The idea of nutrition based on blood group belongs to American naturopathic doctor Peter J. D'Adamo. He came up with 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 predominant products in the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D'Adamo is the consumption of foods that have formed a specific type of people.
How the blood group diet works
The doctor sets out the principles of nutrition according to 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 imposed by nature, one should only eat foods suitable for the blood group.
Dietetic principles:
- pre-pass tests to accurately determine your group;
- the Rh factor does not matter;
- completely exclude inappropriate 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 foods. They are called lectins and have the ability to bind carbohydrates to the surface of red blood cells. This process leads to the agglutination of red blood cells and their precipitation. Lectins are found in large amounts in seeds, soybeans and wheat. These protein components can disrupt digestive processes, lead to excessive secretion of mucus in the intestines, and slow absorption of food.
Dr Peter says restricting the diet to lectins will help improve health and prevent cancer and heart problems.
There is another point of view. It is based on the claim that not all lectins are harmful. If they are not abused, they are not dangerous for the body, and some even have anti-tumor activity.
Effectiveness of weight loss
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 with weight loss. They do not associate weight loss with the theory proposed by D'Adamo, because changes in the diet, one way or another, will affect the body. Basically, the 4 blood groups diet is made up of 4 distinct diets.
They can both suit a person and turn out to be harmful - it does not depend on whether he is of 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 are formed based on the method of obtaining food. During the hunting and gathering stage, meat was the main source of food. This is how blood group 1 was formed (0 according to the AB0 system), which in Dr. Peter's theory is called "Hunters". After the introduction of man to the cultivation of vegetables and cereals appeared the 2nd group (A), or "farmers".
With the onset of the nomadic way of life and the domestication of livestock, 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 together, a new system appeared. It is considered to be the youngest and the rarest.
People 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 oldest type of blood was formed in the days of the meat eaters, when there was no other food available yet. For blood group 1, the healthiest food is considered a food rich in protein. Lean meat and poultry form the basis of the diet. Foods prohibited include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee, and alcohol.
River fish can be eaten, but to a limited extent.
2 group "Farmers"
People who were engaged in growing plants in ancient times became the ancestors of vegetarian leadership. 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 that the products be subjected to minimal processing.
3 group "Nomads"
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 long. 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 be easily replaced with other meat products, eggs and milk.
4 group "New people (city dwellers)"
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 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 for blood groups is developed taking into account the characteristics of the organism. It is not only the antigenic characteristics that affect the daily diet, but also the state of health. If you have any problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you should consult your doctor about an acceptable diet. During the treatment of chronic diseases, you should refrain from dieting.
It is recommended that all groups drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Example of a one-day menu for "hunters":
- Breakfast: peanut butter toast, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: fruit salad of grapes, pears, apples.
- Lunch: baked beef, fresh herbs, apple.
- Snack: a handful of nuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod cutlets, beet salad.
Diet of the day for "farmers":
- Breakfast: fruit, 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: soup of cabbage with mushrooms.
- Afternoon snack: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: simmered mutton with vegetables.
Meal plan for 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.
Diet Benefits
- Good portability. The calorie content and the amount of food are not limited.
- Weightloss. Weight loss without additional effort is observed only at the start 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 the main trace elements, the dietary compatibility of foods for each blood group is good, therefore, the proposed meal plan can be adhered to for a long time.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Switching to good nutrition and introducing protein into the diet always helps speed up a sluggish metabolism.
- Improved health. A blood test regimen, when done correctly, has a positive effect on immunity and helps flush out toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Certain nutritional 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 food supplements to maintain the organism.
- Excess protein. This applies more to group 1. A high protein intake combined with frequent meat consumption can lead to heart problems.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, people with serious chronic diseases.