The idea of nutrition based on blood type belongs to the American physician of 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 evolution of mankind. The peculiarities of their creation were dependent on the prevailing products in the diet. At the heart of the system proposed by D’Adamo is the consumption of food created by a specific type of people.
How Blood Type Diet Works
The doctor outlines the principles of nutrition depending on the food choices of our ancestors in his books, which have made them great sellers. A blood group is a system of red blood cells that have an antigenic identity. It is identified by the specificity of proteins and carbohydrates in cell membranes. According to the naturopath, in order to maintain the traits laid down by nature, one should eat only food that is suitable for the blood type.
Dietary principles:
- pre-pass tests to accurately determine your group;
- the Rh factor varies;
- completely exclude inappropriate foods from the diet;
- no need to count calories;
- there are no restrictions on portion size;
- adhere to a lifelong diet.
The role of lectins 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 results in the clumping and precipitation of red blood cells. Lactins are found in large quantities in seeds, soybeans, and wheat. These protein components can disrupt digestive processes, lead to over-secretion of mucus in the intestines and slow down food absorption.
Dr. says. Peter says restricting dietary lectins will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is an alternative 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 antitumor activity.
Weight Loss Effectiveness
Nutrition by blood group does not have a scientific evidence base, but it cannot be given ineffective. Nutritionists claim that dieting according to this system helps to lose weight. They do not associate weight loss with the theory proposed by D'Adamo, since changes in diet, one way or another, will affect the body. Overall, the 4 blood type diets are 4 separate plans.
They can both be fit and harmful - this does not depend on its connection to a particular type.
What you can eat by blood type
D’Adamo’s concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food choices were created depending on the method of obtaining food. At the hunting and gathering stage, meat was the main food source. This is how blood group 1 (0 according to the AB0 system) was established, called "Hunters" in theory by Dr. Peter. After the introduction of the man to cultivate vegetables and grain crops a second group (A), or "Farmers" appeared.
With the beginning of the nomadic occupation and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet, and a third blood group ("Nomads", B) was established. When red blood cells with different antigenic characteristics 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 most ancient blood type was created during the time of the meat eaters, when no other food was yet available. For blood group 1, high protein food is considered the healthiest food. Lean meats and poultry are the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and drink.
It is possible to drink river fish, but to a limited extent.
2 "Farmers" groups
People who cultivated crops in ancient times evolved in the vegetarian direction. For the second blood group, he is allowed to eat plant foods - bread, vegetables, fruit, legumes. Red wine and coffee allowed. From fish you can eat mackerel, carp and herring. All meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are prohibited.
It is recommended that the products be subjected to minimal processing.
3 groups "Nomads"
Those with type B blood are more fortunate than each other. This group was put together with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. The blood type 3 diet should be tailored to your individual needs and preferences. A short ban list includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts, and chicken.
Meat, egg and other dairy products can be easily replaced.
4 groups "Newcomers (locals)"
People with sensitive digestion and poor immunity have a mixed blood pattern. This group is characterized by low gastric acidity, therefore it is necessary to refrain from smoked meat, 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 should be eaten frequently.
One day blood group menu
A separate diet plan is made for blood groups 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.
Each group is advised to 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: baked beef, fresh herbs, apple.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of walnuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod cutlets, beet 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 cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: baked vegetables.
Day menu for "nominees":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: cabbage soup cream with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: stewed mutton 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: applesauce, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, eggplant stew.
Dietary benefits
- Good portability. Caloric content and amount of food is not limited.
- Weight loss. Losing weight without extra effort is only noticed 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 key trace elements, food compatibility for all blood groups is good, so it is possible to stick to the planned meal plan for a long time.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Switching to proper nutrition and introducing protein into the diet always helps to speed up a slow metabolism.
- Improving health status. A blood test diet has a positive effect on immunity and helps eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some deficiencies in nutrients. Lack of calcium can lead to restrictions for certain groups (more for 1 and 2), therefore, during the diet, it is necessary to take vitamins and dietary supplements to maintain the body.
- Excess protein. This applies more to group 1. High protein intake can lead to heart problems with frequent meat consumption.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, people with serious chronic diseases.