The idea for a blood-based diet is that of Peter J. D'Adamo, an American naturopath. It is recommended a diet that helps you lose weight, improve your body and slow down aging. The concept is based on the fact that blood groups evolved during the evolution of mankind. The peculiarities 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 have made up a certain type of person.
How does the blood type diet work
The doctor articulates the principles of nutrition that depend on the eating preferences of our ancestors in his best-selling books. A blood type is a system of red blood cells that have antigenic identity. They are identified by the specificity of proteins and carbohydrates in cell membranes. According to the naturopath, in order to preserve the properties laid down by nature, only foods that are suitable for the blood group should be consumed.
Dietary principles:
- pre-pass tests to pinpoint the group;
- the Rh factor does not matter;
- completely excludes inappropriate foods from the diet;
- calories do not need to be counted;
- there are no restrictions on the size of the portions;
- follow a diet for a lifetime.
The role of lectins in human nutrition
D’Adamo’s theory is based on the dangers of protein components in foods. These are called lectins and are able to bind carbohydrates to the surface of red blood cells. This process leads to clumping and precipitation of red blood cells. Lectins are found in large amounts in seeds, soy and wheat. These protein components can disrupt digestive processes, lead to excessive mucus secretion in the intestines, and slow down the absorption of food.
According to Dr. Peter, restricting the diet of lectins improves health and prevents cancer and heart problems.
There is also 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 to the body and even some have anti-tumor effects.
Weight loss efficiency
There is no scientific evidence for a blood group diet, but it cannot be said to be ineffective. Nutrition experts claim that dieting under this system helps you lose weight. They do not link weight loss to the theory suggested by D’Adamo, as changes in diet will affect the body one way or another. Roughly 4 blood type diets are 4 separate plans.
They both suit a person and can be harmful - it doesn’t depend on whether they belong to a particular type.
What to eat according to blood type
D'Adamo's concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food preferences have evolved depending on the way food is obtained. At the hunting and gathering stage, meat was the main source of food. This is how blood group 1 (0 according to the AB0 system) developed, which is called "hunters" in Dr. Peter's theory. After getting acquainted with growing vegetables and grains, Group 2 (A), or "farmers, " appeared.
With the beginning of the nomadic lifestyle and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet, the third blood type was formed ("Nomads", B). When red blood cells with different antigenic properties were mixed, a new system was created. He is considered the youngest and rarest.
People with blood type 4 (AB) have adapted better to modern living conditions than others and are called "new people" in D'Adamo's theory.
Group 1 "Hunters"
The oldest blood type developed in the time of carnivores, when no other food was available. For blood type 1, the healthiest food is high in protein. Lean meat and poultry are the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and liqueur.
River fish can be consumed, but to a limited extent.
2 groups of "farmers"
The people who used to grow crops in ancient times became the forerunners of the vegetarian trend. In the case of the second blood group, the consumption of plant foods - bread, vegetables, fruits, legumes - is allowed. Red wine and coffee are allowed. You can eat mackerel, carp and herring from fish. All kinds of meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are forbidden.
It is recommended to subject the products to minimal processing.
Group 3 "Nomads"
Blood type Bs are more fortunate than others. This group was formed with a mixed lifestyle, so the product list of its representatives is extensive. A blood group 3 diet should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. The short list of bans includes the consumption of buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can be easily replaced with other meat products, eggs and milk.
Group 4 "New people (townspeople)"
Blood counts in people with sensitive digestion and weak immunity are mixed. This group is characterized by low stomach acid, so smoked meats, pickles and alcohol should be banned. You are allowed to eat seafood, rabbit meat, turkey meat, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables.
Cheese and offal are not forbidden, but should be eaten infrequently.
One day blood type menu
A separate diet is prepared for blood groups, taking into account the specifics of the body. Not only antigenic properties affect the daily diet, but also health. If you have problems with your gastrointestinal tract, consult your doctor about an acceptable diet. You should refrain from dieting when treating chronic diseases.
It is recommended that each group drink a 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: fruit salad of grapes, pears, apples.
- Lunch: roast beef, fresh herbs, apples.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of nuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod slices, beetroot salad.
Daily diet for "farmers":
- Breakfast: fruit, yogurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, salad.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon sauce and tomatoes.
- Afternoon snack: low-fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: fried vegetables.
One-day menu for "nomads":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with walnuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: creamy cabbage soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green peppers.
- Dinner: mutton stewed with vegetables.
Daily meal plan for "citizens":
- Breakfast: wheat porridge with milk, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Lunch: julienne turkey, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon snack: apple sauce, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, eggplant stew.
The benefits of diet
- Good portability. There is no limit to the amount of calories and food.
- Weight loss. Weight loss without further effort is observed only at the beginning of the diet. As the body gets used to it, it is necessary to increase physical activity.
- Lasting effect. The diet is well balanced in terms of the main trace elements, the food compatibility of the foods belonging to each blood group is good, so the recommended diet plan can be followed for a long time.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Switching to a proper diet and introducing protein into your diet will always help speed up your slow metabolism.
- Improving health. A properly performed blood test diet has a positive effect on immunity and helps remove toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutrient deficiencies. Restrictions on certain groups (more like 1 and 2) can lead to calcium deficiency, so the intake of vitamins and dietary supplements during the diet is necessary.
- Excess protein. This applies more to group 1. High protein intake and frequent meat consumption can lead to heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women and those with severe chronic illness.