Blood Type Diet – Overview
Dr. James D’Adamo, a naturopathic doctor, developed the Blood Type Diet in the 1980s, and his son, Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo, a fellow naturopathic doctor, popularized it.
It is still common today, although its popularity has dropped over the last decade. According to National Library of Medicine, no evidence currently exists to validate the health benefits of particular blood diet types. (1)
Depending on your blood type, A, B, AB, or O, this regimen recommends the best kinds of food to eat, what foods to avoid, stress management techniques, and the most effective kinds of workouts for you.
In other words, according to Dr. James D’Adamo and his book ‘Eat Right 4 Your Type’ published in 1996, the best way to eat for someone with type B blood, for instance, differs from someone with a different blood type, say, type AB.
That said, let’s look at what the blood type diet entails for all blood types and some of its benefits as well as some of its drawbacks.
What Can You Eat on A Blood Type Diet
The blood type highlights certain foods and workout plans for the various blood types.
However, regardless of the blood type, the diet generally emphasizes the consumption of whole foods and the reduction of processed foods.
Type A
Blood Type Diet – Type A
According to James D’Adamo, individuals with type A blood are susceptible to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes and benefit from an organic, vegetarian diet combined with soothing, centering workouts like tai chi and yoga.
People with blood type A, or ‘cultivators,’ as D’Adamo calls them, should follow a vegetarian diet rich in fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.
They should stay away from beans (mainly kidney and lima beans), corn, dairy products, and meat. For more information on the Blood Type A food list, check out our in-depth review.
Type AB
Type AB
According to D’Adamo, people with type AB blood are more physiologically complex than those with other blood types.
According to this notion, these people benefit from a combination of type A and B diets and workouts, albeit meat consumption should be limited.
Although this blood type is thought to have a reduced prevalence of allergies, anemia, cancer, and heart disease are common.
D’Adamo calls people with this blood type ‘Enigmas’ because they can eat virtually all foods recommended for persons with blood types A and B, albeit vegan foods are preferred more for this blood type.
However, they should avoid beans, buckwheat, corn, and poultry.
Type B
Type B
According to Dr. D’Adamo, persons with type B blood have a stronger immune system, a more tolerant gastrointestinal tract, and are more resilient than those with other blood types.
Unfortunately, people with this blood type are more prone to autoimmune diseases such as chronic exhaustion, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
For persons with blood type B, or ‘nomads,’ D’Adamo suggests moderate physical activity, as well as a ‘balanced’ diet.
Persons with this blood type should eat dairy, eggs, fish, fruits, grains, legumes, meat, poultry, and veggies.
However, they should avoid corn, lentils, peanuts, and wheat. For more information on the Blood Type B food list, check out our in-depth review.
Type O
Blood Type Diet – Type O
According to the blood type diet hypothesis, persons with type O blood benefit from vigorous physical activity and animal proteins, but dairy products and wheat may cause issues.
Some health complications of this blood type include arthritis, asthma, hay fever, and other allergies.
For blood type O, who D’Adamo calls ‘hunters,’ he recommends a regimen with massive amounts of meat but small amounts of eggs, nuts, seeds, and veggies.
D’Adamo further claims foods such as cabbage, corn, beans, lentils, and wheat gluten can cause weight gain in persons with this blood type.
For more info on the Blood Type O food list, check out our in-depth review.
Benefits of the Blood Type Diet
Benefits of the Blood Type Diet
Can Be an All-Round Option
Despite the fact that each blood type has its own set of food limits, the blood type diet is not a low-calorie diet with unhealthy calorie restrictions.
Diet plans for blood types AB and B are more well-rounded, and they include most, if not all, of the nutritional requirements for a balanced diet.
However, the diet plans for blood types A and O exclude some nutritious food categories, which is not an ideal long-term eating plan for many individuals.
Discourages Processed Foods
Regardless of the differences in D’Adamo’s recommendations for each blood type, all participants of this diet are encouraged to avoid processed foods and buy all their meat, fish, poultry, and produce (fruits and veggies) in their natural state.
Emphasizes Eating Whole Foods
Each blood type diet highlights the importance of eating whole foods. The plan also indicates a variety of foods to avoid for each blood type, making it easier for participants to follow.
Encourages Working Out
The blood type recommends that participants engage in lots of exercises.
Regular workouts paired with a balanced diet have been proven to help people lose weight. However, no evidence exists that a blood-type diet is an effective way to lose weight.
Drawbacks of The Blood Type Diet
Drawbacks of The Blood Type Diet
Despite the fact that the Blood Type Diet has several benefits, it’s not recommended by doctors and nutritionists alike. It also has several drawbacks, including:
Can Be Restrictive
Since the diets suggested for blood types A and O are so restrictive, there’s a risk that followers won’t get enough of the numerous minerals and vitamins that are essential for good health.
It’s Ineffective
There is no research to back the claims that the blood-type diet effectively reduces weight.
Not Backed by Scientific Evidence
According to a review published in 2013, further research is needed to back up any of the health claims linked to the blood type diet.
In the review, scientists examined sixteen previously published publications on the blood type diet.
They determined that “no evidence exists’ currently to substantiate the alleged health benefits of blood-type diets.
Requires Uncorroborated Supplements
Although supporters of the blood type diet claim that nutritional supplements can help individuals following the regimen achieve their nutritional demands, such supplements are not considered a viable alternative for a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Final Thought
To sum it all up, blood type offers several benefits in some instances.
However, following a diet that combines practical calorie restriction and regular workouts is generally seen as the most effective weight loss strategy.
Unfortunately, this isn’t what this diet is about, so if you’re considering it, ensure you speak to a physician or a registered nutritionist first.