The idea of nutrition according to blood type belongs to the American Naturopathy doctor Peter J. D'Adamos. He suggested a diet that can help you lose weight, improve your body and slow down your aging. The concept is based on the fact that blood groups were formed during the evolution of mankind. The peculiarities of their creation depend on the products that predominate in the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D'Adamo is the consumption of food that has shaped specific types of people.
How a blood type diet works
The doctor lays down the principles of nutrition based on the nutritional preferences of our ancestors in his books, which have become bestsellers. Blood group 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 established by nature, you should eat only foods suitable for your blood type.
Diet principles:
- Pre-passing tests to accurately identify your group;
- Rh factor does not matter;
- Eliminate unwanted foods from your diet altogether;
- Calorie counting is not required;
- There are no restrictions on portion size;
- Follow the diet for a lifetime.
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 causes red blood cells to accumulate and precipitate. Lectins are found in large quantities in seeds, soybeans and wheat. These protein components can disrupt digestive processes, cause excess mucus to be excreted in the intestines, and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr. Peter says restricting lectin diets 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 they are not abused, they are not dangerous for the body, and some have antitumor activity.
Weight loss effectiveness
Nutrition by blood type has no scientific basis, but it can not be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that diet according to this system promotes weight loss. They do not relate to the theory proposed by D'Adamo weight loss, because changes in diet, one way or another, will affect the body. In general, a 4 blood type diet is a 4 separate plan.
They can both suit a person and be harmful - it does not depend on his particular type of belonging.
What can be eaten according to blood group
D'Adamo's concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food preferences were formed according to the method of food extraction. Meat was the main source of food during the hunting and gathering stages. This is how blood group 1 (according to the AB0 system) was formed, which in Dr. Peter's theory is called "hunters".
With the onset of nomadic life and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet and a third blood group was formed ("nomads", B). When red blood cells with different antigenic characteristics are mixed, a new system emerges.
People with blood type 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 oldest blood type was formed in carnivores when other foods did not yet exist. High protein foods are considered to be the healthiest food for blood type 1. The basis of the diet is lean meat and poultry. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and liqueurs.
River fish can be consumed, but in limited quantities.
2 group "Farmers"
People who used to cultivate crops in ancient times became the ancestors of the vegetarian direction. The second blood group is allowed to eat plant foods - bread, vegetables, fruits, legumes. Red wine and coffee are allowed. From the fish you can eat mackerel, carp and herring. All kinds of meat, by-products, mushrooms and milk are prohibited.
Minimal processing of products is recommended.
3 groups "Nomads"
People with blood type B are luckier than others. This group was formed with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. Blood type 3 diets 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 with other meat products, eggs and milk.
4 Group "New People (Townspeople)"
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 avoid smoked meats, pickles and alcohol. You are allowed to eat seafood, rabbit meat, turkey meat, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables.
Cheese and by-products are not prohibited, but should rarely be eaten.
Blood group one-day menu
A separate diet plan for blood groups is made taking into account the peculiarities of the organism. It is not only the antigenic characteristics 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 an acceptable diet. When treating chronic diseases you should refrain from dieting.
It is recommended for all groups to drink one glass of clean water in the morning.
Sample menu for one day "hunters":
- Breakfast: Toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: Grape, pear, apple fruit salad.
- Lunch: baked beef, fresh herbs, apples.
- Afternoon breakfast: a handful of walnuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod cutlet, beet salad.
Day diet for "farmers":
- Breakfast: fruit, yogurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, lettuce.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon sauce and tomatoes.
- Afternoon breakfast: low-fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: Baked vegetables.
One-day menu for "nomads":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: plums with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: Cabbage soup cream with mushrooms.
- Afternoon breakfast: Pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: Mutton with stewed vegetables.
Day meal plan for "citizens":
- Breakfast: wheat porridge with milk, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Lunch: Julien with turkey, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon breakfast: apple sauce, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, stewed eggplant.
The benefits of diet
- Good portability. Caloric content and amount of food are not limited.
- Weight loss. Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness. As the body gets used to, it is necessary to increase the level of physical activity.
- Sustainable effect. The diet is properly balanced in terms of essential trace elements, food compatibility is good for each blood group, therefore, the proposed nutrition plan can be followed for a long time.
- Accelerate metabolism. Going on a proper diet and including protein in the diet always helps to speed up the slow metabolism.
- Improving health. A blood test diet, if done properly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Lack of some nutrients. For certain groups (more than 1 and 2) restriction can lead to a lack of calcium, so it is essential to take vitamins and dietary supplements during the diet to maintain the body.
- Excess protein. This applies more to group 1. High protein intake with frequent consumption of meat can lead to heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, persons with severe chronic diseases.