O positive is said to be the most common blood type and a donor for all Rh(D) positive people irrespective of their blood groups. Based on Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo’s recommendations, this article give you information about the dietary intake for people with O blood type. Consuming or avoiding certain types of food can help them maintain good health.
The blood group system consists of four main groups depending on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the red blood cells’ surfaces. These antigens are also present on the surface of other cells in every individual and are usually inherited from both the parents. Therefore, these groups are usually shared among family members. The four main blood groups are A, B, AB and O, out of which AB positive is called the “universal acceptor”, and O negative is the “universal donor”. While people with AB negative blood type can accept blood only from the Rh(D) negative blood groups, O positive blood group can donate blood only to people with Rh(D) positive. The positive and negative of these blood groups is based on the Rhesus (Rh) factor.
Basics of Blood Groups
There are four main types of blood groups, namely group A with antigen A, group B with antigen B, group AB with both antigens A and B, and group O with complete absence of both antigens A and B. These groups contain antibodies which fight against a foreign blood group, to protect the body from infiltration. Thus, the group A has antibodies against group B, B has antibodies against A, AB has no antibodies and is called the “universal acceptor”, and O group has both A and B antibodies, hence can’t accept, but can donate to other groups. O positive can donate to all the Rh(D) positive blood groups and O negative is a universal donor. As mentioned above, depending on the presence or absence of a particular antigen, these groups are classified as “positive and negative”. If you are O positive, there are some dietary requirements that need to be fulfilled for being healthy.
Foods for People With O Positive Blood Type
Like all the other blood types, the O group also has specific dietary requirements. According to Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo, a naturopathic physician who has conducted extensive research in genetic history and nutrition, the ancestors of people with O blood group were prehistoric hunters who had a diet of meat, vegetables and very less grains. Hence, following a similar diet is advisable. Also, consumption of certain foods with lectin compounds can increase the risk of thyroid problems, diabetes and obesity.
Foods to Eat
A diet which is rich in proteins is essential for people belonging to the O positive blood group. The best sources of protein in nature are meat and meat products. If you have a non-vegetarian diet, foods like turkey, beef, buffalo meat, lamb and chicken are healthy options to eat. You can also eat tuna, salmon, cod, halibut, trout, lobsters, oysters, etc. Vegetables like broccoli, pumpkins, parsnips, onions, artichokes, beet greens, garlic, leeks, spinach and seaweeds should be consumed regularly.
Prunes, plums, figs, mangoes, guavas, cherries, blueberries and bananas should be included in your diet. Also, pinto beans, azuki beans, black-eyed beans, flaxseeds, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, etc. are some of the protein-rich foods which can be eaten by vegetarians. Whole grains such as barley, brown and wild rice, and preparations of grains like breads, pastas, bran, etc. are rich sources of proteins. Occasionally, you can also include dairy products like farmer cheese, feta cheese, mozzarella and butter in your diet.
Foods to Avoid
There are a few foods which should be avoided or consumed in comparatively lesser proportions. They are pork, goose meat, caviar, barracuda, octopus and catfish. Among the vegetarian foods, it is best to avoid cabbage, cauliflower, lentils, brussels sprouts, mustard greens, yellow and white corn, lentils, navy beans and kidney beans. Dairy products like milk, buttermilk, blue cheese, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese and whey should not be consumed. It is advisable not to include cashew nuts, peanut butter, pistachios, Brazil nuts, poppy seeds, and grains such as wheat, in your diet. These foods are to be avoided because their nutritional value could be lesser than what is required. As mentioned earlier, they can be included in your diet, but make sure you don’t overeat them.
It is essential to provide yourself with the required nutrients in order to maintain healthy cells and tissues. With this list of best foods for people with blood type O positive, you can plan your diet accordingly. Make sure you eat the right foods and keep yourself healthy. Your blood could save someone’s life.
