores and have more freedom than other blood types. Here’s a good list of options for what to eat.
A) MEATS
Meat such as rabbit meat, lamb, venison, and mutton are all acceptable options. Fish is also a good choice if you opt for white fish like cod, sole, salmon, and halibut. Try to steer clear of poultry, however, and stick to lean cuts of meats.
B) DAIRY AND EGGS
Low-fat dairy options are good for those with B type blood. Eggs are also an option.
C) FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Most fruits and vegetables are safe for consumption for this blood type. Green vegetables are some of the best kinds you can consume if you have type B blood. Eat raw veggies for best results.
D) GRAINS AND CEREALS
These must be eaten in careful balance. Oat, spelt, and millet are great choices.
E) SEEDS AND NUTS
These foods are wonderful sources of protein, and walnuts are your best option!
F) LEGUMES
Also rich in protein, these are low in fat and contain tons of fiber and minerals. Peas, lentils, and all sorts of beans will do the trick.
G) DRINKS
People often overlook beverages when planning a diet. Stick to water for best results.