The idea of nutrition by blood type belongs to the American naturopathic doctor Peter J. D'Adamo. He recommended a diet that will help you lose weight, heal your body, and slow down aging. The concept is based on the fact that blood groups were formed during the evolution of humanity. The peculiarities of their creation depended on the products prevailing in the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D'Adamo is the consumption of foods that make up a particular type of person.
How Does the Blood Type Diet Work?
In his best-selling books, The Doctor reveals the principles of nutrition based on the food preferences of our ancestors. A blood group is a system of red blood cells with an antigenic identity. It is defined by the specificity of proteins and carbohydrates in cell membranes. According to the naturopath, he should only eat foods suitable for blood type in order to preserve the characteristics set by nature.
Dietary principles:
- pre-pass tests to accurately identify your group;
- The Rh factor is not important;
- completely exclude unsuitable foods from the diet;
- calories do not need to be counted;
- no portion size restrictions;
- diet for life
The role of lectins in human nutrition
D'Adamo's theory is based on the dangers of protein components in foods. These are called lectins and have the ability to bind carbohydrates to the surface of red blood cells. This process leads to aggregation of red blood cells and their precipitation. Lectins are found in large quantities in seeds, soybeans, and wheat. These protein components can disrupt digestive processes, cause excessive mucus secretion in the intestines, and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr. Peter says restricting a lectin diet will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is an alternative perspective. It is based on the claim that not all lectins are harmful. If they are not abused, they are not dangerous for the body, and some even have antitumor activity.
Weight Loss Efficacy
Although nutrition according to blood group is not based on scientific evidence, it cannot be said to be ineffective. Nutritionists claim that dieting according to this system helps to lose weight. Because changes in diet will somehow affect the body, they do not associate weight loss with the theory proposed by D'Adamo. In general, the 4 blood type diets are 4 separate plans.
Both can suit a person and turn out to be harmful - it does not depend on belonging to a particular species.
What can you eat according to your 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. During the hunting and gathering phase, meat was the main food source. Dr. This is how blood group 1, called "Hunters" in Peter's theory, was formed (0 according to the AB0 system). After the introduction of man into the cultivation of vegetables and grains, the 2nd group (A) or "Farmers" appeared.
With the onset of the nomadic lifestyle and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet and the third blood group ("Nomads", B). A new system emerged when red blood cells with different antigenic properties were mixed. It is considered the youngest and rarest.
People with blood type 4 (AB) are more adaptable to modern living conditions than others, and in D'Adamo's theory they are called "New people".
1 group "Hunters"
The oldest blood type was formed in the era of meat eaters, when no other food was yet available. The healthiest food for blood group 1 is considered to be high protein food. Lean meat and poultry form the basis of the diet. Banned foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and liquor.
River fish can be consumed, but to a limited extent.
2 groups "Farmers"
People engaged in growing crops in ancient times became the pioneers of the vegetarian direction. It is allowed to eat plant foods for the second blood group - bread, vegetables, fruits, legumes. Red wine and coffee are allowed. From fish you can eat mackerel, carp and herring. All kinds of meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are prohibited.
It is recommended that the products undergo minimal processing.
3 groups "Nomads"
Those with type B blood are luckier than others. This group was created 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 milk.
4 groups "New people (townspeople)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have a mixed blood pattern. This group is characterized by low stomach acidity, so it is necessary to abandon smoked meat, pickles and alcohol. It is allowed to eat seafood, rabbit meat, turkey meat, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables.
Cheese and offal are not prohibited, but should be eaten infrequently.
One-day blood group menu
A separate nutrition plan is made for blood groups, taking into account the characteristics of the organism. It is not only antigenic properties that affect the daily diet, but also the state of health. If you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you should consult your doctor about an acceptable diet. During the treatment of chronic diseases, you should refrain from dieting.
It is recommended that all groups drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Sample one-day menu for "Hunters":
- Breakfast: peanut butter toast, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: fruit salad with grapes, pears, apples.
- Lunch: cooked beef, fresh herbs, apples.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of walnuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod cutlets, beet salad.
Diet of the day for "farmers":
- Breakfast: fruits, yogurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, lettuce.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon sauce and tomatoes.
- Afternoon snack: low-fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: cooked vegetables.
One-day menu for "Nomads":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: Cabbage Soup with Cream of Mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: boiled mutton with vegetables.
Daily meal plan for "Citizens":
- Breakfast: buckwheat porridge with milk, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Lunch: turkey julienne, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon snack: applesauce, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, eggplant stew.
Dietary benefits
- Good portability. The calorie content and amount of food are not limited.
- Weight loss. Losing weight without additional effort is visible only at the beginning of the diet. As the body gets used to it, it is necessary to increase the level of physical activity.
- lasting effect. The diet is correctly balanced in terms of the main trace elements, the food compatibility of foods for each blood group is good, so the recommended meal plan can be adhered to for a long time.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Switching to proper nutrition and adding protein to the diet always helps boost a slow metabolism.
- Improving health status. When the blood test diet is done correctly, it has a positive effect on immunity and helps to remove toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutrient deficiencies. Restrictions for certain groups (more for 1 and 2) can lead to a lack of calcium, so it is necessary to take vitamins and dietary supplements to maintain the body during the diet.
- Excess protein. This applies mostly to the 1st group. High protein intake with frequent meat consumption can lead to heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, people with serious chronic diseases.