The idea of a diet based on blood type belongs to the American naturopath 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 types were formed during the evolution of mankind. The peculiarities of their creation depended on the products prevalent in the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D'Adamo is the consumption of food that has formed a specific type of people.
How the blood type diet works
The doctor sets out the principles of nutrition according to the nutritional preferences of our ancestors in his books, which have become bestsellers. 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 maintain the characteristics set by nature, one should eat only food that is suitable for the blood group.
Principles of the diet:
- preliminary tests to determine exactly your group;
- Rh factor does not matter;
- completely exclude inappropriate foods from the diet;
- calories should not be counted;
- there are no restrictions on portion sizes;
- 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 accumulation of red blood cells and their sedimentation. Lectins are found in large quantities in seeds, soybeans and wheat. These protein components can disrupt digestive processes, lead to excessive secretion of mucus in the intestine and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr. Peter says limiting the lectin diet will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is an alternative point of view. 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.
Effectiveness of weight loss
Blood type nutrition has no scientific evidence, but it cannot be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that dieting on this system helps to lose weight. They do not link weight loss to the theory proposed by D'Adamo, because changes in diet, in one way or another, will affect the body. In general, the diet with 4 blood groups is 4 separate plans.
They can both suit a person and be harmful - it does not depend on his belonging to a certain type.
What you can eat by blood type
D'Adamo's concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Dietary preferences were formed depending on the way food was obtained. At the stage of hunting and gathering, meat is the main source of food. Thus, blood group 1 (0 according to the AB0 system) is formed, which in Dr. Peter's theory is called "Hunters". After the introduction of man in the cultivation of vegetables and cereals, Group 2 (A), or "Farmers", appeared.
With the beginning of the nomadic way of life and the domestication of livestock, dairy products appeared in the diet and the third blood group was formed ("Nomads", B). When red blood cells with different antigenic characteristics mix, a new system emerges. It 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 are called "New People".
1 group "Hunters"
The most ancient type of blood was formed during the time of carnivores, when there was still no other food. For blood group 1, the healthiest food is considered to be high in protein. Lean meat and poultry are at the heart of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and alcohol.
River fish can be consumed, but to a limited extent.
Group 2 "Farmers"
People who were involved in growing crops in ancient times became the progenitors of the vegetarian direction. For the second blood group it is allowed to eat plant foods - bread, vegetables, fruits, legumes. Red wine and coffee are allowed. From fish you can eat mackerel, carp and herring. All types of meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are prohibited.
It is recommended that the products be subjected to minimal processing.
3 group "Nomads"
Those with blood type B are happier than others. This group is formed with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. Diet for blood group 3 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 (citizens)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have a mixed blood count. This group is characterized by low stomach acidity, which is why it is necessary to give up smoked meats, 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 menu for blood type
A separate diet plan for blood groups is prepared, taking into account the characteristics of the organism. Not only antigenic characteristics affect the daily diet, but also 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 for all groups to drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Sample one-day menu 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 chops, beet salad.
Diet for the day for "farmers":
- Breakfast: fruit, yogurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, lettuce.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon sauce and tomatoes.
- Afternoon snack: low-fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: roasted vegetables.
One-day menu for "nomads":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: cream of 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.
- Lunch: julienne with turkey, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon snack: apple puree, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, eggplant stew.
Benefits of diet
- Good portability. The calorie content and amount of food 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.
- Lasting effect. The diet is properly balanced in terms of basic micronutrients, nutritional compatibility of foods for each blood group is good, so the proposed diet plan can be followed for a long time.
- Accelerate metabolism. Switching to a proper diet and introducing protein into the diet always helps to speed up a slow metabolism.
- Improving health. The blood test diet, when performed properly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Deficiency of some nutrients. 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.