The idea for a blood-based diet belongs to the American naturopathic doctor Peter J. D'Adamo. He suggested a diet that will help you lose weight, improve your body and slow down aging. The concept is based on the fact that blood groups formed during the evolution of mankind. The peculiarities of their formation depended on the products predominant in the diet. The essence of the system offered by D'Adamo is the consumption of food that has formed a certain type of people.
How Does A Blood Type Diet Work?
In his books, which have become bestsellers, the doctor explains the principles of nutrition depending on the food choices of our ancestors. A blood type is a system of red blood cells with antigenic identity. It is identified by the specificity of proteins and carbohydrates in cell membranes. According to the naturopath, in order to preserve the properties given to nature, only food that corresponds to the blood group should be eaten.
Dietary principles:
- before passing the tests to determine your group accurately;
- The Rh factor is irrelevant;
- complete exclusion of unsuitable foods from the diet;
- calories do not have to be counted;
- there are no portion size restrictions;
- stick to a diet for life.
The role of lectins in human nutrition
D'Adamo's theory is based on the dangers of protein ingredients in foods. These are called lectins and have the ability to bind carbohydrates to the surface of red blood cells. This process leads to red blood cells sticking together and settling. Lectins are found in large quantities in seeds, soybeans and wheat. These protein components can interfere with digestive processes, cause excessive intestinal mucus secretion and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr. Peter says restricting the lectin diet will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is an alternative view. This is based on the claim that not all lectins are harmful. If they are not abused, they are not dangerous to the body, and some even have anti-cancer activity.
Weight loss effectiveness
There is no scientific evidence base on blood group nutrition, but it cannot be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that following a diet under this system helps to lose weight. They do not link weight loss to D'Adamo's theory, because changes in diet will affect the body in one way or another. In total, the 4 blood type diet has 4 separate plans.
They can both suit a person and be harmful - it does not depend on his belonging to a certain type.
What can you eat by blood type
D'Adamo's concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food choices depended on the method of obtaining food. During the hunting and gathering phase, meat was the main source of food. This created the 1st blood type (0 according to the AB0 system), which in Dr. Peter's theory is called "Hunters". After getting to know the cultivation of vegetables and cereals, group 2 (A) or "Farmers" appeared.
With the onset of nomadic lifestyles and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet, and a third blood type was formed ("Nomads", 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 in D'Adamo's theory they are called "Young People. "
Group 1 "Hunters"
The oldest type of blood was formed in the time of meat eaters, when no other food was available. For the 1st blood group, the healthiest food is considered to be a high protein food. The diet is based on lean meat and poultry. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and beverages.
River fish can be eaten, but to a limited extent.
Group 2 "Farmers"
People who used to grow cereals in ancient times became the ancestors of the vegetarian direction. The second blood group is allowed to eat plant foods - bread, vegetables, fruits, legumes. Red wine and coffee are allowed. Mackerel, carp and herring can be eaten from fish. All types of meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are prohibited.
It is recommended to subject the products to minimal processing.
Group 3 "Nomads"
Those with B blood are more fortunate than others. This group is formed with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. Blood type 3 diets need to be tailored to individual needs and preferences. The short list of bans includes buckwheat, maize, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can be easily replaced by other meat products, eggs and milk.
Group 4 "Young people (citizens)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have a mixed blood structure. This group is characterized by low gastric acidity, so smoked meat, pickles and alcohol should be avoided. You are 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 type menu
A separate diet plan for blood groups is created taking into account the specifics of the body. The daily diet is affected not only by its antigenic properties but also by its state of health. If you have problems with your gastrointestinal tract, you should consult your doctor about an acceptable diet. Diet should be avoided during treatment of chronic diseases.
It is recommended that all groups drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Sample menu for one day for "hunters":
- Breakfast: toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: fruit salad of grapes, pears, apples.
- Lunch: roast beef, fresh herbs, apple.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of walnuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod meatballs, beet salad.
Diet for "farmers" for the day:
- Breakfast: fruit, yoghurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, salad.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon sauce and tomatoes.
- Afternoon snacks: low-fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: fried vegetables.
One-day menu for "wanderers":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: cabbage cream soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snacks: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: stewed mutton with vegetables.
Meal plan for Citizens Day:
- Breakfast: wheat porridge with milk, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Lunch: julienne with turkey, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon snacks: apple sauce, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, eggplant stew.
Dietary benefits
- Good portability. The calorie content and the amount of food is not limited.
- Weight loss. Weight loss without additional effort is observed only at the beginning of the diet. Once the body gets used to it, the level of physical activity must be increased.
- Long lasting effect. The diet is well balanced in terms of key trace elements, the compatibility of food for each individual blood group is good, so the proposed meal plan can be followed for a long time.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Switching to a proper diet and eating protein always helps to speed up a slow metabolism.
- Improving health. A blood test diet, if done properly, has a positive effect on the immune system and helps to eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutritional deficiencies. Restrictions on certain groups (more 1 and 2) can lead to calcium deficiency, so it is necessary to take vitamins and supplements to maintain the body during the diet.
- Excess protein. This is more the case for Group 1. High protein intake combined with frequent consumption of meat can cause heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, people with severe chronic diseases.