The blood type diet is an arrangement of eating patterns according to the type of blood group. This diet is claimed to provide various health benefits, from losing weight to preventing various diseases.
The blood type diet theory was first coined by a naturopathic doctor named Peter D'Adamo in 1996. This diet theory is based on research which reveals that each blood type digests protein lectins in different ways.
Eating foods that contain lectins that are not compatible with blood type is believed to cause blood clots or thick blood, thereby increasing the risk of health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, digestive disorders, and kidney disorders.
Recommended Diet in the Blood Type Diet
In the blood type diet, foods are divided into three categories, namely beneficial foods, neutral foods, and foods to avoid. The following is a recommended diet in the blood type diet:
Blood type O
Diet recommendations for blood type O are similar to the Paleo diet that focuses on high-protein foods. Foods that are considered suitable for this blood type are beef, poultry, fish, vegetables, and fruits.
Meanwhile, consumption of whole grains, nuts, and products containing milk is recommended to be reduced or limited by people with blood type O.
A blood type
The blood type diet advises people with blood type A to follow a meat-free diet, such as vegetarian or flexitarian (semi-vegetarian).
The main foods recommended for owners of this blood type are seafood, fish, vegetables, fruits, tofu, tempeh, nuts, and seeds.
Blood type B
The best food choices according to the blood type diet for owners of blood type B are green vegetables, eggs, meat, and low-fat dairy products. Meanwhile, people who have this blood type are advised to limit their consumption of chicken, corn, tomatoes, and wheat.
AB blood type
The diet for blood type AB is a combination of several types of food for blood types A and B. People who have blood type AB are advised to consume more seafood, tofu, tempeh, yogurt, cheese, milk, green vegetables, nuts, and grains.
Meanwhile, red beans, corn, beef, and chicken are foods that should be avoided by the owner of this blood type.
Suggested Types of Exercise for Each Blood Type
In addition to dietary guidelines, this diet also suggests types of exercise that are considered suitable for each type of blood type. The following are types of exercise that can be done according to blood type:
Blood type O
Cardio exercise, such as running, cycling, and swimming, is the type of exercise that is considered the most suitable for blood type O.
A blood type
Contrary to blood type O, the recommended exercise for blood type A is the type of exercise low impact calming, e.g. yoga and tai chi.
Blood type B
People who have blood type B are advised to do moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, badminton, or tennis. In addition, balance exercises are also considered good for blood type B.
AB blood type
The best choice of exercise for blood type AB is a combination of types of exercise that are intended for owners of blood types A and B. People with this blood type can do cardio at one time and relaxing exercise at another.
Blood Type Diet Effectiveness and Risks
Although it is claimed to be able to provide many health benefits, the blood type diet is still a controversy that is often debated. Here are some facts you need to know about the blood type diet:
Not yet proven effective
Until now, there has not been enough research that can prove the effectiveness of the blood type diet with one's body health. Although it can lose weight, claims of the benefits of the blood type diet could be caused by limiting the consumption of unhealthy foods and regular exercise.
This means that success in losing weight when running a blood type diet is not based on the influence of a certain diet with blood type, but a healthier lifestyle.
Risk of causing certain health problems
Keep in mind that this diet is only based on blood type without considering a person's overall health condition. Therefore, its application needs to be watched out for, especially if it is carried out by people with certain diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
In addition, restrictions on the type of food that are too strict and in the long term can also cause a person to experience health problems, including malnutrition or malnutrition.
For example, a blood type diet can increase a person's risk of developing osteoporosis by limiting calcium-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Meanwhile, people who are advised to stay away from meat and fish can develop anemia due to iron deficiency.
Therefore, before undergoing a blood type diet, you should first consult a doctor to determine whether this diet is indeed effective and suitable for your health condition.