The idea of a diet based on blood type belongs to the American doctor of naturopathy Peter J. D'Adam. 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 originated during the evolution of mankind. The peculiarities of their creation depended on the products that predominate 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 blood type diet works
In his best-selling books, the doctor explains the principles of nutrition depending on the food preferences of our ancestors. 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 given by nature, you should eat only food that corresponds to your blood type.
Principles of nutrition:
- pass tests to pinpoint your group;
- Rh factor is not important;
- completely eliminate inappropriate foods from the diet;
- calories do not need to be counted;
- there is no limit on portion size;
- stick to a child 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 deposition. 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 intestines and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr Peter says limiting lectin diets 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 organism, and some even have antitumor effects.
Weight loss effectiveness
Diet by blood type does not have a scientific basis of evidence, but it cannot be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that dieting according to this system helps to lose weight. They do not link weight loss to the theory proposed by D’Adamo, because changes in diet will, in one way or another, affect the body. Basically, a diet with 4 blood groups is 4 separate plans.
Both can suit a person and turn out to be harmful - it doesn’t depend on their belonging to a particular type.
What can you eat according to blood type
D'Adam's concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food preferences were formed depending on the way food was obtained. In the hunting and gathering phase, meat was the main source of food. This is how blood group 1 (0 according to the AB0 system) was created, which in Dr. Peter's theory is called "Hunters". After the introduction of man into the cultivation of vegetables and cereals, the 2nd group (A), ie "Workers", appeared.
At the beginning of the nomadic way of life and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet and a third blood group was formed ("Nomads", B). .
People with blood type 4 (AB) are more adapted to modern living conditions than others, and in D'Adam's theory they are called "new people".
1 group "Hunters"
The oldest type of blood originated in the time of carnivores, when there was no other food. Blood type 1 is considered to be the healthiest food rich in protein. Lean meat and poultry form the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and alcoholic beverages.
River fish can be consumed, but to a limited extent.
2 group "Farmers"
People who used to grow crops 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 allowed. From fish you can eat mackerel, carp and herring. All kinds of meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are forbidden.
It is recommended that the products be subjected to minimal processing.
3 groups "Nomads"
Those with blood group B are more fortunate than others. This group was formed with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. Diet for blood group 3 should be adjusted to individual needs and preferences. The short list of bans includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can be easily replaced with other meat products, eggs and milk.
4 groups "New people (citizens)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have a mixed blood sample. This group is characterized by low stomach acidity, so it is necessary to refuse smoked meat, 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 forbidden, but they should be eaten infrequently.
One day blood type menu
A special diet plan for blood groups is made, taking into account the characteristics of the organism. Everyday diet is affected not only by antigenic properties, but also by health. If you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you should consult your doctor about an acceptable diet. During the treatment of chronic diseases, one should refrain from dieting.
All groups are recommended to drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Example of a 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 tomato.
- Afternoon snack: low-fat fresh cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: roasted vegetables.
One-day menu for "nomads":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with walnuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: cream of cabbage soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: mutton stew with vegetables.
Daily meal plan for "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.
Benefits of a child
- 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 the main trace elements, the compatibility of foods for each blood group is good, so the proposed meal plan can be adhered to for a long time.
- Accelerate metabolism. Switching to a proper diet and introducing protein into the diet always helps speed up a slow metabolism.
- Improving health. A diet for blood analysis, when done properly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Deficiencies of some nutrients. Restrictions for certain groups (more for 1 and 2) can lead to a lack of calcium, so it is necessary to take vitamins and dietary supplements to maintain the body during the diet.
- Excess protein. This is more related to 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 breastfeeding women, people with severe chronic diseases.