It can be quite difficult to find the right dietary changes we need to make to lose weight. Everyone is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all dietary approach to weight loss and overall health. For example, a low-carb diet may work for you, but a high-protein diet may better help your friend. Let’s discuss the origins of the blood type diet, the diets that each blood type should consume, and whether or not science backs it up.
Origin of the Blood Type Diet
The blood type diet is a theory introduced in the 1990s by Dr. Peter D’Adamo. He believed that the antigens that lead to what blood type we have may affect how people digest their food. Dr. D’Adamo proposed that the antigens in our blood may respond to proteins in our bodies known as lectins. Many foods contain lectins. He theorized that each blood type would react to lectins differently.
The 4 Blood Type Diets
Dr. D’Adamo developed some beginning guidelines to give people an overall idea of what they should eat based on their blood type.
- If you have type O blood, you should eat a lot of meat and stay away from dairy and grains.
- If you have type A-type blood, you may want to become a vegetarian.
- If you have B-type blood, you should be able to get away with a diet that is not very strict.
- If your blood type is AB, you will need a mix of the vegetarian A diet and the relaxed B diet.
Do It or Dump It?
Not much research has been done about this topic, but the studies we have do not support Dr. D’Adamo’s theory.
In a 2004 study, it was determined that the results did not back up Dr. D’adamo’s claims, and no benefit was found when people ate the diet targeted for their blood type.
Although Dr. D’Adamo based his theory on certain lectins help with blood type testing, every blood type has a negative reaction to most lectins. Raw legumes have a higher amount of lectins than any other food, but most of the lectins are lost during the cooking process.
In short, Dr. D’Adamo’s theory is inaccurate. Instead of following the blood type diet, you should decide what to eat and what to avoid based on your risk factors for diseases like diabetes and heart disease. It’s always best to talk to your doctor before making dietary changes that can impact your health.
