The idea of blood type nutrition belongs to American naturopathic physician Peter J. D'Adamo. He proposed a diet that will help you lose weight, improve your body, and delay aging. The concept is based on the fact that blood groups were formed during the evolution of humanity. The peculiarities of its creation depended on the predominant products in the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D'Adamo is the consumption of foods that formed a specific type of person.
How the Blood Type Diet Works
The doctor establishes the principles of nutrition according to the food preferences of our ancestors in his books, which became best-sellers. A blood group is a system of red blood cells with antigenic identity. It is identified by the specificity of proteins and carbohydrates on cell membranes. According to the naturopath, to maintain the characteristics of nature, one should only eat foods suitable for the blood group.
Diet principles:
- pre-approved tests to accurately determine your group;
- the Rh factor doesn't matter;
- completely exclude inappropriate foods from the diet;
- calories don't need to be counted;
- there are no restrictions on portion sizes;
- follow 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 precipitation. Lectins are found in large amounts in seeds, soybeans and wheat. These protein components can disrupt digestive processes, lead to excess mucus secretion in the intestines, and delay the absorption of food.
Dr. Peter says that restricting the diet to lectins will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is an alternative point of view. It is based on the assertion that not all lectins are harmful. If not abused, they are not dangerous for the body and some even have antitumor activity.
Effectiveness of weight loss
Blood group nutrition is not supported by scientific evidence, but it cannot be considered ineffective. Nutritionists claim that dieting according to this system helps you lose weight. They do not link weight loss to the theory proposed by D'Adamo, as changes in diet, in one way or another, will affect the organism. In general, the 4-Blood Type Diet consists of 4 separate plans.
Both can please a person and turn out to be harmful - it doesn't depend on whether he belongs to a specific type.
What can you eat by blood type
D'Adamo's concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food preferences were formed depending on the method of obtaining the food. In the hunting and gathering phase, meat was the main source of food. This is how blood group 1 was formed (0 according to the AB0 system), which in Dr. Peter's theory is called "Hunters". After the introduction of man in the cultivation of vegetables and grains, the 2nd group (A) or "Farmers" appeared.
With the beginning of the nomadic way of life and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet, and the third blood group was formed ("Nomads", B). When red blood cells with different antigenic characteristics were mixed together, a new system emerged. She is considered the youngest and rarest.
People with blood group 4 (AB) are better adapted to modern living conditions than others, and in D'Adamo's theory they are called "New People".
1 "Hunters" group
The oldest blood type was formed in the time of carnivores, when there was still no other food available. For blood group 1, the healthiest food is considered to be high 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 groups "Farmers"
People who were engaged in growing crops in ancient times became the progenitors of vegetarian direction. For the second blood group, it is allowed to eat plant foods - bread, vegetables, fruits, vegetables. Red wine and coffee allowed. From fish you can eat mackerel, carp and herring. All types of meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are prohibited.
It is recommended to subject the products to minimal processing.
3 groups "Nomads"
Those with type B blood are more fortunate than others. This group was formed with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for their representatives is extensive. The Blood Type 3 diet should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. A short list of bans includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can easily be replaced by other meat, egg and milk products.
4 group "New people (city inhabitants)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have a mixed blood pattern. This group is characterized by low gastric acidity, therefore, it is necessary to refuse smoked meat, pickles and alcohol. You can eat seafood, rabbit meat, turkey, tofu, low-fat dairy and green vegetables.
Cheese and offal are not prohibited, but should be eaten infrequently.
One day blood group menu
A separate diet plan for blood groups is made taking into account the characteristics of the body. It is not only antigenic characteristics that affect daily diet, but also health status. If you have problems with your gastrointestinal tract, you should consult your doctor about an acceptable diet. When treating chronic illnesses, you should avoid diet.
It is recommended that all groups drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
One-day sample menu for "hunters":
- Breakfast: toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: fruit salad made from 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 of 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: roasted vegetables.
One-Day Menu for "Nomads":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apple, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with walnuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: creamed cabbage soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: lamb stewed with vegetables.
Meal Plan of 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: cooked tuna, eggplant stew.
Diet Benefits
- Good portability. Calorie content and amount of food are not limited.
- Weight loss. Weight loss without additional effort is only seen 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 correctly balanced in terms of the main trace elements, the food compatibility of foods for each individual blood group is good, therefore, the proposed eating plan can be followed for a long time.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Switching to proper nutrition and introducing protein into the diet always helps to speed up sluggish metabolism.
- Improve health status. A blood test diet, when done correctly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps to eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutrient deficiencies. Restrictions for certain groups (more than 1 and 2) can lead to a lack of calcium, therefore, during the diet, it is necessary to take vitamins and dietary supplements for the maintenance of the organism.
- Too much protein. This applies more to group 1. High protein intake with frequent meat consumption can cause heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and nursing women, people with serious chronic illnesses.