The idea of nutrition based on blood type belongs to the American naturopathist Peter J. D'Adamo. He suggested a diet that will help you lose weight, improve your body and slow down aging. The concept is based on the formation of blood groups during the evolution of mankind. The specifics of their creation depended on the products that dominated the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D'Adamo is the consumption of foods that shape a specific human type.
How Blood Group Diet Works
In his best-selling books, the doctor reveals the principles of nutrition based on the nutritional preferences of our ancestors. Blood group is a system of red blood cells with antigenic identity. It is determined by the specificity of proteins and carbohydrates in cell membranes. According to a naturopath, in order to maintain the characteristics of nature, it is necessary to eat only foods that match the blood type.
Principles of diet:
- pre-test to accurately identify your group;
- Rh factor does not matter;
- completely eliminate inappropriate foods from the diet;
- no need to count calories;
- there is no limit on portion size;
- Remember a lifelong diet.
The role of lectins in human nutrition
D'Adamo'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 causes red blood cells to accumulate and collapse. Lectins are found in large amounts 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 in your diet will help improve your health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is also an alternative view. This is based on the claim that not all lectins are harmful. When not abused, they are not dangerous to the body, some even have antitumor activity.
Weight Loss Effectiveness
There is no scientific evidence for blood type nutrition, but it cannot be called ineffective. Dietitians claim that a diet consistent with this system helps to lose weight. They do not link weight loss to the theory proposed by D'Adamo, because changes in diet will affect the body in one way or another. In general, 4 blood group diets are 4 separate plans.
They can be both good and bad for a person - it does not depend on whether they belong to a particular species.
What you can eat according to blood type
D'Adamo's concept is based on known facts about human evolution. Nutritional preferences are shaped by the way food is obtained. Meat was the main source of food during the hunting and gathering stages. In Dr. Peter's theory, this is how the first blood group called the "Hunters" came into being (0 according to the AB0 system). After man became acquainted with the cultivation of vegetables and cereals, Group 2 (A) or "Farmers" appeared.
With the beginning of the nomadic lifestyle and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet and a third blood group was formed ("Nomads", B). A new system was created when red blood cells with different antigenic properties were mixed. He is the youngest and rarest.
People with blood type 4 (EU) are more adaptable to modern living conditions than others, and in D'Adamo's theory they are called "New People".
1 group "Hunters"
The oldest blood type originated in the time of meat eaters, when there was no other food. The healthiest food for blood group 1 is high protein. Lean meat and poultry are the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and beverages.
Tea can be consumed, but in limited quantities.
2 groups "Farmers"
In ancient times, people engaged in agriculture became the ancestors of vegetarianism. For 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 subject the products to minimal processing.
3 groups "Nomads"
Those with type B blood are more fortunate than others. This group is formed by a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. The diet for blood group 3 should be adapted to individual needs and preferences. The shortlist includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can be easily replaced with other meat products, eggs and milk.
4 groups "New people (townspeople)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have mixed blood samples. This group is characterized by low stomach acidity, so it is necessary to avoid smoked meat, acids and alcohol. Seafood, rabbit, turkey, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables are allowed.
Cheese and offal are not forbidden, but should rarely be eaten.
One-day blood group menu
A separate diet plan is developed for blood groups, taking into account the characteristics of the organism. It is not only the antigenic properties 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. In the treatment of chronic diseases, you should abandon the diet.
All groups are advised to drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
A daily sample menu for "hunters":
- Breakfast: toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: grape, pear, apple salad.
- Lunch: boiled beef, fresh herbs, apples.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of walnuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod cutlets, beet salad.
Diet for the day for "farmers":
- Breakfast: fruit, yogurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, lettuce.
- Dinner: salmon steak with lemon sauce and tomatoes.
- Lunch: low-fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: cooked vegetables.
One-day menu for "nomads":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: plum with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: Cabbage soup cream with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: mutton cooked with vegetables.
Meal plan for the day for "citizens":
- Breakfast: whole wheat porridge, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Dinner: julienne with turkey, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon snack: apple puree, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, eggplant casserole.
Dietary benefits
- Good carrying capacity. The amount and quantity of calories in a meal is not limited.
- Lose weight. Weight loss without additional effort is observed only at the beginning of the diet. As the body becomes accustomed to it, it is necessary to increase the level of physical activity.
- Permanent effect. The diet is properly balanced in terms of key trace elements, the nutritional compatibility of foods for each individual blood group is good, so the proposed meal plan can be followed for a long time.
- Accelerate metabolism. The transition to a proper diet and the inclusion of protein in the diet always helps to speed up the slow metabolism.
- Improving health. A blood test diet, when done correctly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutritional deficiencies. Restrictions for certain groups (more for 1 and 2) can lead to calcium deficiency, so it is necessary to take vitamins and dietary supplements to protect the body during the diet.
- Excess protein. This is more of the 1st group. Frequent consumption of meat and high protein intake can lead to heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, people with severe chronic diseases.