The idea of a diet based on blood type belonged to the American naturopathic physician Peter J. D'Adamo. He suggested a diet that helps you lose weight, improve your body and slow down the aging process. This concept is based on the fact that blood types were formed during human evolution. The peculiarities of their creation depend on the prevailing products in the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D'Adamo is that the consumption of food shapes a particular type of person.
How the blood type diet works
The doctor laid out the principles of nutrition depending on our ancestors' dietary preferences in his books, which became bestsellers. A blood group is a system of red blood cells with antigenic properties. It is determined by the specificity of proteins and carbohydrates in the cell membrane. According to naturopath, in order to maintain the properties bestowed by nature, one should only eat foods that match the blood type.
Diet rules:
- pass tests to correctly identify your team;
- Rh factor doesn't matter;
- completely exclude foods that are not suitable for the diet;
- calories do not need to be counted;
- no limit on portion size;
- 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. These are called lectins and have the ability to bind carbohydrates on the surface of red blood cells. This process leads to agglomeration of red blood cells and their precipitation. Lectins are found in large amounts in seeds, soybeans, and wheat. These protein components can disrupt the digestive process, lead to excessive mucus secretion in the intestines and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr. Peter says limiting a diet high in lectins will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is an alternative point of view. It is based on the assertion that not all lectins are harmful. If not abused, they are not dangerous to the body, and some even have anti-tumor activity.
Weight loss effect
The blood type diet has no proven scientific basis, but it cannot be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that this systematic diet helps with weight loss. They do not link weight loss to the theory proposed by D'Adamo, since changes in diet will, in one way or another, affect the body. In general, the 4 blood type diet is 4 separate plans.
They can be both suitable for a person and harmful - this does not depend on whether the person belongs to a particular category.
What can you eat according to your blood type?
D'Adamo's ideas were based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food preferences are formed depending on the method of foraging. In the hunting and gathering stage, meat was the main source of food. This is how blood type 1 is formed (0 in the AB0 system), which in Dr. Peter's theory is called "Hunter". After humans introduced the cultivation of vegetables and cereal crops, the second group (A), or "Farmers", appeared.
With the onset of the nomadic lifestyle and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet, and a third blood group was formed ("Nomad", B). When red blood cells with different antigenic properties were mixed, a new system emerged. She is considered the youngest and rarest.
People with blood type 4 (AB) are more adapted to modern living conditions than others, and according to D'Adamo's theory, they are called "New People".
1 group of "Hunters"
The oldest blood was formed in the days of the meat-eaters, when there was still no other food. For blood type 1, the healthiest foods are considered protein-rich foods. Lean meat and poultry are the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and alcohol.
River fish can be consumed, but to a limited extent.
2 groups of "Farmers"
Cultivators from time immemorial became the ancestors of the vegetarian direction. As for the second blood type, it is allowed to eat plant foods - bread, vegetables, fruits, legumes. Red wine and coffee allowed. From fish you can eat mackerel, carp and herring. All meats, offal, mushrooms and dairy are prohibited.
We recommend minimally handled products.
3 groups of "Nomads"
People with blood type B are usually luckier than others. This group was founded with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products available to its representatives is extensive. The blood type 3 diet should be tailored to each individual's needs and preferences. A short list of banned substances includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can be easily replaced with other meat, egg and dairy products.
4 groups "Newcomers (town people)"
People with sensitive digestive systems and weak immunity have mixed blood types. This group is characterized by low stomach acid, so it is necessary to refuse smoked meats, pickles and alcohol. Seafood, rabbit, turkey, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables are allowed.
Cheese and offal are not banned, but they shouldn't be eaten often.
Blood group menu for 1 day
A separate diet plan for blood types is made taking into account the characteristics of the organism. It is not only the antigenic trait that affects the daily diet, but also the state of health. If you have gastrointestinal problems, you should consult your doctor about an acceptable diet. During the treatment of chronic diseases, you should limit your diet.
All groups should drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Sample menu for a day for "hunters":
- Breakfast: toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: fruit salad with grapes, pears, apples.
- Lunch: roast beef, herbs, apples.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of walnuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod cutlet, beetroot salad.
Diet for the day for "farmers":
- Breakfast: fruit, yogurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, lettuce.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon and tomato sauce.
- Afternoon snack: low-fat dessert cheese, tea.
- Dinner: grilled vegetables.
One-day menu for "nomads":
- Breakfast: oat porridge with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, ginger juice.
- Lunch: Creamy cabbage soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pureed peas, green pepper.
- Dinner: lamb stew with vegetables.
Meal plan for the day for "citizens":
- Breakfast: wheat porridge with milk, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Lunch: julienne with turkey, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon snack: apple sauce, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, stewed eggplant.
Benefits of the diet
- Good mobility. Calorie content and food intake are not limited.
- Weight loss. Weight loss without extra effort is observed only at the beginning of the diet. As the body gets used to it, it is necessary to increase the level of physical activity.
- Long term effect. The diet is precisely balanced in terms of key trace elements, the compatibility of foods for each blood type is good, so the proposed meal plan can be followed for a long time.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Switching to proper nutrition and including protein in the diet always helps speed up a slow metabolism.
- Improve health status. The blood test diet, if done properly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps in detoxification.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutrient deficiencies. Restrictions on certain groups (more for 1 and 2) can lead to calcium deficiency, so during the diet it is necessary to supplement with vitamins and functional foods to maintain the body.
- Excess protein. This applies more to group 1. Eating a lot of protein along with eating meat regularly can lead to heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, people with severe chronic diseases.