Blood Type Diet
Peter J. D'Adamo, Catherine Whitney (Contributor),
Eat Right for Your Type, G. P. Putnam's Sons (1996)
THEORY
Blood Type Diets are based on the concept that
nutritional needs and nutrient metabolism differ
according to someone's blood type, classified
by using the ABO method.
These diets attracted attention after Eat Right
for Your Type by Dr Peter J. Adamo, M.D. was
published. He hypothesised that the different
blood types emerged in an evolutionary process,
instead of occurring simultaneously. Dr. Adamo
proposed that contemporary dieters should mimic
the eating patterns of their ancestors with
the same blood type.
The first blood type was Type O, between 50,000
and 25,000 B.C. Type A emerged around 25,000
and 15,000 B.C. as society became more agrarian.
Type B is said to be a response to the climatic
changes in the Himalayas, while Type AB resulted
due to a merging of both Types A and B in modern
times. The hypothesis underlying this diet is
that the four main blood groups evolved differently
under different diet conditions.
Type A developed as humans were domesticating
animals so people with this blood type are better
suited to eat grains, and a vegetarian diet.
Type O is positioned as the hunter and requires
lots of meat, while Type B is suited to dairy
products. Type AB is supposed to eat lots of
carbohydrates and grains.
The Blood Type Diet followers are told which
categories they should eat more of, which are
"neutral" and which to avoid completely
- all according to their blood types. For instance,
butter should be avoided by Type A and Type
AB, but is neutral for Type B and Type O; some
foods are on the "avoid" list for
all the blood types, such as coconut and pork.
The eating regimen is touted as a lifestyle
plan, rather than a weight loss program. Being
on the right diet according to one's blood type,
according to the originator, would result naturally
in weight loss.
What's Good
There is appeal behind the hypothesis, and
some followers claim success - read the customer
reviews.
What's the problem
There is no significant scientific evidence
to support the blood type diet hypothesis. Dr.
Adamo has not produced any, and members of the
medical
community object to images that were
portrayed without scientific evidence. For example,
"....lectin proteins on some foods causing
blood agglutination in certain people of blood
types who are "not genetically/evolutionarily
suited" to eat those foods", when
there is no evidence that this is damaging.
A potential problem with this diet is the unbalanced
nutrient intake. Although some followers of
the diet do feel healthier for cutting out certain
foods, eating an excess of any type of food
can lead to health complications, such as cardiovascular
disease.
Conclusion
While the hypotheses are interesting, there
is a lack of evidence to back it up, other than
anecdotes and personal testimonies. However,
critics note that there do not seem to be any
major health hazards for those following the
diet. They also point out that the ABO system
is only one way of classifying blood type. While
it is a commonly used system, it cannot be said
to wholly define blood types. There are many
ways to classify blood. Picking just one, and
basing your lifestyle on that, would not be
advisable. Individual needs are not considered.
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