The Blood Type Hype

By Betty Murray

It is possible that your blood type could influence how your body responds to the food you eat? The blood type diet suggests so.

The blood type diet, created by naturopath Peter J. D’Adamo claims that if you eat a diet designed specifically for your blood type—O, A, B, or AB—will help your body digest food more efficiently, leading to weight loss, increased energy, and disease prevention.

Blood Type Diet

These are the recommended foods for each blood type based on the blood type diet:

Type O: High protein diet; lean meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables. Limit grains, beans, and dairy.

Type A: Meat-free diet; lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes and whole grains.

Type B: Green veggies, eggs, low-fat dairy, lean meats; avoid corn, wheat, buckwheat, lentils, tomatoes, peanuts, and sesame seeds.

Type AB: Tofu, seafood, dairy, and green vegetables. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoked or cured meats.

Is It Hype, or Does It Work?

There has been little scientific study on the blood type diet, but one study found that people who had certain blood types and ate a low-fat diet experienced lower cholesterol levels. However, there is little evidence to prove that the blood type diet is effective for weight loss.

Recommendations for the blood type diet are based on blood type alone, and do not take into consideration other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. If you eat only the foods recommended for your blood type, it may contradict your physician-prescribed treatment plan for your current health conditions.

As far as weight loss goes, the blood type diet avoids processed foods and simple carbs—that alone can account for any weight loss people may experience on this diet.

So far, the blood type diet has shown to be little more than hype. Rather than avoiding specific food groups altogether, it is best to eat a balanced diet, rich in organic fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

Betty Murray, CN, HHC, RYT is a Certified Nutritionist & Holistic Health Counselor, founder of the Dallas-based integrative medical center, Wellness and founder of the Metabolic Blueprint wellness program. Betty’s nutrition counseling practice specializes in metabolic and digestive disorders and weight loss resistance. A master of the biochemistry of the body, Betty teaches her clients how to utilize nutritional interventions to improve their health. Betty is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.