The idea of a blood group-oriented diet belongs to the American naturopathic doctor 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 fact that blood types were formed during the evolution of mankind. The peculiarities of their creation depended on the predominant products in the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D'Adamo is the consumption of foods that have formed a certain type of person.
This is how the blood type diet works
In his best-selling books, the doctor lays out the principles of nutrition based on the dietary preferences of our ancestors. 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 alternative practitioners, in order to maintain the properties given by nature, you should only consume foods that are suitable for your blood group.
Nutritional principles:
- Pre-pass tests to pinpoint your group;
- the Rh factor does not matter;
- completely exclude unsuitable foods from the diet;
- Calories don't need to be counted;
- there are no serving size restrictions;
- stick to 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 clumping of red blood cells and their precipitation. Lectins are found in abundance in seeds, soybeans, and wheat. These protein components can disrupt digestive processes, lead to excessive secretion of mucus in the intestine and slow down food intake.
Dr. Peter says cutting back on your diet with lectins will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is an alternative point of view. It is based on the claim that not all lectins are harmful. If not abused, they are not dangerous to the body and some even have anti-tumor effects.
Weight Loss Effectiveness
Blood group nutrition has no scientific basis, but it cannot be described as ineffective. Nutritionists claim that dieting according to this system will help you lose weight. They do not associate weight loss with the theory proposed by D'Adamo, since changes in diet affect the body in one way or another. By and large, the 4 Blood Type Diet consists of 4 separate plans.
They can both suit a person, and turn out to be harmful - it does not depend on their belonging to a particular type.
What can you eat by blood type?
D'Adamo's concept is based on known facts about human evolution. Food preferences were formed depending on the type of food procurement. During 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 the theory of Dr. Peter is called "hunter". After man had been introduced to 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 properties were mixed together, a new system was created. It is considered the youngest and rarest.
People with blood group 4 (AB) are better adapted to modern living conditions than others and are referred to as "New People" in D'Adamo's theory.
1 group "hunters"
The oldest type of blood was formed at the time of the meat eaters, when there was no other food. For blood group 1, the healthiest food is considered rich in protein. Lean meat and poultry form the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee, and spirits.
River fish can be consumed, but to a limited extent.
2 group "farmers"
People who were engaged in growing 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 allowed. From fish you can eat mackerel, carp and herring. All types of meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are forbidden.
It is recommended that minimal processing is applied to the products.
3 group "nomads"
People with blood group B are luckier than others. This group was formed with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. The diet of blood group 3 should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. A short list of prohibitions includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts, and chicken.
They can easily be replaced with other meat products, eggs and milk.
4 "New People (Cities)" group
People with sensitive digestion and poor immunity have mixed blood counts. This group is characterized by a low content of gastric acidity, so it is necessary to refrain from smoked meat, pickles and alcohol. Can eat seafood, rabbit meat, turkey meat, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables.
Cheese and offal are not prohibited, but should be eaten infrequently.
One day blood group menu
Taking into account the specifics of the organism, a separate nutrition plan for blood groups is drawn up. Not only antigenic properties influence daily nutrition, but also the state of health. If you have gastrointestinal problems, you should consult with your doctor about acceptable diets. You should refrain from dieting during the treatment of chronic diseases.
It is recommended that all groups drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Example menu for a day for "hunters":
- Breakfast: toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: fruit salad made from grapes, pears, apples.
- Lunch: baked beef, fresh herbs, apple.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of walnuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod fillet, beet salad.
Diet for the day 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: baked vegetables.
Daily menu for "nomads":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: plums with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: Cream of Cabbage Soup with Mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: mushy peas, green pepper.
- Dinner: mutton stewed with vegetables.
Menu for the day for "citizens":
- Breakfast: wheat porridge with milk, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Lunch: julienne with turkey, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon snack: applesauce, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, eggplant stew.
Nutritional benefits
- Good portability. The calorie content and amount of food are not limited.
- Weight loss. Losing weight without additional exertion is observed only at the beginning of the diet. When the body gets used to it, it is necessary to increase physical activity.
- Lasting effect. The diet is properly balanced in terms of the most important trace elements, the food tolerance of the food for each individual blood group is good, so the suggested menu can be adhered to for a long time.
- The acceleration of the metabolism. Switching to the correct diet and including protein in the diet always help speed up a slow metabolism.
- Improvement of the state of health. A blood test diet, if 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 during the diet it is necessary to take vitamins and supplements to maintain the body.
- Excess protein. This is more true for group 1. High protein intake with frequent meat consumption can lead to heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with severe chronic diseases.