Get ahead of the curve on your New Year goals
Popularized in the 1990s, the blood type diet has been around for a while. The idea was first put forward in the book 'Eat Right 4 Your Type,' which claims the optimal diet and fitness regimens for a person's body can be unlocked using their blood type. It proposes that our ancient ancestors evolved to thrive on certain diets, and each blood type represents the genetic traits of those ancestors. By eating in alignment with our blood type, we can reap the health benefits and lose weight—except, is it anything more than pseudoscience?
Intrigued? Click on to learn more about the blood type diet, and if it actually works.
Naturopathic physician Peter D'Adamo published a book in 1996, 'Eat Right 4 Your Type,' where he outlined the potential benefits associated with eating foods that correspond to blood type.
Blood type diet theory suggests that those with group A blood should eat a mostly vegetarian diet, and those with group O should focus on high animal protein.
Those with group B should eat dairy products, and people with AB blood should eat a diet that has elements of both the A and B diet.
ABO blood groups are determined by antigens present on the surface of blood cells. A antigen, B antigen, both, or neither may be present, giving the blood types A, B, AB, or O.
The blood type diet proposes the idea that blood type can affect how certain foods are digested, due to evolutionary history.
D'Adamo put forward the idea that, by extension, eating according to your blood type can have health benefits.
Type O belonged to some of our most ancient ancestors. The recommended diet for this type is based on the diet of the earliest hunter-gatherers.
The diet claims people with type O blood are best suited to eating animal protein. They are considered to have the most ease in digesting meat and fat.
The blood type diet recommends those with type A blood follow a natural, organic, vegetarian, or mostly vegetarian food plan.
The diet claims people with type A blood have been shown to have lower levels of stomach acid than other blood types, making it difficult for them to digest meat.
The blood type diet claims that type B people are generally able to digest high fat foods, and should prioritize milk and dairy products to have more energy.
Supposedly, group B blood was developed among nomadic tribes who had a high consumption of dairy. Prehistoric people with type B blood had to be flexible and creative to survive in new conditions.
When people with type A and type B blood reproduced together, it resulted in the AB blood group. Therefore, this group can take diet elements of both types.
In the 1950s and '60s, researchers looked into the risk of coronary artery disease between the blood types, finding type O to be at a lower risk.
Other studies have suggested an increased risk of higher total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) concentrations among people with blood type A.
The findings led to questions being raised about the kinds of food that could be more beneficial from one blood type to another. However, research is lacking to back up the theories behind the blood type diet.
According to the blood type diet theory, those with type O blood should eat meat, fish, vegetables (broccoli and spinach in particular), and fruit.
They should limit grains, beans, and legumes, and avoid wheat, corn, and dairy if they're attempting to lose weight.
Those with type A blood should eat fruit, vegetables, tofu, seafood, turkey, and whole grains, according to the blood type diet.
It's recommended type A's avoid red meat altogether. They should also avoid dairy, wheat, corn, and kidney beans if they're trying to lose weight.
The blood type diet theorizes those with type B should eat a diverse diet, which includes meat, dairy, seafood, grains, and green vegetables.
If type B's are trying to lose weight, they're advised to cut chicken, corn, peanuts, and wheat from their daily food intake.
Type AB should eat tofu, dairy, lamb, fish, grains, and vegetables, according to the diet. If they're trying to lose weight, they should avoid foods like kidney beans, chicken, corn, and buckwheat.
In studies, it was discovered that those with type A blood who followed a type A diet did experience health improvements... as did those who followed it with type B, O, and AB blood types, too!
It's probably common sense: a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains that limits red meat is associated with cardiovascular benefits.
Similarly, the AB diet type advises limiting butter while eating eggs and fish. These foods have been linked to more favorable test results for heart health and blood sugar management in all blood types.
According to the available research, eating patterns similar to the A blood group diet tend towards people having a lower body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and insulin levels.
Regardless of blood type, the type O diet recommendations have been associated with lower triglyceride levels when tested.
There's no quality evidence available to demonstrate that blood type impacts dietary choices. What research is available shows that the health benefits from eating according to each suggestion are applicable to every blood group type.
Sources: (Verywell Health) (Healthline) (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: This is how your blood type can affect your health
Does the blood type diet actually work?
What you need to know
HEALTH Nutrition
Popularized in the 1990s, the blood type diet has been around for a while. The idea was first put forward in the book 'Eat Right 4 Your Type,' which claims the optimal diet and fitness regimens for a person's body can be unlocked using their blood type. It proposes that our ancient ancestors evolved to thrive on certain diets, and each blood type represents the genetic traits of those ancestors. By eating in alignment with our blood type, we can reap the health benefits and lose weight—except, is it anything more than pseudoscience?
Intrigued? Click on to learn more about the blood type diet, and if it actually works.