Does it really work… or is it just a load of bull?
Heard of the blood-type diet? We weigh it up and see if it’s really going to help shed those kilos.
What is it?
The blood-type diet was created by naturopathic physician Dr. Peter D’Adamo and is based on the idea that people with different blood types react and process food differently.
It’s thought that since foods contain lectins that react to the body differently depending on your blood type – so your diet should vary accordingly.
Here is a snapshot of what each blood group should eat, according to the theory behind the diet:
Blood Type O: High protein diet, heavy on lean meat, poultry, fish and vegetables, with minimal intake of grains, beans and dairy.
Blood Type A: Meat-free diet, heavily based on fruits and vegetables, beans, legumes, and whole grains.
Blood Type B: Diet plan largely based on green vegetables, eggs, certain meats, and low-fat dairy. However foods like corn, wheat, lentils, tomatoes and peanuts aren’t allowed.
Blood Type AB: Diet plan to mostly focus on tofu, seafood, dairy and green vegetables. Bad news: caffeine, alcohol, smoked and cured meats are off the menu if you fall into this group.
The Verdict
While the diet could help you lose weight initially, there’s officially no conclusive evidence to back up the idea that the diet is good for you, or effective for weight loss, according to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE.
In fact, one study suggests the diet is only effective where participants were actually able to stick to the diet. Other critics maintain that most individuals following this diet lose weight as whole food groups are excluded.
Researchers at the University of Toronto analysed the blood types and dietary habits of nearly 1,500 participants, then gave each a “diet score” based on their relative adherence to the regimens prescribed in D’Adamo’s best-selling book, Eat Right for Your Type. And they found…well, not much of anything. There was no clear association between blood type and the benefits of following its designated diet.
The danger is that certain blood groups’ plans omit essential nutrients (type O might not consume enough fibre and certain B vitamins). With that in mind, the diet could be harmful – not having certain minerals and vitamins can be detrimental to your health. Reuters Health also reported that no solid evidence exists to show whether or not eating plans tailored to ABO blood types promote health, according to Belgian reporters.
Your best bet? Eat what feels right for you – but make sure every bite is nutritional.
Looking for more dietary advice? These are the six worst diet tips nutritionists wish you’d stop listening to, plus these are the 40 healthy foods you should add to your shopping cart if you want to upgrade your eating plan.
