Blood type diet encourages people to eat foods that go down well with their blood type. Let us know what are the pros and cons of this diet, in this article.
Blood type diet was first proposed by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo. In his book, ‘Eat Right 4 Your Type’, he has elaborated how eating foods as per your blood group helps in keeping you healthy. It is a well-known fact that most of the diseases and disorders originate from incorrect and unhealthy eating habits. In support of this theory, Dr. D’Adamo has also proposed that eating foods according to the blood type keeps diseases and illnesses at bay. While the results of this comparatively new theory are yet to be analyzed, this diet has already created interest amongst the dieters.
How Blood Type Diet Works
Dr. D’Adamo formulated this diet plan on the basis of lectins which are a protein-like compound present in every food. When in body, these lectins attach to different cells in the body. Different blood groups react differently to lectins. Thus, even though, two people with different blood groups consume same foods, their bodies will show different response to the lectins in foods. Obviously, this causes undesirable effects in the body of a person. Chronic illnesses, heart diseases, diabetes, obesity are all caused due to eating foods that are inappropriate for your blood type. On the other hand, eating foods that agree with your blood type improves these conditions and may keep you healthy, in general.
Pros and Cons
Blood type diet explores the genetic makeup of individuals to find out their ancestral preferences regarding diet. It has been found that people with type A had ancestors who practiced farming. Therefore, these people should eat vegetarian foods and keep away from meat. Type B people had ancestors who were nomads, thus their diet depended on whatever was available to them. Type B people can benefit from eating a well-balanced diet. Ancestors of type O people were hunters and gatherers, hence these people can benefit from eating meat, fish, dairy etc. People with Type AB had mixed ancestry, hence, their diet should be a combination of type A and type B diet. While this theory seems acceptable, there is no scientific evidence to back it up. If you wish to give this diet a try, then you should know about pros and cons of eating right for your blood type.
Pros
- As you essentially eat foods that agree with your system, your chances of acquiring illnesses and diseases are reduced.
- You can choose from a variety of foods that are appropriate for your blood type.
- Weight loss can be achieved while on a blood type diet.
- Irrespective of the blood type, this diet plan mostly encourages consumption of healthy, natural foods.
- This diet plan does not allow intake of processed, fatty, sugary foods for any blood type.
- The plan also lists some neutral foods which can be incorporated in your diet, if you find that food list for your particular blood type is limiting.
Cons
- The biggest problem with this theory is that, it does not have a medical backing. More so, some researchers and dietitians dismiss this theory citing it preposterous.
- The food choices for each blood type are limiting and not sufficient to provide all the nutrients required for healthy functioning. For instance, people with blood type A are asked to eat vegetarian foods only. This may limit their protein intake, hence it is a must that they eat meat, fish or dairy on occasional basis.
- Preparing meals for every member of family according to his/her blood type is too much of hassle.
- Following this plan may be time consuming and tedious as you have to start with testing your blood group, if you do not know it already.
- The results cannot be verified or analyzed as it was formulated only recently.
Thus, if you wish to follow this diet plan, make sure you add a few items on the food list, to ensure proper nourishment. It is never healthy to have a diet that is too restricting in nutrients.
