The idea of a blood type diet belongs to the American naturopath Dr. Peter J. D'Adam. He suggested a diet that would help you lose weight, improve your body and slow down aging. The concept is based on the fact that blood groups formed during the evolution of mankind. The peculiarities of their development depended on the predominant products in the diet. At the heart of D'Adam's proposed system is the consumption of food that has shaped a specific type of human being.
How Does A Blood Type Diet Work
The principles of nutrition, depending on our ancestral hobbies for food, the doctor sets out 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 naturopathy, in order to maintain the properties set by nature, only food suitable for the blood group should be eaten.
Dietary principles:
- pass tests in advance to pinpoint your group;
- Rh factor is irrelevant;
- completely eliminate inappropriate foods from the diet;
- there is no need to count calories;
- there are no portion size restrictions;
- Follow a diet for life.
The role of lectins in human nutrition
D’Adam’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 the accumulation of red blood cells and their deposition. Large amounts of lectins are found in seeds, soybeans and wheat. These protein components can disrupt digestive processes, cause excess mucus secretion in the gut, and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr. Peter says restricting the lectin diet will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is an alternative approach. It is based on the claim that not all lectins are harmful. If not abused, they are harmless to the body, and some even have antitumor activity.
Weight loss effectiveness
Diet by blood type has no scientific evidence base, but cannot be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that following a diet under this system helps to lose weight. They do not link weight loss to D'Adam's proposed theory, as dietary changes will affect the body in one way or another. In total, the 4 blood group diet has 4 separate plans.
They can both suit a person and prove harmful - it does not depend on their belonging to a particular type.
What you can eat by blood type
D’Adam’s concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Depending on how food was obtained, food choices were formed. At the hunting and gathering stage, meat was the main source of food. Thus, 1 blood group (0 according to the AB0 system) was formed, which is called "Hunters" in Dr. Peter's theory. After the man started growing vegetables and cereals, the 2nd group (A), or "Farmers", appeared.
With the onset of the nomadic lifestyle and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet and a third blood type was formed ("nomads", B). By mixing red blood cells with different antigenic properties, a new system emerged. She is considered the youngest and rarest.
Individuals with blood type 4 (AB) are more adaptable to modern living conditions than others, and in D'Adam's theory they are called the "New People. "
Group 1 "Hunters"
The oldest type of blood was formed in the days of carnivores, when no other food was available. For blood type 1, the healthiest food is considered to be a high-protein food. The basis of the diet is lean meat and poultry. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee, and alcohol.
River fish can be eaten, but in limited quantities.
Group 2 "Farmers"
People who used to grow cereals in ancient times became the pioneers of the vegetarian trend. The second blood group is allowed to eat plant foods - bread, vegetables, fruits, legumes. Red wine and coffee are allowed. You can eat mackerel, carp and herring from fish. All types of meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are prohibited.
It is recommended to treat the products minimally.
Nomads Group 3
Those with blood type B were more fortunate than others. This group has come together with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. Blood type 3 diet should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. The short list of bans includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can be easily replaced by other meat products, eggs and milk.
Group 4 "New People (Citizens)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have a mixed blood pattern. This group is characterized by low gastric acidity, so it is necessary to give up smoked meat, pickles and alcohol. Seafood, rabbit meat, turkey meat, tofu, low-fat dairy products and raw vegetables are allowed.
Cheese and offal are not prohibited, but need to be eaten infrequently.
One day blood group menu
A separate diet plan for blood groups is based on the characteristics of the body. Not only antigenic properties but also health status affects the daily diet. If you have problems with your digestive tract, you should consult your doctor about an acceptable diet. Diet should be avoided in the treatment of chronic diseases.
It is recommended that all groups drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Sample one-day menu for "hunters":
- Breakfast: toasts 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 cutlets, beet salad.
Farmers' daily diet:
- Breakfast: fruit, yoghurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, salad.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon sauce and tomatoes.
- Afternoon snack: low-fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: fried vegetables.
One day menu for nomads:
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: creamy cabbage soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: lamb stewed with vegetables.
Meal plan for the day "citizens":
- Breakfast: wheat porridge 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, eggplant stew.
The benefits of diet
- Good portability. Calories and food are not limited.
- Weight loss. Weight loss without additional effort is observed only at the beginning of the diet. When the body gets used to it, it is necessary to increase the level of physical activity.
- Long - term effects. The diet is fairly balanced in terms of essential trace elements, the compatibility of foods for each individual blood group is good, so the proposed diet plan can be followed for a long time.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Switching to a proper diet and including protein in your diet always helps speed up your slow metabolism.
- Improving health. Properly conducted blood test diet has a positive effect on immunity and helps eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutrient deficiencies. Restrictions in certain groups (more 1 and 2) may lead to a lack of calcium, so it is necessary to take vitamins and food supplements to maintain the body during the diet.
- Excess protein. This is more true for group 1. High levels of protein, often with meat, can cause heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, people with severe chronic diseases.