The idea of a blood-based diet was developed by Peter J. , an American naturopath. It belongs to D'Adamo. He suggested a diet that would help you lose weight, improve your body, and slow down aging. The concept is based on the fact that blood groups originated in human evolution. The specifics of their formation depend on the foods that predominate in the diet. The essence of the system proposed by D'Adamo is the consumption of certain types of food.
How the blood type diet works
The doctor became a bestseller, writing in his books the principles of proper nutrition, according to the wishes of our ancestors. Blood group is a system of red blood cells with antigenic properties. It is determined by the properties of proteins and carbohydrates in the cell membrane. According to the naturopath, in order to maintain the features set by nature, it is necessary to eat only foods that are suitable for the blood type.
Principles of diet:
- take tests to clearly identify your group;
- Rh factor is not important;
- complete elimination of unhealthy foods from the diet;
- no need to count calories;
- no restrictions on portion size;
- Keep a diet for life.
The role of lectins in human nutrition
D'Adamo's theory is based on the dangers of protein components in food. They are called lectins and have the ability to bind carbohydrates to the surface of erythrocytes. This process leads to the accumulation of red blood cells and their proliferation. Lectins are found in large amounts in seeds, soybeans and wheat. The components of this protein disrupt the digestive process, leading to excessive secretion of mucus in the intestines and slowing down the digestion of food.
Dr. Peter says limiting lectin diets can help improve health and prevent cancer and heart disease.
There is an alternative view. This is based on the assertion that not all lectins are harmful. If they are not abused, they are not dangerous to the body, and some even have anti-tumor activity.
Weight loss effectiveness
Blood group nutrition has no scientific evidence, but it cannot be said to be ineffective. Nutritionists claim that diet on this system helps to lose weight. They do not link weight loss with the theory proposed by D'Adamo, because changes in diet affect the body in one way or another. In total, the 4 blood group diet consists of 4 separate plans.
They can be both good and bad for a person - it does not depend on whether they belong to a particular species.
What to eat by blood type
D'Adamo's concept is based on well-known facts about human evolution. Food preferences are based on the method of obtaining food. Meat was the main source of food during the hunting and gathering stages. This is how blood group 1 came into being (0 according to the AB0 system), which in Dr. Peter's theory is called the Hunters. After man began to grow vegetables and grains, Group 2 (A), or "Farmers", emerged.
With the beginning of nomadic life and the taming of animals, dairy products appeared in the diet, and a third group of blood was formed ("Nomads", B). A new system was formed when red blood cells with different antigenic properties mixed. It is considered the youngest and 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. "
Group 1 "Hunters"
The oldest form of blood appeared in the time of the carnivores, when there was no other food. The most beneficial food for blood group 1 is considered to be rich in protein. Lean meats and poultry form the basis of the diet. Prohibited foods include pork, wheat, milk, cheese, coffee and beverages.
River fish can be eaten, but in limited quantities.
Group 2 "Farmers"
In ancient times, people engaged in the cultivation of crops became the ancestors of vegetarianism. For the second blood group, you are allowed to eat plant foods - bread, vegetables, fruits, beans. Red wine and coffee are allowed. Fish can be eaten with mackerel, carp and herring. All types of meat, alcohol, mushrooms and milk are prohibited.
It is recommended to subject the product to minimal processing.
3 groups "Nomads"
Those in group B are happier than others. This group is formed by a mixed lifestyle, so the list of products for its representatives is extensive. Blood group 3 diets should be tailored to individual needs and desires. The shortlist includes buckwheat, corn, wheat, peanuts and chicken.
They can be easily replaced with other meat products, eggs and milk.
Group 4 "New people (citizens)"
Blood is mixed in people with sensitive digestion and weakened immunity. This group is characterized by gastric acidity, so smoked meat, pickles and alcohol should be avoided. It is allowed to eat seafood, rabbit, turkey, tofu, low-fat dairy products and green vegetables.
Cheese and by-products are not forbidden, but they should be eaten sparingly.
Blood group daily menu
A separate diet plan for blood groups is developed taking into account the characteristics of the organism. Not only antigenic characteristics but also health status affect the daily diet. If you have problems with gastrointestinal disorders, you should consult your doctor about an acceptable diet. Diet should be avoided in the treatment of chronic diseases.
All groups are encouraged to drink a glass of clean water in the morning.
Example of a one-day menu for "hunters":
- Breakfast: toast with peanut butter, 1 banana, a glass of tomato juice.
- Lunch: salad of grapes, pears and apples.
- Lunch: boiled beef, fresh herbs, apples.
- Lunch: a handful of nuts, a glass of cherry juice.
- Dinner: cod cutlets, beet salad.
Daily diet for "farmers":
- Breakfast: fruits, yogurt.
- Lunch: feta cheese, lettuce.
- Lunch: salmon steak with lemon sauce and tomatoes.
- Lunch: low-fat cottage cheese dessert, tea.
- Dinner: cooked vegetables.
One-day menu of "nomads":
- Breakfast: oatmeal with apples and mint tea.
- Lunch: prunes with nuts, ginger drink.
- Lunch: sour cream with mushroom and cabbage soup.
- Lunch: pea puree, green pepper.
- Dinner: mutton cooked with vegetables.
One-day meal plan for "citizens":
- Breakfast: milk porridge with wheat, green tea.
- Lunch: carrot juice, peanuts.
- Lunch: turkey and julienne, cucumber salad.
- Lunch: apples, a glass of kefir.
- Dinner: boiled tuna, eggplant crab.
The benefits of diet
- Good copy. Calorie content and food intake are not limited.
- lose weight. Additional weak weight loss is observed only at the beginning of the diet. It is necessary to increase the level of physical activity as the body gets used to it.
- Permanent effect. The diet is well balanced in terms of essential micronutrients, the suitability of foods for each blood group is good, so the recommended diet plan can be maintained for a long time.
- Acceleration of metabolism. Switching to a healthy diet and incorporating protein into your diet will always help speed up your slow metabolism.
- Improving health. Blood tests, when done properly, have a positive effect on the immune system and help eliminate toxins.
Risks and contraindications
- Some food shortages. Restrictions for some groups (greater than 1 and 2) can lead to calcium deficiency, so during the diet, it is necessary to take vitamins and dietary supplements to maintain the body.
- Excess protein. This applies more to group 1. Eating too much meat and too much protein can lead to heart disease.
- There are contraindications. The diet is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women, people with severe chronic diseases.