The nutritional concept based on blood type belongs to the American naturopathic doctor Peter J. D'Adamo. He proposed a diet that can help you lose weight, improve your body, and delay aging. This concept is based on the fact that blood types were formed during human evolution. The particularity they create depends on the products that prevail in the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D'Adamo is that the consumption of food forms a specific type of person.
How the blood type diet works
The doctor explained the principles of nutrition in his books based on the food preferences of our ancestors, and these books have become best sellers. Blood type is a red blood cell system with antigenic properties. It is recognized by the specificity of proteins and carbohydrates in the cell membrane. According to naturopaths, in order to maintain the characteristics conferred by nature, people should only eat foods suitable for blood types.
Dietary principles:
- Pre-pass the test to accurately determine your group;
- The Rh factor does not matter;
- Completely exclude inappropriate foods from the diet;
- No need to count calories;
- No weight limit;
- Stick to a diet throughout your life.
The role of lectins in human nutrition
D'Adamo's theory is based on the risk of protein content in food. They are called lectins and have the ability to bind carbohydrates to the surface of red blood cells. This process causes red blood cells to aggregate and settle. Lectins are found abundantly in seeds, soybeans and wheat. These protein components can disrupt the digestion process, cause excessive secretion of intestinal mucus and slow down the absorption of food.
Dr. Peter said that a diet that restricts lectins will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is another point of view. It is based on the assertion that not all lectins are harmful. If not abused, they are not dangerous to the body, and some even have anti-tumor activity.
Weight loss effect
There is no scientific basis for blood group nutrition, but it cannot be called invalid. Nutritionists claim that dieting according to this system helps to lose weight. They will not associate weight loss with the theory put forward by D'Adamo, because changes in diet, no matter how it is, will affect the body. In general, the 4 blood type diets are 4 separate plans.
They can be suitable for a person, or they can prove to be harmful-it doesn't depend on him belonging to a particular type.
What can blood type eat
The concept of D'Adamo is based on well-known facts about human evolution. The formation of food preferences depends on the method of obtaining food. During the hunting and gathering stage, meat is the main food source. This is how blood type 1 is formed (according to the AB0 system is 0), which is called "hunter" in Dr. Peter's theory. After humans planted vegetables and food crops, the second group (A) appeared, namely "farmers".
With the beginning of the nomadic lifestyle and the domestication of cattle, dairy products appeared in the diet, forming a third blood type ("Nomads", B). When red blood cells with different antigenic characteristics are mixed, a new system emerges. She is considered the youngest and rarest.
People with blood type 4 (AB) are more adapted to modern living conditions than others, and they are called "new people" in Dadamo's theory.
1 set of "hunters"
The oldest blood type was formed in the time of meat eaters, when no other food was available. For blood group 1, the healthiest foods are considered high-protein foods. Lean meat and poultry are the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and alcohol.
River fish can be eaten, but the quantity is limited.
2 groups of "farmers"
In ancient times, people engaged in crop cultivation became the originator of vegetarianism. For the second blood type, it is allowed to eat plant foods-bread, vegetables, fruits, beans. Wine and coffee are allowed. Fish can eat mackerel, carp and herring. All types of meat, offal, mushrooms and milk are prohibited.
It is recommended to perform minimal processing on the product.
3 groups of "nomads"
People with type B blood are luckier than others. This group is formed by a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products it represents is very extensive. Type 3 blood diet should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. The short list of bans includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can easily be replaced with other meat products, eggs and milk.
4 groups of "newcomers (town residents)"
People with sensitive digestion and low immunity are of mixed blood type. This group is characterized by low gastric acidity, so it is necessary to refuse bacon, pickles and alcohol. Seafood, rabbit meat, turkey meat, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables are allowed.
Cheese and offal are not forbidden, but you should eat less.
One day blood type menu
Taking into account the characteristics of the organism, a separate blood type diet plan was developed. It is not only the antigenic characteristics that affect the daily diet, but also the health status. If you have gastrointestinal problems, you should consult your doctor about acceptable diets. During the treatment of chronic diseases, diet should be moderate.
It is recommended that all groups drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
"Hunter" one-day menu example:
- Breakfast: toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: grape, pear, apple fruit salad.
- Lunch: roast beef, fresh herbs, apples.
- Afternoon snack: a handful of walnuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: Cod fillet, beet salad.
The diet of the "farmers" that day:
- Breakfast: fruit, yogurt.
- Lunch: goat cheese, lettuce.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon sauce and tomatoes.
- Afternoon snack: low-fat cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: grilled vegetables.
"Nomads" one-day menu:
- Breakfast: apple oatmeal, mint tea.
- Lunch: plums with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: Creamy cabbage and mushroom soup.
- Afternoon snack: mashed peas, green pepper.
- Dinner: Lamb stewed with vegetables.
Meal plan for "citizens" on the day:
- Breakfast: wheat porridge with milk, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Lunch: shredded turkey, cucumber salad.
- Afternoon snack: applesauce, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, stewed eggplant.
Dietary benefits
- Good portability. There are no restrictions on calorie content and food quantity.
- lose weight. It was only at the beginning of the diet that weight loss without extra effort was observed. As the body gets used to it, it is necessary to increase the level of physical activity.
- The effect is lasting. The diet is properly balanced in terms of the main trace elements, and the food compatibility of each blood type is good. Therefore, the recommended meal plan can be adhered to for a long time.
- The acceleration of metabolism. Switching to proper nutrition and adding protein to your diet will always help speed up your slow metabolism.
- Improve health. If the blood test diet is done correctly, it will have a positive effect on immunity and help eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some nutritional deficiencies. Restrictions for certain people (1 and 2) can lead to calcium deficiency. Therefore, during the diet, vitamins and dietary supplements are required to maintain the body.
- Too much protein. This is more applicable to group 1. The high protein intake of regular meat consumption can cause heart problems.
- There are contraindications. It is not suitable for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and patients with severe chronic diseases.