The idea of a diet based on blood type belongs to American naturopathic physician Peter J. D’Adamo. He recommends a diet that will help you lose weight, improve your body, and slow down aging. This concept is based on the fact that blood groups were formed during human evolution. The peculiarity of their creation depends on the products present in the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D’Adamo is the consumption of foods that have shaped certain types of people.
How the Blood Type Diet Works
Doctors set the principles of nutrition depending on the food preferences of our ancestors in his book, which has become a bestseller. A blood group is a system of red blood cells with an antigenic identity. It is identified by the specificity of proteins and carbohydrates in the cell membrane. According to naturopaths, in order to maintain the characteristics set by nature, one should eat only foods that are suitable for the blood group.
Dietary principles:
- pre-pass tests to determine your group accurately;
- Rh factor is not important;
- completely exclude inappropriate foods from the diet;
- calories do not need to be counted;
- 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 components in food. They are called lectins and have the ability to bind carbohydrates to the surface of red blood cells. This process leads to the clotting of red blood cells and their precipitation. Lectin is found in large quantities in seeds, soybeans, and wheat. These protein components can interfere with the digestive process, cause excess mucus secretion in the intestines and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr Peter said limiting the lectin diet would help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There are alternative points of view. It is based on the claim that not all lectins are harmful. If they are not abused, they are harmless to the body, some even have antitumor activity.
Weight Loss Effectiveness
Nutrition by blood group has no basis of scientific evidence, but it cannot be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that a diet according to this system helps to lose weight. They do not associate weight loss with the theory proposed by D’Adamo, because changes in diet, one way or another, will affect the body. Generally, the 4 blood type diet is 4 separate plans.
Both can suit a person and turn out to be dangerous - this does not depend on belonging to a particular type.
What you can eat according to blood type
D'Adamo's concept is based on well -known facts about human evolution. Food choices are formed depending on the method of obtaining food. At the hunting and gathering stage, meat is the main food source. This is how blood group 1 is formed (0 according to the AB0 system), which in Dr. Peter’s theory is called "Hunter". After the introduction of humans to the cultivation of vegetables and grain crops appeared the 2nd group (A), or "Farmers".
With the onset of the nomadic way of life and cattle breeding, dairy products appeared in the diet, and a third blood group was formed ("Nomad", B). When red blood cells with different antigenic characteristics are mixed, a new system emerges. He is considered the youngest and rarest.
People with blood group 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 most ancient blood type was formed in the days of meat eaters, when there were still no other foods available. For blood group 1, the healthiest foods are considered to be high -protein foods. Lean meats and poultry form the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and liquor.
River fish are edible, but to a limited extent.
2 "Farmers" groups
People involved in the cultivation of crops in ancient times became the ancestors of the vegetarian direction. For the second blood group, allowed to eat plant foods-bread, vegetables, fruits, legumes. Red wine and coffee are allowed. From fish you can eat mackerel, goldfish and herring. All kinds of meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are prohibited.
It is recommended to subject the product to minimal processing.
3 groups of "Nomads"
Those with type B blood are more fortunate than others. The group is formed with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. The blood type 3 diet should be tailored to the needs and preferences of the individual. The short list of bans includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can be easily replaced with other meat, egg and dairy products.
4 groups "New people (city dwellers)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have mixed blood patterns. This group is characterized by low gastric acidity, therefore, it is necessary to refrain from smoked meats, pickles and alcohol. Allowed to eat seafood, rabbit meat, turkey, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables.
Cheese and offal are not prohibited, but they should be rarely eaten.
Daily blood group menu
A separate diet plan for blood groups is made taking into account the characteristics of the organism. It is not only antigenic characteristics that affect daily diet, but also health conditions. 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 for all groups to drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Example of a menu for a day for "hunters":
- Breakfast: toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: salad of grapes, pears, apples.
- Lunch: roast beef, fresh herbs, apples.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of walnuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cut cod, beet salad.
Diet for the day for "farmers":
- Breakfast: fruit, yogurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, salad.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon and tomato sauce.
- Afternoon snack: low -fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: roasted vegetables.
One -day menu for "nomads":
- Breakfast: oats with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: creamy cabbage soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: bean puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: boiled lamb with vegetables.
Meal plan for the day for "citizens":
- Breakfast: oatmeal 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, boiled eggplant.
Dietary benefits
- Good mobile. The calorie content and amount of food is unlimited.
- Weight reduction. Losing weight without extra effort is only observed at the beginning of the diet. Once the body gets used to it, it is necessary to increase the level of physical activity.
- Lasting effects. Properly balanced diet in terms of key trace elements, food dietary compatibility for each individual blood group is good, therefore, the proposed meal plan can be adhered to for a long time.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Switching to a proper diet and incorporating protein into the diet always helps speed up a slow metabolism.
- Improving health standards. A blood test diet, when done correctly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps get rid of toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutrient deficiencies. Restrictions for certain groups (more for 1 and 2) can lead to calcium deficiency, therefore, during the diet, it is necessary to take vitamins and supplements to maintain the body.
- Excess protein. This is more applicable to group 1. High protein intake with frequent meat intake can cause heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, people with severe chronic diseases.