The blood type diet is based on the theory that your blood type regulates what are the kinds of food that you should consume to attain optimum health, promote weight loss and fight disease. Peter D’Adamo, a Naturopathic doctor formulated the blood type diet based on how an individual’s body responds to different kinds of food depending on their blood type. 

The theory behind this diet is that eating foods with lectins (any of a class of proteins, chiefly of plant origin) that are discordant with a person’s blood type causes agglutination (blood cell dumping) and results in ailments such as heart or kidney or cancer. It also affects a person’s capability to digest different foods due to the changes in digestive secretions linked with different blood types. For example, blood type O finds it easy to digest meat well due to high levels of stomach acid. 

 Principles of the blood type diet:

 People with blood type A should stick mainly to a vegetarian diet with a high intake of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds and avoid dairy products. Do yoga and meditation to lower stress levels.   

People with blood type B should stick to a highly diverse diet (including fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, legumes, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy) and stay away from nuts and seeds. Cycling, tennis, hoke and golf are some activities that they can choose to stay physically and mentally strong and active.   

People with blood type AB can take any food allowed for blood types A and B. However, a pure vegan diet is recommended. A combination of activities that include meditation and intense exercises like running, aerobics and weight training to stay physically fit is suggested.  

People with blood type O should take a diet high in meat content, low in grains, and with a minimal amount of vegetables, eggs, nuts and seeds; at the same time, avoid dairy products. Go for exercises that work your cardiovascular and muscular system, like running, Zumba and more, to stay fit. 

The blood type diet highlights whole foods and minimises the intake of processed foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should O+ Blood Type Eat?

People with O+ blood type are often advised to follow a diet that resembles the Paleo diet, which emphasizes high-protein and low-carb foods. Recommended foods for O+ blood type include:

• Lean meats (beef, lamb, turkey, chicken), fish (salmon, cod, mackerel)
• Broccoli, spinach, kale, and onions
• Berries, plums, and figs
• Pumpkin seeds and walnuts
• Olive oil, flaxseed oil

What Foods Should Type A+ Avoid?

Type A+ individuals are believed to thrive on a more plant-based, vegetarian-friendly diet. Their digestive system is thought to be sensitive, making it harder to process animal proteins.

Foods to Avoid for A+ Blood Type:

• Beef, pork, and lamb can cause digestive issues
• Milk, cheese, and butter may increase mucus production
• White bread, pastries, and sugary snacks
• Tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers may cause inflammation
• Caffeine and alcohol

What is the Healthiest Blood Type?

There is no definitive "healthiest" blood type, as health depends on genetics, lifestyle, and diet rather than blood type alone. However, some studies suggest that:

Type O individuals may have a lower risk of heart disease but a higher risk of ulcers.

Type A individuals may have a lower risk of severe COVID-19 but a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Type B and AB individuals may be at higher risk of blood clots and inflammation.

Can Blood Type O Eat Eggs?

Yes, blood type O individuals can eat eggs, but in moderation. While the Blood Type Diet suggests that people with type O should prioritize lean meats and fish, eggs can be a good protein source, especially for vegetarians.

(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

The Potential Impact of Blood System on Dietary Habits and Smoking

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8780104/

ABO Genotype, ‘Blood-Type’ Diet and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors

Jingzhou Wang 1, Bibiana García-Bailo 1, Daiva E Nielsen 1, Ahmed El-Sohemy 1,*https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3893150/