Diet Plan Review: The Eat Right For Your Blood Type Diet

So, I was intrigued when I was researching an article on Miranda Kerr’s diet and exercise plan and found that she has followed a plan that has to do with eating certain foods that are considered “right” for your blood type and conversely, avoiding foods that are “dangerous” for you. So, I thought I would research this diet plan and share it with you.

Peter J. D’Adamo, ND (Neuropathic Doctor), is the author of the book, “Eat Right for Your Type: The Individualized Diet Solution to Staying Healthy, Living Longer & Achieving Your Ideal Weight.” He purports that your blood type directly affects your digestive system and therefore, the foods you should eat as well as the foods you should avoid. He also believes that your susceptibility to certain illnesses is determined by your blood type and even suggests that your exercise program (and it’s success) should be determined by your blood type.

So, here is a quick breakdown of the foods each blood type should consume and which to avoid:

Type O: Did you know that type O is humanity’s oldest blood line? Thus, D’Adamo states that type O folks’ digestive tract retains the memory of ancient times. As such, type O’s should eat lean meats, poultry, and fish. However, type O’s should restrict the amount of grains, breads and legumes they consume. As for exercise, Type O’s tend to benefit from a vigorous exercise program.

Type A: D’Adamo calls these folks, “agrarian” and say they do best on vegetarian diets. These blood types retain “the inheritance of their more settled and less warlike farmer ancestors.” As such, type A’s diet should consist of soy proteins, grains, and organic vegetables and encourages gentle exercise.

Type B: AKA, the Nomadic Blood type, has a tolerant digestive system. They should follow a low-fat dairy, meat, and produce diet but avoid wheat, corn, and lentils. Moderate exercise is recommended for Type B’s.

Type AB: Called “the modern” blood type have a sensitive digestive tract. Type AB’s should center their diets around seafood, tofu, dairy and produce. They should avoid chicken, beef, and pork. Calming exercises are recommended for this blood type.

D’Adamo says that the proteins in foods are digested differently by each person – based on their blood type. So, these proteins (called lectins) are either compatible or incompatible, thus they will either be helpful or harmful. If helpful, the foods act like “medicine” for your body. If harmful, they act like “poison” to your body (D’Adamo says some examples of harmful side effects are inflammation, bloating, slower metabolism). For example, Type O’s should avoid whole wheat because according to D’Adamo, “eating gluten is like putting the wrong kind of octane in your car … it clogs the works.”

There is not much compelling scientific evidence to support this book and most doctors, nutritionists, etc do not agree with D’Adamo’s assertions. David W. Grott, RD, LD and spokesman for the ADA said, “Within the diet itself are generally good diet recommendations.” He goes on to say, “D’Adamo doesn’t say avoid vegetables and fruit, for example — but his specific recommendations based on blood type — the science is not there to support it. I’m not aware that anyone has duplicated his research.” From my perspective, it does not touch on the very serious subject of portion control or balancing your food intake. While it may be something to read for pleasure, I don’t know if it is something to seriously consider when trying to live a healthy lifestyle.