The idea of blood group based nutrition belongs to the American naturopathic doctor 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 humanity. The peculiarities of their creation depended on the products prevalent 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 exposes the principles of nutrition according to the food preferences of our ancestors in his books, which have become bestsellers. A blood group is a red blood cell system 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 established by nature, one should eat only foods that are suitable for the blood type.
Dietary principles:
- pre-pass tests to accurately determine your group;
- the Rh factor does not matter;
- completely exclude unsuitable foods from the diet;
- it is not necessary to count calories;
- there are no restrictions on portion size;
- 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 aggregation of red blood cells and their precipitation. Lectins are found in large quantities in seeds, soy and wheat. These protein components can disrupt digestive processes, lead to excessive mucus secretion in the intestine and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr. Peter says limiting the lectin diet 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 anticancer activity.
Effectiveness of weight loss
Nutrition by blood group has no scientific evidence base, but it cannot be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that the diet according to this system helps to lose weight. They do not associate weight loss with the theory proposed by D'Adamo, as changes in diet will, in one way or another, affect the body. In general, the 4 blood group diet consists of 4 separate plans.
They can suit a person and turn out to be harmful - this does not depend on his belonging to a particular type.
What you can eat by blood type
D'Adamo's concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food preferences were formed depending on the method of obtaining food. In the hunting and gathering phase, meat was the main source of food. This is how blood group 1 (0 according to the AB0 system) was formed, which in Dr. Peter's theory is called "Hunters". After the introduction of man to the cultivation of vegetables and cereals, the 2nd group (A), or "Farmers", appeared.
With the onset of the nomadic lifestyle and the domestication of livestock, dairy products appeared in the diet and the third blood group ("Nomads", B) was formed. When red blood cells with different antigenic characteristics were mixed, a new system arose. It is considered the youngest and rarest.
People with blood type 4 (AB) are more suited than others to modern living conditions and in D'Adamo's theory they are called "New People".
1 "Hunters" group
The oldest type of blood was formed in the time of carnivores, when there was still no other food available. For blood group 1, the healthiest food is considered a high protein food. Lean meat and poultry form the basis of the diet. Forbidden foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee, and liqueurs.
River fish can be eaten, but to a limited extent.
2 "Farmers" group
People who were engaged in the cultivation of crops in ancient times became the progenitors 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 prohibited.
It is advisable to subject the products to minimal processing.
3 "Nomads" groups
Those with type B blood are luckier than others. This group was formed with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. The blood group 3 diet should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. A short list of bans includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can easily be replaced with other meat, egg and milk products.
4 group "New people (citizens)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have a mixed blood pattern. This group is characterized by low gastric acidity, so it is necessary to refuse smoked meats, pickles and alcohol. Allowed to 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
A separate diet plan is drawn up for blood groups taking into account the characteristics of the organism. It is not only the antigenic characteristics that influence the daily diet, but also the state of health. If you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you should consult your doctor about the acceptable diet. During the treatment of chronic diseases, you should refrain from the diet.
All groups are recommended to drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Sample menu for a day for "hunters":
- Breakfast: toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: fruit salad of grapes, pears, apples.
- Lunch: Baked beef, fresh herbs, apple.
- 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.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon and tomato sauce.
- Afternoon snack: low fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: baked vegetables.
One day menu for "nomads":
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with apples, mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: Cabbage cream soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: stewed mutton with vegetables.
Food program of the day for "citizens":
- Breakfast: wheat porridge with milk, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Lunch: turkey julienne, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon snack: applesauce, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, eggplant stew.
Benefits of the diet
- Good portability. The calorie content and the amount of food are not limited.
- Weight loss. Weight loss without additional effort is observed only at the beginning of the diet. As the body gets used to it, it is necessary to increase the level of physical activity.
- Long lasting effect. The diet is correctly balanced in terms of main trace elements, the food compatibility of foods for each individual blood group is good, therefore the proposed food plan can be respected for a long time.
- The acceleration of metabolism. Switching to proper nutrition and introducing protein into the diet always helps speed up a slow metabolism.
- Improvement of the state of 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 some 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 of 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 lactating women, people with severe chronic diseases.