The idea of nutrition based on blood type belongs to the American physician in naturopathy 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 were formed during the development of mankind. The special conditions of their creation depended on the products that were prevalent in the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D'Adamo is the consumption of food that has formed a certain type of people.
This is how the blood type diet works
The doctor sets out the principles of nutrition depending on the food preferences of our ancestors in his books, which have become bestsellers. 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 cell membranes. According to the naturopath, in order to preserve the characteristics that nature has determined, one should only eat food that suits the blood type.
Dietary principles:
- prior tests to accurately determine your group;
- The Rh factor does not matter;
- completely exclude unsuitable foods from the diet;
- calories do not need to be counted;
- there are no portion size restrictions;
- stick to a diet all your life.
The role of lectin in human nutrition
D'Adamo's theory is based on the dangers of protein components in foods. They are called lectins and have the ability to bind carbohydrates to the surface of red blood cells. This process leads to clumping 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, lead to excess secretion of mucus in the intestines and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr. Peter says a dietary restriction of lectins will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is an alternative view. It 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 antitumor activity.
Weight loss efficiency
Nutrition by blood type does not have a scientific evidence base, but it can not be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that dieting under this system helps to lose weight. They do not associate weight loss with the theory proposed by D'Adamo, as changes in diet, in one way or another, will affect the body. By and large, the diet with 4 blood types is 4 separate plans.
They can both suit a person and prove to be harmful - this does not depend on his affiliation with a particular type.
What can you eat by blood type
D'Adamo's concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food preferences were formed depending on the method of obtaining food. At the hunting and gathering stage, meat was the main food source. Thus, blood group 1 was formed (0 according to the AB0 system), as in Dr. Peter's theory is called "Hunters". After the introduction of man to the cultivation of vegetables and cereals, the 2nd group (A), or "Farmers", appeared.
With the beginning of the nomadic way of life and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet and the third blood group 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 group 4 (AB) are more adapted to modern living conditions than others, and in D'Adamo's theory they are called "New people".
1 group "Hunters"
The oldest type of blood was formed in the time of the meat eaters, when there was still no other food available. For blood group 1, the healthiest food is considered to be a high protein content. Lean meat and poultry form the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and spirits.
River fish can be ingested, but to a limited extent.
2 group "Farmers"
People who were engaged in the cultivation of crops in ancient times became ancestors to the vegetarian direction. For the second blood group, 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 types of meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are prohibited.
It is recommended to expose the products to minimal processing.
3 group "Nomads"
Those with type B blood are luckier than others. This group was formed 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 bans includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can be easily replaced with other meat products, eggs and milk.
4 group "New people (city people)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have a mixed blood pattern. This group is characterized by low stomach acid, therefore it is necessary to refuse smoked meat, pickles and alcohol. Allowed to eat seafood, rabbit meat, turkey meat, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables.
Cheese and offal are not forbidden, but they should be eaten infrequently.
One-day 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 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 the acceptable diet. During the treatment of chronic diseases you should refrain from diet.
It is recommended for all groups to 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 of grapes, pears, apples.
- Lunch: baked beef, fresh herbs, apple.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of walnuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod chops, beetroot salad.
Today's diet for "farmers":
- Breakfast: fruit, yoghurt.
- Breakfast: feta cheese, salad.
- Breakfast: salmon steak with lemon sauce and tomatoes.
- Afternoon snack: low-fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: baked vegetables.
One-day menu for "nomads":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, ginger drink.
- Breakfast: Cabbage soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: mutton stewed with vegetables.
Meal plan for the day for "citizens":
- Breakfast: wheat porridge with milk, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Breakfast: julienne with turkey, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon snack: apple puree, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, eggplant stew.
Dietary benefits
- Good portability. Calorie content and amount of food is not limited.
- Weight loss. Weight loss without further 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.
- Lasting effect. The diet is properly balanced in terms of the main trace elements, the food compatibility of foods for each blood type is good, therefore the proposed meal plan can be adhered to for a long time.
- The acceleration of metabolism. Switching to proper nutrition and introducing protein into the diet always helps speed up a slow metabolism.
- Improving health status. A blood test diet, when performed correctly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps remove toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutrient deficiencies. Restrictions for certain groups (more for 1 and 2) can lead to a lack of calcium, therefore during the diet it is necessary to take vitamins and supplements to maintain the body.
- Excess protein. This is more true for group 1. 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 severe chronic diseases.