Pros and Cons on Eating Right for Your Blood Type
The "Blood Type" diet became part of the nutritional lexicon in 1996, when Dr. Peter D'Adamo published a book in which he argued that blood type should determine what we eat. The result was improved health, D'Adamo states.
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The Theory
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Human beings are biologically predisposed, through blood type, to specific diets. Each of the four blood types reacts differently to proteins found in foods. Eating the wrong food can cause blood cells to clump together, which can have a harmful effect on some organs.
Specifics
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Type A types should eat primarily fruits and vegetables and avoid dairy and meat. Type B types can eat a balanced diet, with appropriate-sized portions from all food groups. AB blood types should follow a vegetarian diet, but allow dairy, fish and meat occasionally. Type O types need high protein foods, but should avoid dairy, nuts,and food containing wheat.
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Pros
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The diet works because certain foods are optimized by certain blood types. The diet also allows some foods that are considered neutral. The dieter can, therefore, build his menu around these foods and avoid foods that are detrimental to the body.
Cons
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The scientific evidence supporting D'Adamo's theory is thin. In some cases, doctors have pointed out glaring inaccuracies in D'Adamo's claims.
The Bottom Line
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Follow the blood type diet if doing so leads to improved health, such as weight loss, lower blood pressure, better-balanced cholesterol levels and other indicators. Be aware, though, that such outcomes are probably a result of positive lifestyle changes, regardless of blood type.
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