The science of blood type diets,is a fascinating and relatively recent field of study. There are four types: A, AB, B, and O, with each type having a good or negative connotation.
Because some people were dying as a result of blood transfusions, we didn’t learn about distinct blood types until the early 1900s. Then, in the 1960s, researchers created RhoGAM, a critical medication that helps safeguard kids born to Rh-negative mothers (thank you, science).
Certain blood types have even been linked to ailments such as cancer and heart disease, according to research. Does your blood type make a difference when it comes to influencing what you eat?
Here’s what you need to know about the Blood Type Diet, including what you should eat based on your blood type and whether it works.
What are Blood Type Diets, and how does they work?
Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo’s book Eat Right 4 Your Type served as the inspiration for the Blood Type Diet. He is a doctor of naturopathy. The New York Times best-selling book claims to help people locate the correct foods, vitamins, and minerals to eat for maximum health and weight based on their blood type.
The book begins with a brief history of blood kinds before presenting theories on how and what you should eat and exercise depending on your blood type.
On the Blood Type Diet, what may you eat?
According to the Blood Type Diet, each blood type has its own set of eating guidelines. According to the book, the following is a summary of how each blood type works out.
Blood Type O
Eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate meat-based diet if you have blood type O. All grains and wheat should be avoided. Exercise vigourously. Meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit are all good choices for Type O, but grains and legumes should be avoided. Milk and wheat should be avoided.
Blood Type A
A vegetarian high-carb, low-fat diet is recommended for blood type A. Exercise gently. Type A people should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as fish and plant-based proteins like tofu, but not red meat.
Blood Type B
Only blood type B should consume dairy products. Including meat, eat a range of meals. Exercise in a healthy manner. Meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grains should all be part of this diverse diet.
Blood Type AB
Diets for blood type AB include a combination of A and B. Calming exercises should be performed. Fruits, vegetables, tofu, lamb, and fish should all be included in your daily diet.
What does science have to say about the matter?
There is no evidence that eating for your blood type improves your health or aids weight loss. A diet that falls into one of these categories may work for some people, but it is unduly restrictive for many others.
At first, following a predominantly plant-based diet (type A) or a lower-carb, higher-protein diet (type O) may aid weight loss. You’ll probably feel a little better and have a little more energy if you go from a highly processed, high-sugar diet to a more whole-foods-based diet.
However, basing these decisions on your blood type is a bit of a guessing game. Regardless of your blood type, I think it’s a good idea to try to eat more vegetables. On the surface, all blood types should increase their intake of fruits and vegetables.
When you get into the weeds, though, these foods become a lot more unpredictable. If you want to lose weight, avoid kidney beans and chicken. If you want to lose weight, avoid corn and chicken. That’s illogical.
Importance Of Lectins
Depending on your blood type, lectins are vital, according to the book. Paleo and Whole30 proponents frequently mention lectins as well. Antinutrients called lectins can be present in a variety of plant foods, including beans and vegetables.
The majority of lectins we consume are cooked (or soaked or fermented), which deactivates the protein and reduces any negative effects in the body, regardless of blood type. (Lectins and the anti-lectin diet are discussed in detail here.)
Furthermore, lectin-rich foods such as beans and whole grains are high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, all of which are beneficial to your health.
Individual diets are also discussed by D’Adamo. That’s one area where we agree, because everyone has their own optimum eating style, which is determined by genetics, lifestyle, and tastes.
Do All Blood Type Diets Work?
Unfortunately, eating according to your blood type may make you feel like you’re eating a diet tailored specifically for you, but this isn’t the case.
He also says in the book that if you don’t do what he says, you’ll increase your risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and inflammation. Yes, your diet can help lower your chance of developing those diseases, but many chronic disease risks are determined by variables beyond our control, such as genetics and socioeconomic factors.
Consuming antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats, as well as exercising and decreasing stress, can all assist. I don’t believe it’s necessary to guilt and condemn people into eating a certain way, especially if it hasn’t been demonstrated to be beneficial.
Everyone should eat in a way that makes them feel well. It’s probable that the meals you enjoy are also recommended for your blood type. Type O and type A blood types are by far the most common, and those two diets don’t appear to be too outlandish at first appearance.
You could benefit from a higher-protein (type O) or plant-based (type A) diet. However, there’s no need to alter your diet based on your blood type, and there’s certainly no reason to eliminate specific varieties of beans.
Meanwhile, save a life by donating blood (and learning your blood type if you don’t already know).
