The idea of nutrition taking into account the blood group belongs to the American doctor of naturopathy 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 prevailing 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 sets out 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 inherent in nature, one should eat only food that is suitable for the blood group.
Diet principles:
- pre-pass tests to accurately determine your group;
- the Rh factor does not matter;
- completely exclude unsuitable foods from the diet;
- calories do not need to be counted;
- there are no portion 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 foods. They are called lectins and have the ability to bind carbohydrates to the surface of red blood cells. This process leads to clumping of red blood cells and their precipitation. Lectins are found in large quantities in seeds, soybeans, and wheat. These protein components can disrupt digestive processes, lead to excess secretion of mucus in the intestines and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr. Peter says restricting the diet of lectins will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is an alternative point of view. It is based on the assertion that not all lectins are harmful. If they are not abused, they are not dangerous to the body, and some even have antitumor activity.
Weight Loss Effectiveness
Nutrition by blood group does not have a scientific evidence base, but it cannot be called ineffective. Nutritionists claim that dieting according to this system helps to lose weight. They do not associate weight loss with the theory proposed by D'Adamo, since changes in the diet, one way or another, will affect the body. By and large, the 4 blood type diet is 4 separate plans.
They can both suit a person and turn out to be harmful - this does not depend on his belonging to a particular type.
What can you 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. At the stage of hunting and gathering, 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 "Hunters". After the introduction of man to the cultivation of vegetables and grain crops appeared the 2nd group (A), or "Farmers".
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 characteristics were mixed, a new system arose. She is considered the youngest and rarest.
Persons with blood group 4 (AB) are more adapted to modern living conditions than others, and in D'Adamo's theory they are called "New people".
1 group "Hunters"
The most ancient type of blood was formed during the time of the meat-eaters, when there was still no other food available. For blood group 1, the healthiest food is considered a high-protein one. Lean meat and poultry form the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and liquor.
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 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 recommended to subject the products to minimal processing.
3 group "Nomads"
Those with type B blood are more fortunate than others. This group was formed with a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. The 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 "New people (townspeople)"
People with sensitive digestion and weak immunity have a mixed blood pattern. This group is characterized by low gastric acidity, therefore, it is necessary to refuse from 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 they should be eaten infrequently.
One-day blood group menu
A separate 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 with your doctor about the acceptable diet. During the treatment of chronic diseases, you should refrain from diet.
It is recommended for all groups to drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Sample menu for one 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: fruits, yogurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, lettuce.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon sauce and tomatoes.
- 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: cream of cabbage soup with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: mutton stewed with vegetables.
Meal plan 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.
Diet benefits
- Good portability. Calorie content and amount of food are not limited.
- Weight loss. Losing weight 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.
- Lasting effect. The diet is correctly balanced in terms of essential micronutrients, food compatibility of foods for each individual blood group is good, so the proposed meal plan can be adhered to 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.
- Improving health status. A blood test diet, when done correctly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps to 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 meat consumption can lead to heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, persons with severe chronic diseases.