The Diet that Matches Blood Types and Food

Do you know your blood type? Then you are ready to Eat Right for your Blood Type. On this diet, blood type determines the foods that are beneficial and what exercise is best to help cope with stress. It was developed by a second-generation Connecticut naturopath, Peter J. D'Adamo.

The senior D'Adamo noticed the connection between blood type and nutrition in the 1950s when he practiced at European spas.

The claims

The Eat Right for your Blood Type diet asserts that it will do the following:

- Unlock the mystery of health

- Burn calories more efficiently

- Regulate metabolism

- Help achieve ideal weight

- Make you more energetic

- Help avoid viruses and infections

Blood types

O is for the oldest type. According to this diet, people with type O are meat eaters and exercise helps them deal with stress. Beef, liver and fish are beneficial foods. Chicken, butter and mozzarella cheese are neutral foods, while skim milk, bacon, ham and corn oil should be avoided.

A is for the blood type that evolved with agrarian society. Dieters with this blood type flourish on vegetarian diets, an inheritance from farmer ancestors. Salmon, soy milk and flaxseed oil are beneficial. Chicken, canola oil and beans are neutral. Avoid wheat, white flour and anchovies.

B emerged as humans migrated north into harsher, colder regions. Similar to the type O diet, B represents the best of the vegetable and animal kingdoms. Lamb, olive oil and cottage cheese are recommended. Cheddar cheese, beef and beans are neutral. Foods to avoid are wheat, bagels and corn.

AB reflects our modern cultural melting pot. It results from intermingling of different groups. Known as the enigma, type AB is rare and complex. For those with this blood type, turkey, brown rice and cherries are beneficial. Neutral foods are apples, wheat products and canola oil. Avoid corn oil, beef and bananas.

Effects of this diet on people with cancer

However, disqualifying foods is a concern on this diet, especially for people with certain health condition, some experts said.

"I had a patient on this diet and since it eliminates intake of large food categories, she didn't have strength for chemotherapy," said Bonnie Dixon, registered dietitian with the Georgia Cancer Specialists in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Officials with the D'Adamo organization could not be reached for comment.

Exercise

Some type of exercise is recommended for each blood type said Kathleen Zelman, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Associations. Type As benefit from yoga, while type Bs do well with moderate group activities like aerobics and tennis.

Supplementation

"This diet is responsible in that supplementation is recommended," said Zelman, who also has a private practice in suburban Atlanta. Since Dr. D'Adamo classifies some healthy foods as toxic, he has wisely included a supplement profile for each blood type.

Bottom line

"There is little scientific empirical evidence to support Dr. D'Adamo's claims," said Shana Amar, registered dietitian at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

He presents positive testimonials from users, but that is a red flag for consumers when they don't appear with statistical studies, Amar said. Amar recommended using the well-researched U. S. Food and Drug Administration food pyramid with moderate exercise to achieve gradual weight loss and lifelong lifestyle changes.