The blood type diet has been formulated by Peter D’Adama, a naturopathic physician in his book called ‘Eat Right 4 Your Type’.  D’Adama claims that following a diet based on blood type is a very important factor that leads to good health.  The human body consists of 4 different blood group combinations and each blood type has its own individual tendency of reacting to certain food groups while benefiting from others. Depending on the group of blood contained in our body it is very essential to know of the foods which should be avoided in order to stay away from diseases like obesity, weight gain, inflammation and other chronic diseases as well.

Similar is the case with blood type AB which is a result of the commingling of type A and type B. It is the rarest of blood groups found in less than 5% of the people. The multiple antigens present in the AB blood type encourages and allows their easy adaptation to environmental and dietary conditions as per the diet’s proponents, in spite of having a sensitive digestive tract, so it is very important to know about the ingredients of a particular food before consuming it.

Moreover, blood type AB have low stomach acid content, by nature, and are therefore advised to have frequent lighter meals at regular intervals so as to encourage food to stay in the stomach for a longer duration. However, type AB blood group do wonders when their muscle tissues are slightly on the alkaline side. Let’s take a sneak peek through the different foods which are recommended by doctors for the healthy being of the holders of blood type AB.

There is a distinct diet that should be followed by people of different blood types and the same goes for people with the blood type A+.

Each person has a unique genetic makeup with blood playing the common role between all people. The blood type has particular characteristics that are passed on to us from one generation to another. Blood type ‘O’ has been related to the early meat eaters of the human race.

Eating according to your blood type may yield few positive benefits but no scientific evidence exists linking this. If you plan to follow this plan, make sure you get enough nutrition from foods recommended for blood type A+. Consult your doctor if required.

Special food requirement for people with blood type A+:

As mankind advanced into an agrarian lifestyle and cultivated grain and livestock, the blood group gave birth to a new blood type A due to a genetic alteration as carbohydrates formed a large majority of dietary intake. This blood group has low levels of alkaline phosphatase and hydrochloric acid with a high level of intestinal disaccharide.

This means that people having blood type A+ will not be able to digest animal protein easily as compared to carbohydrates. Hence a predominantly vegetarian diet that is organic, fresh and pure is highly recommended for such people. Here are nine foods which are recommended for blood type A+.

Foods recommended for blood type A+

1.     Vegetables

If you have blood type A, then it is important that you consume a lot of vegetables that are fresh, pure and organic. Termed as the proverbial ‘vegetarian’, your blood simply cannot digest animal protein. Your blood type also suggests that you are sensitive to toxins, hence, ensure that the food you eat is organic and free from pesticides.

Vegetables such as artichoke, broccoli, alfalfa sprouts, chicory, carrots, beet leaves, collard greens, escarole, dandelion, horseradish, okra, lettuce, kale, kohlrabi, onions, parsnips, parsley, spinach, turnips, pumpkin and Swiss chard are highly recommended for you.

2.     Vegetable oils

People with blood type A+ should not consume fats, especially animal fats. People with blood type A+ have a very delicate digestive system and cannot digest animal proteins due to the lack of production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Hence, vegetable oils are best for you. Olive oil and flax seed oil are the best so try to cook your food in vegetable oils as it is the best for your health.

3.     Deep ocean seafood

Meats are an absolute no no for you and the same goes for lean meats like poultry and lean cuts of beef and pork. Your blood group is not suitable for digesting animal proteins. Therefore, seafood is highly recommended for your blood type such as pickerel, monkfish, mackerel, grouper, cod, carp, red snapper, salmon, sea trout, rainbow trout, sardine, snail, silver perch and whitefish yellow perch. Avoid having fish that has a high fat content, as it will be difficult for you to digest the same.

4.     Legumes

Legumes are also beneficial for your blood type as a vegetarian diet is suitable for you. Foods that are rich in vegetable proteins such as soy beans and its products are extremely beneficial for you. Hence, you can derive a lot of protein out of various peas and beans like azuki, aduke, green beans, pinto beans, black beans, black eyed peas and lentil beans.

Your blood group is suitable for digesting vegetable proteins and carbohydrates, hence try to include legumes for your protein intake as animal proteins work against your digestive tract and might cause indigestion.

5.     Grains and cereals

Since blood type A+ was developed as a genetic modification due to the evolution of man, therefore your blood type is most suitable for digesting carbohydrates in the form of grains like soba noodles, buckwheat kasha, artichoke pasta, rye, rice, oat, amaranth and so on.

For blood group A, it is recommended that you follow a diet that is high in carbohydrates and low in fats. However, make sure that you avoid refined carbohydrates and eat complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat flour, brown rice and avoid sugar snacks.

6.     Fruits

Blood group A+ is the second oldest blood group and was a modification that happened after man started to cultivate and included carbohydrates and legumes into his diet. Your blood group is suitable to a vegetarian diet, and people with this blood group can derive various minerals and vitamins through the intake of fruits such as pineapple, coconut, cantaloupe, banana, honeydew, orange, mango, tangerine, papaya, rhubarb and plantain.

7.     Spices

There are a few spices that are recommended for blood type A+. Since the people having this blood type have less digestive juices, hence, spices like miso, blackstrap molasses, ginger, soy sauce tamari, garlic and barley malt are suitable for their digestive systems. Hence, avoid consuming spices that are very fiercely and pungently flavored such as cayenne peppers that are detrimental for your health.

8.     Herbal teas

People with blood type A+ should consume a lot of herbal teas, as they are highly beneficial for you. Herbal teas flavored with various herbs like valerian, slippery elm, St. John’s wort, milk thistle, ginseng, ginger, rose hips, green tea, Hawthorne, fenugreek, burdock, chamomile echinacea, aloe and alfalfa are very beneficial. It is suggested that people with this blood type consume a lot of green tea as it is high in antioxidants and is good for clearing out your digestive system.

9.     Juices

Since people with blood type A+ should follow a vegetarian diet, therefore, juices are highly beneficial for you as they are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Juices from fruits that have a lot of phytonutrients are extremely beneficial such as grapefruits, black cherry, pineapple, apricot, carrot, and prune and celery juices. However, when consuming juices, make sure that they are fresh and organic and are not packaged with preservatives. Preservatives are harmful for your health.

Foods which are recommended for blood type AB

Meat and protein

The presence of multiple antigens in type AB blood tends to make it A-like at times with weakened stomach acids and sometimes B-like with a strong genetic capacity to consume meats. As a matter of fact, AB type does best when provided with a mixed dietary course. Nevertheless, people with such blood type cannot metabolize and digest meat properly and efficiently due to the presence of low stomach acids and hence it becomes extremely essential for them to keep a check on the portion size and frequency of intake of certain foods like red meat. Chicken contains lectin which can cause irritation in their blood and digestive tracts and hence should be avoided. The best advised protein supplement for them is lean animal proteins, tofu, sea-foods, turkey, lamb and mutton.

Grains

Grains and cereals are normally considered favorable for type AB blood although the kernel present inside the wheat grain leads to the formation of acidity and should therefore be avoided. For type AB’s consumption of too much of wheat products may lead to the development of mucous and inflammation in the body. The best is to stick to a diet rich in rice rather than buck wheat or pasta. Oatmeal, soy and millets are also quite beneficial for AB type blood groups.

Peanuts

Type AB’s have a very low and weak immune system which makes them prone to several diseases. Daily intake of peanuts can enhance and boost up their immunity system and is therefore advised to have lots of them. Also, peanuts have an anti-carcinogenic effect on blood type AB which can help in keeping fatal diseases like cancer at bay.

Vegetables

Fresh green leafy vegetables are a rich source of phyto-chemicals which can prevent occurrence of fatal diseases like cancer and heart attack in type AB blood group. People with this particular blood type are prone to such chronic ailments due to their low resistance and immunity levels. Vegetables having a high fiber content and antioxidants like broccoli, cucumber, cauliflower and beans are therefore recommended most for type ABs while bell peppers, radish and black olives which are high on acid content should be completely avoided.

Fruits

Blood AB types should put more emphasis in consuming more of alkaline fruits like grapes, all kinds of berries and cherries which can assist in balancing off the intake of grains which might cause acid formation in the muscle tissues of the body and even help in digestion and clearing mucous from the intestines. Even tomatoes can be consumed in their raw form as salads or soups to do the needful.

Lemon juice

To avoid the accumulation of mucous while sleeping and to clean the system of it, it is recommended for blood AB types to kick start their day by having a warm glass of water with freshly squeezed lime juice added to it.

Dairy products

Blood type AB tends to follow the predispositions of type B in case of susceptibility to dairy products. They benefit most from cultured and sourced dairy products and can easily digest yogurt and sour creams. However, blood AB type should always monitor their dairy intake quantum as excess consumption of the same may lead to the development of mucous due to a feature adapted from type A. Also, eggs can be easily consumed by AB type as they are a good source of protein. But, again, eggs contain a high level of cholesterol and since AB types are susceptible to heart diseases, they should stick to eating 2 egg whites as against every one egg yolk.

Beverages

For type AB, green teas are highly recommended which assist drastically to rev up their immune system. Herbal teas and beverages aid in building resistance against deadly chronic ailments like cardiovascular diseases and cancer. They even help to absorb iron within the body and prevent conditions like anemia. Coffee particularly boosts up stomach acids as it contains similar enzymes as found in soy. Some of the most suggested drinks include chamomile, green tea, red wine, coffee and so on, while black tea, soda and alcohol should be avoided at all costs.

Spices

Spices play an important role in building up a positive heart and immune system thereby benefiting people containing type AB blood. Common salt should be replaced with sea-salt, kelp, curry and miso as these ingredients are acidic and help to increase stomach acid levels. Moreover, garlic, parsley and horseradish are potent tonics and consist of natural antibiotics which benefit blood AB type. However, there are certain spices which can cause an adverse effect on type AB like almond extract, barley malt, corn syrup, vinegar and all types of pepper, and should not be included in the diet in any form.

Foods O positive people should avoid or eat

Foods O positive people should eat must be high in protein like that in paleo or low-carbohydrate diet. This should be accompanied by vigorous aerobic workouts.

List of foods O positive people should avoid or eat:

Well, there is no harm in following a diet according to blood group type. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in a review related to diet according to blood type states, there is no evidence to validate the health benefits of following a blood type related diet. Let us have a look at different types of foods O positive people should avoid or eat. 

Fruits:

It has been noted that individuals with O Positive blood group tend to have pH levels that slightly tilt towards the acidic end.

Eating a variety of fruits therefore provide alkalizing effects that can normalize the pH levels. Excellent options include guavas, blueberries, bananas, nuts, mangoes, plums, prunes, pineapples, figs and black cherry.

Some fruits that need to be avoided by Type O individuals include avocados, coconuts, oranges, tangerines, strawberries, honeydew, cantaloupe and blackberries.

Vegetables to Eat and Avoid

You need to include vegetables to your daily diet. However, if you are a Type O individual, you need to eat vegetables that can balance out the low hormone levels (usually caused by thyroid deficiencies) in your body. Vegetables like onions, broccoli, pumpkin, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, lettuce, kale and parsnips can help you overcome hormone imbalances and a weakened immune system.

Vegetables like cauliflower, cabbages and sprouts can contribute to hormonal imbalances and should be avoided if your blood type is O Positive.

Nuts and grains:

Nuts are rich sources of protein but all types of nuts are not suitable for O positive people. Foods O positive people should eat would include walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds. Pumpkin seeds and walnuts are considered most suitable. They should avoid cashews, pistachios, brazil nuts, poppy seeds and peanuts.

O Positive people can have grains like rice, millet, amaranth, kamut, kasha, rye, spelt, barley and buckwheat. They should avoid gluten, oats, corn, white and whole wheat, durum wheat and seven-grain.

Beans:

Foods O positive people should eat include beans as well. They can best tolerate pinto beans, black eyed peas, azuki and aduke beans. Copper, kidney and tamarind beans and green and red lentils should be avoided.

Non Vegetarian Foods:

Increased protein intake is considered essential for optimum health for Type O individuals. The protein can be derived from foods like lean and organic meats (including skinless chicken, turkey, lamb and beef). Egg whites are also recommended for individuals with O Positive blood.

The acidic nature of the muscle tissue in individuals with Type O blood can help improve body metabolism by the easy digestion and assimilation of lean meats. Therefore, it is considered essential to opt for these varieties and refrain from other forms of meat.

Fish is also considered essential for individuals with O Positive blood. Individuals with Type O blood are more susceptible to hormone imbalances and conditions related to them, including fluid retention, weight gain and fatigue. This is partly due to the low iodine levels in their body.

Fishes like tuna, red snapper, salmon, kelp, cod and halibut etc. can regulate the iodine levels in the body and prevent these conditions. However, non-vegetarian foods O positive people should avoid are pork (ham and bacon), catfish, smoked salmon, goose, pickled herring, caviar and octopus.

Dairy Foods:

Individuals with Type O blood would need to restrict the intake of dairy foods to a minimum as these foods could hinder body metabolism and lead to digestive issues. While it is recommended that you stay away from dairy products, you can make room for indulgences in the form of butter, goat cheese, feta cheese and mozzarella cheese (in miniscule quantities of course).

Foods which are recommended for blood type B

Those with blood type B are generally more susceptible to several diseases and hence must maintain a regulated diet that is completely different from others. There are several foods which can assist a type B blood group individual remain healthy. The diet you follow must also take into account the medical history as well as the age of an individual. The good news, however, is that most of the foods that are beneficial for the blood type B individuals, are easily available. These include meats of various kinds, grains, beans, dairy products, eggs, leafy vegetables and juices.

Meats – Chicken, turkey and steak

Research states that the food you eat chemically reacts with the blood in your body. This reaction is largely due to the genetic inheritance. Lectins are one of the triggers to this chemical reaction and are abundantly found in protein foods. Lectins have agglutinating properties which can affect your blood. Therefore, when you eat a food that contains proteins and lectins which are not compatible with your blood type antigen, they target one organ and start to agglutinate your blood cells in a certain area.

Foods such as lentils, chicken, corn etc are high in proteins and good to be included in your diet if you have a type B blood group. Also meats such as lamb, goat, rabbit are extremely beneficial to people with B blood type. It is important to consult your doctor in order to identify the quantity of protein that should be included in your regular diet.

Cereals and Grains

Cereals are an essential part of every wholesome meal because they are the repositories of energy-yielding carbohydrates. The word “cereal” comes from “Ceres” the Roman goddess for agriculture. The most popular grains which are beneficial to people with type B blood group are corn, barley, oats, rice, rye, millet, wheat and sorghum. Grains and cereals help the metabolism and digestion in your body and thus make processing of the food easier. This helps reduce the risk of obesity as your calories will be burnt at a much faster pace when you include cereals and grains in your diet on a regular basis.

Women who are in their mid forties and above should include more cereals in their diet as this is particularly favorable when they have type B blood group. The greatest advantage of cereals from the availability point of view is that they are easily available and at very affordable prices in almost all parts of the world. They must, therefore, be included in everyone’s diet and not only in the diet of people with blood type B.

Beans

The blood type B is a unique combination of proteins on the red blood cells (RBCs) that a few people from the Asian sub-continent developed over the years. Since these people historically consumed legumes in general and beans in specific, they are recommended to include beans in their regular diet. Beans and legumes are appropriate to be consumed by people with type B blood group as they help in reducing your waistline.

This is not only to maintain your physical dimensions but also helps to reduce the risk of various ailments such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease that occur due to over-weight. Beans are high in fiber and anti oxidants and thus an important substitute to meat. People with type B blood group are more prone to illnesses as their immunity is not very good. Hence, it is essential for people from all age groups to include beans and legumes in their diet.

Soy

Soy products are becoming very popular these days. This is mainly because of the huge number of health benefits that are being associated with the consumption of soya beans. Research has proved that people with type B blood group could prevent chronic diseases by including soy products in their regular diet. Even the FDA has stated that people consuming soy protein foods could reduce their risk to coronary heart-disease.

However, people who are allergic to soy should avoid eating soy protein foods. There has been a growing interest in the anti oxidant effect of soya as well as the particular benefits of its iso-flavones. Soy products are also available as soy-milk. However, some people have exhibited an allergy towards soy and soy products. It is important therefore that you check with your doctor before including soy products in your diet on a daily basis.

Dairy products

Dairy products are an excellent source of various nutrients such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, Vitamin A & D. People with type B blood group have a greater risk of osteoporosis and hence, must ensure they intake adequate amounts of dairy products to build their bones. Dairy products also help reduce hypertension and assist weight loss in a person.

Recent studies prove that they are also beneficial in reducing risks of certain cancers. There is no age barrier to consumption of dairy products as calcium and other nutrients are required all through the life of an individual. Women should consume more dairy products. These are commonly available in various forms such as milk, cheese, yogurt etc. and are affordable by most people.

Eggs

Eggs are considered to be wholesome food as they are beneficial in many ways. People with type B blood group must include eggs in their weekly diet as it can help prevent the occurrence of many diseases. One study shows that an egg each day could prevent muscular degeneration that occurs due to carotenoid content, specifically due to lutein and zeaxanthin. Both these nutrients are readily available in eggs.

Research also proves that people with type B blood group who eat eggs daily, have a reduced risk of cataract due to zeaxanthin and lutein present in the eggs. Eggs are globally available and easy to cook as well.

Walnuts

Eating nuts has been proved to be good for a healthy heart. Walnuts are specifically good to be included in the daily diet of a person with the blood group B. This is because walnuts are omega-3 rich plant foods that help you fight cholesterol. This is essential for people in the age group of fifty and above as they have a higher risk of heart disease.

Walnuts are a rich source of nutrition too and help build immunity of a person. Growing children and expectant mothers should consume more walnuts in their diet. There are a few concerns regarding walnut though. Walnuts are expensive and available only in select areas. Again, a few people may be allergic to its consumption. Hence it is advisable to consult your doctor and take sound medical advice before including walnuts in your diet on a regular basis.

Leafy vegetables

Vegetables are an important source of essential nutrition in every person’s diet. People with type B blood group should consume more leafy vegetables in their daily food. T
he leafy vegetables add vital roughage into the diet which is necessary for easy bowel movement. A healthy diet must include at least 40 percent of leafy vegetables on a weekly basis. These foods are critical to promoting good health in an individual.

Vegetables and greens contain minerals, vitamins as well as fiber that help protect you from several chronic diseases. Most people who include adequate amount of leafy vegetables in their diet, have a stronger immune system and are less likely to have cardio vascular diseases, cancer or the risk of suffering a stroke. Vegetables are safe to be consumed by people from all age groups as well as both genders. There are no medical exceptions to its consumption. Also, they are fairly affordable and can be easily obtained in every area.

Juice

Fruit juices have been recommended world-wide for the overall good health of a person. People with type B blood group have more reasons to include fruit juices in their regular diet. This is because the fruit juices are easily absorbed by your blood and help avoid several medical conditions that you may be prone to. The fruit juices work as anti-oxidants in your body and thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

For instance, orange juice is very rich in folic acid, vitamin C and potassium. Being a source of bio available anti oxidant and phyto-chemicals, it improves the blood lipid profile and reduces the risk to hypercholesterolemia. Prune juice is linked to several digestion related health benefits. Cranberry juice helps prevent as well as treat several bladder infections. Research has proved that cranberries contain a substance that prevent bacteria from binding to your bladder. Thus, an intake of a variety of juices will be highly beneficial. It is best to consume these juices in their natural form without the addition of sugar.