The idea of blood type-based nutrition belongs to American naturopathy physician Peter J. D'Adamo. He proposed 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 were formed during the evolution of mankind. The peculiarities of their creation depended on the products that prevailed 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 the blood type diet works
The doctor defines the principles of nutrition depending on the food preferences of our ancestors 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 the naturopath, in order to maintain the characteristics determined by nature, one should eat only food suitable for the blood group.
Principles of diet:
- pre-tests to accurately determine your group;
- Rh factor does not matter;
- completely exclude inappropriate foods from the diet;
- calories do not need to be counted;
- there are no portion size restrictions;
- keep a diet for life.
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 leads to the accumulation of red blood cells and their precipitation. Lectins are found in large quantities in seeds, soybeans and wheat. These protein compounds can disrupt digestive processes, lead to excessive secretion of mucus in the intestine 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 perspective. It is based on the assertion that not all lectins are harmful. If not abused, they are not dangerous to the body, some even have antitumor activity.
Weight loss effectiveness
Blood type nutrition does not have a scientific basis, but it can not be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that diet according to this system helps to lose weight. They do not link weight loss with the theory proposed by D'Adamo, as changes in diet, in one way or another, will affect the body. In general, the diet with 4 blood groups is 4 separate plans.
They can both suit a person and be harmful - it does not depend on his affiliation with a particular species.
What you can eat according to blood type
D'Adamo's concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food preferences were formed depending on the way of taking food. In the hunting and gathering phase, meat was the main source of food. Thus was formed blood group 1 (0 according to the system AB0), which in the theory of Dr. Peter is called "Hunters". After the introduction of man in the cultivation of vegetables and cereals appeared the second group (A), or "Farmers".
With the onset of the nomadic lifestyle and 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, a new system was set up. It is considered the newest and rarest.
People with blood type 4 (AB) are more adapted to modern living conditions than others and in D'Adamo's theory are called "Young People".
1 group "Hunters"
The oldest blood type was formed in the time of carnivores, when no other food was yet available. For blood type 1, the healthiest food is considered to be rich in protein. Lean meat and poultry are 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 were engaged in the cultivation of crops in ancient times became the ancestors of the vegetarian direction. For the second blood group, it is allowed to eat plant foods - bread, vegetables, fruits, legumes. Red wine and coffee are 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 undergo minimal processing.
3 group "Nomads"
Those with blood type B are luckier than others. This group was created 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. A short list of prohibitions includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can be easily replaced with other meat products, eggs and milk.
4 group "Young people (citizens)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have a mixed blood pattern. 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, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables.
Cheese and offal are not forbidden, but should be eaten infrequently.
A daily blood type menu
A special diet plan for blood groups is made taking into account the characteristics of the organism. It is not only 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 acceptable diet. When treating chronic diseases, you should adhere to a diet.
It is recommended that all groups drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Example of a day menu for "hunters":
- Breakfast: toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: fruit salad with grapes, pears, apples.
- Lunch: roast beef, fresh herbs, apples.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of nuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod kittens, beet salad.
Day diet for "farmers":
- Breakfast: fruit, yogurt.
- Lunch: sliced 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 apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, drink with ginger.
- Lunch: cream of cabbage soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: boiled mutton with vegetables.
Food plan of the day for "citizens":
- Breakfast: wheat porridge with milk, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Lunch: julienne with turkey, salad with cucumber.
- Afternoon snack: apple sauce, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, stew with eggplant.
Benefits of diet
- Good portability. Caloric content and amount of food are not limited.
- Weight loss. Weight loss without extra effort is noticed 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 precisely balanced in terms of key trace elements, the nutritional compatibility of foods for each individual blood group is good, therefore, the proposed diet plan can be followed for a long time.
- Accelerate metabolism. Getting proper nutrition through your diet does not have to be complicated.
- Improving health. A diet with blood test, when done correctly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutrient deficiencies. Restrictions for certain groups (more for 1 and 2) can lead to a lack of calcium, therefore, during the diet, it is necessary to take vitamins and dietary supplements 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.