Blood Type Diet Research
The Blood Type Diet is different from most diets because it is based upon your specific blood type rather than your body shape, age or any other factor. The diet targets genetic makeup for success because of how the body digests certain foods. Weight loss is only one benefit of this diet. Many people claim improved clarity, higher energy levels and an increased ability to deal with life's stresses as a result of using the Blood Type Diet. Research regarding the success of this type of diet is mixed.
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History
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Peter J. D'Adamo, an accredited naturopathic physician, created the Blood Type Diet, covered extensively in his books, "Eat Right 4 Your Type" and "Live Right 4 Your Type." These books provide comprehensive details about what foods certain blood types should eat or avoid. D'Adamo believes the key to a long life and beating disease begins with eating for your specific blood type.
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Significance
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The success of the Blood Type Diet lies in the fact that each blood type reacts differently to lectins. If followed correctly, the diet is said to restore the body to its original genetic rhythm. Individuals with high levels of alkaline or acidity in their system are also said to benefit from this diet. The prevailing idea is that by eating the way our ancestors did many thousands of years ago, we allow the body to function at its peak.
The Facts
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The four blood types are A, B, O and AB. The diet for blood type A is a vegetarian. Tofu, grains, beans, legumes, vegetables and fruit are advised while meat, dairy and wheat are not advised. Blood type B is advised to eat meat (but not chicken) dairy, beans, legumes, vegetables, fruit; it should avoid corn, lentils, buckwheat, peanuts, sesame and wheat. Blood type O can eat meat, fish, vegetables and fruit but should stay away from wheat, corn, lentils, cabbage, cauliflower and mustard greens. Blood type AB can eat meat, seafood, tofu, dairy, beans, legumes, vegetables, fruits, grains and beans but should avoid red meat, seeds, corn and buckwheat.
Benefits
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Eating according to your blood type will eliminate many health problems you may have, D'Adamo claims. Weight loss will most likely occur when switching to your blood type diet. Additional health benefits may include less congestion and balanced blood sugar levels. The diet also allows the body to digest in the most efficient way, reducing many digestive problems that stem from a diet comprised of mainly processed foods. His website claims that three out of four individuals who tried the diet experienced "significant improvement in a variety of health conditions."
Considerations
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Not all physicians believe in the validity of blood type diets. Andrew Weil, M.D., doesn't give the diet much credence, stating, "If you want to eat a better diet, I recommend you rely on information grounded in nutritional science." Michael Jansen, M.D., writes that there is "no credible scientific data" supporting D'Adamo's claim and adds that "choosing to eat in a way contrary to the science based on blood type of any other fad is creating an unnecessary health risk." Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., states, "There's no scientific evidence to support the so-called 'blood type diet,' " adding, "a 'blood type diet' may not meet your nutritional needs." Author Gary Null also says the blood diet might be popular, but he has seen a "ton of scientific evidence that could disprove that and show its lack of validity."
Consult with your physician before embarking on this diet program, as he or she might provide helpful insight according to your specific health needs.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
