his blog is not a place for book reviews.. However, exceptions are, by definition, a rare occurrences where intentions change. “Eat Right 4 Your Type” linking health, diet and blood type diet is just such an exception.
Dietary Choice for your Blood Type
While the author of “Eat Right For Your Type” is Dr Peter J. D’Adamo a neuropathic physician from the John Bastyr College in Seattle. Peter D’Adamo continues the work of his father Dr James D’Adamo who first observed diet achieving beneficial results in certain patients.
As a result of many years of observation. His father noted that certain patients responded well to a particular diet while others did not. He determined that there must be an underlying factor that would explain the difference.
In conclusion, he rationalised that blood was the fundamental medium of energy transport and must explain the anomalies.
Consequently, Peter D’Adamo, upon leaving university, set about establishing the scientific proof of his father’s blood type theory.
Anyone familiar with Charles Darwin’s work “On the Origin of Species” will understand basic evolution. However, they may not consider changing blood type as a part of selective breeding. But, that is exactly what happens when humans adapt to changing climate and available food.
The Blood Type Diet Discovery
- “O” Old 40,000 BC Our Cro-Magnon ancestors
- “A” Agrarian 25,ooo BC The birth of Farming
- “B” Balance 12,500 BC Caucasian and Mongol breeding
- “AB” Modern 1,000 AD A new and very rare blood type
Most of this blood type change was down to an evolving diet caused by climate-driven migration. Our Cro-Magnon ancestors lived predominantly on meat.
Consequently, people with blood type “O” will do well on a high protein diet.
Ultimately, climate change forced the big game to migrate and food supplies to dwindle. With a growing human population, the scarcity of readily available meat started to cause hunger. Humans moved into more temperate regions and the food source became more vegetable and cereal-based.
Therefore, those of us with blood type “A” will thrive on a more vegetarian or agrarian diet.
Conversely, if you are type “O” you may do badly on a veggie menu and type “A” will not fare well on juicy steaks.
An interesting article in the Huffington Post takes the health argument to a new level.
The Expert Opinion
Before “Eat Right 4 Your Type” gets into the dietary detail, we delve into the mechanics of how the circulatory system works in delivering nutrients to the muscles and other vital organs. We also look at how blood is central to the function of the immune system.
Dr D’Adamo is an expert in circulatory systems. So, for reasons of accuracy, I shall leave to read the details for yourself.
The Lifestyle Roadmap
We’ve all heard the plaintive cry of the struggling dieter: “I can’t lose weight its in my genes.”. The truth is that they may be correct, our genetic profile holds the key to what we should eat to maintain optimum health.
Your body is programmed to expect a specific nutritional balance. Veering from this lifestyle path could lead to a bumpy health road.
Fortunately, the “Eat Right 4 Your Type” roadmap has the answer.
The book does not claim to be a panacea. Rather, it provides a way to restore the natural protective function of your immune system.
I will be selective with this review as I, personally, have no weight loss aspirations with any diet I choose. I am looking for a diet to improve my multiple sclerosis prognosis.
Blood Type “O” – The Hunter
The hunter is a meat eater and your body is designed to efficiently digest and metabolise meats. Our ancestors didn’t feast on huge portions, so neither should you.
Highly Beneficial
Beef, Buffalo, Lamb
Mutton, Veal, Venison
Heart, Kidney, Liver, Sweetbreads, Tripe
Neutral
Chicken, Duck, Partridge, Pheasant, Poussin
Quail, Rabbit, Turkey
Avoid
Bacon, Goose, Ham, Pork
Seafood (type O)
Seafood was a staple food of our coastal ancestors. Richly oiled cold-water fish, such as cod and mackerel, are well suited to type ‘O’. Type ‘O’ should make fish a major component of their diet.
Highly Beneficial
Bluefish, Cod, Hake
Halibut, Mackerel, Hake
Red Snapper, Perch, Pike
Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Sardine
Snapper, Sole, Striped Bass
Sturgeon, Swordfish
Neutral
Frogs’ legs, Grouper, Haddock
Herring (fresh), Lemon Sole, Lobster
Mahi Mahi, Monkfish, Mussels
Oysters, Prawns, Redfish
Sailfish, Scallops, Sea Bass
Shark, Smelts, Snails
Squid
Avoid
Barracuda, Catfish, Caviar
Conch, Herring (pickled), Octopus
Smoked salmon
Dairy Products and Eggs (type O)
You should restrict the consumption of dairy products. The type “O” digestive system is ill-suited to efficient metabolism.
Food allergies are not digestive problems. They are immune system reactions to certain foods. Your immune system literally creates an antibody that fights the intrusion of the food into your system.
Neutral
Butter, Feta Cheese, Goat’s Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese, Soya Cheese*, Soya Milk*
*good dairy alternative
Avoid
Blue cheese, Brie, Buttermilk
Camembert, Cheddar, Cottage cheese
Creme fraiche, Edam, Emmenthal
Fromage frais, Goat?s milk, Gouda
Gruyere, Ice-cream, Jarlsburg
Munster, Parmesan, Provolone
Neufach?tel, Ricotta, Yogurt
Oils and Fats (type O)
Oils can be an important source of nutrition and an aid to elimination in type “O”. You will increase their value in your system if you limit your use to the monounsaturated varieties, such as olive oil and linseed oil. These oils have positive effects on the heart and arteries, and may even help to reduce blood cholesterol.
Highly Beneficial
Linseed (flaxseed) oil, Olive oil
Neutral
Rapeseed (Canola) oil, Cod Liver oil, Sesame oil
Avoid
Corn oil, Cottonseed oil, Groundnut oil
Sunflower oil
Nuts and Seeds (type O)
Some varieties of nuts and seeds can offer a good source of supplemental vegetable protein. However, these should not replace the high protein meats in the type “O” diet.
Highly Beneficial
Pumpkin seeds, Walnuts
Neutral
Almonds, Almond butter, Chestnuts
Hazelnuts, Hickory nuts, Macadamia nuts
Pecans, Pine nuts, Sesame seeds
Sunflower margarine, Sunflower seeds, Tahini (Sesame seed paste)
Avoid
Brazil nuts, Cashew nuts, Peanuts
Peanut butter, Pistachio nuts, Poppy seeds
Beans and Pulses (type O)
Beans and pulses are not an important part of the type “O” blood type diet. This is because most beans and pulses contain lectins that deposit in the muscle tissues and make them less acidic.
Those people with blood type ?O? perform best when their muscle tissues are slightly more acidic, as this acidity allows for more efficient fat burning.
Highly Beneficial
Aduki beans, Black-eyed beans, Pinto beans
Neutral
Black beans, Broad beans, Cannellini beans
Chick-peas, Green beans, Lima beans
Peas, Sugar-snap peas, Sugar-snap beans
Avoid
Kidney beans, Navy beans, Lentils
Soya beans
Cereals (type O)
Type “O”s do not tolerate whole wheat products at all, and they should be eliminated completely from the diet. They contain lectins that react both with blood and the digestive tract and interfere with the proper absorption of beneficial foods.
Neutral
Amaranth, Barley, Buckwheat
Millet, Oat bran, Oatmeal
Rice bran, Rice puffed, Spelt
Avoid
Cornflakes, Cornmeal, Familia
Farina, Granola, Grape nuts
Wheat bran, Wheatgerm, Shredded wheat
Breads, Crispbreads and Muffins (type O)
Wheat is a complete no-no to any type “O”. And, in general, all grains should be avoided. The only food that is deemed to be beneficial is sprouted-wheat Essene bread.
However, a quick search reveals that making your own Essene bread is time-consuming and buying it would need to be done online.
But, if you really want to eat bread, the sacrifice will need to be made.
Vegetables, Sprouts, Soya Products and Fresh Herbs (type O)
There are many vegetables available to the type “O” and they form a critical component of the blood type diet. However, you should not assume that all vegetables are equal.
Consequently, several classes of vegetables can cause big problems.
For example, the brassica family; cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and mustard greens can inhibit the thyroid function, which is already somewhat weak in type “O”.
But, the full explanation is beyond the remit of this post.
Highly Beneficial
Beetroot leaves, Broccoli, Collard greens
Dandelion greens, Endive, Escarole
Garlic, Globe artichoke, Horseradish
Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks
Okra, Onion, Parsley
Parsnips, Peppers (red), Pumpkin
Seaweeds, Spinach, Sweet potatoes
Swiss chard, Tapioca, Turnip
Neutral
Asparagus, Bamboo shoots, Beetroot
Broad beans, Carrots, Celery
Chervil, Chicory, Chilli pepper (jalapeno)
Coriander, Courgette, Cucumber
Daikons, Dill, Fennel
Ginger, Green olives, Yicama beans
Lettuce, Mangetout, Mesclun
Mung bean sprouts, Mushrooms (abalone, chanterelles, cooki, porcini, Portobello, tree, oyster)
Pepper (green, yellow), Radicchio, Radish sprouts
Radishes, Rappini, Rocket
Shallots, Spring onions, Squash
Tempe, Tofu, Tomatoes
Water Chestnuts, Watercress, Yams
Avoid
Alfalfa sprouts, Avocado, Aubergine
Cabbage (Chinese, red, white), Cauliflower, Mushrooms (cultivated shiitake)
Mustard greens, Olives (black, green, Spanish), Potatoes (red, white)
Sweetcorn
Fruits (type O)
Fruit currently forms a large part of my Wahls Protocol diet. It is for this reason that I hope to find only a few conflicting recommendations here. Following a quick read ahead, it would suggest that I have nothing to fear.
However, unpleasant surprises have a habit of showing up unannounced.
There are many fruits available to blood type “0” that are an important source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. There is a reason that plums, prunes and figs are beneficial to this blood group. And, that is that red, blue and purple fruits tend to cause an alkaline, rather than an acidic, reaction in the digestive system.
Furthermore, the type O digestive tract has high acidity and needs the balance of the alkaline to reduce the possibility of ulcers and irritations of the stomach lining.
However, just because a fruit is alkaline doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Some alkaline fruits have high mould counts. Because people with type “O” have proven sensitivity to these moulds, the fruit should be avoided.
Highly Beneficial
Figs (fresh or dried), Plums (green, purple, red), Prunes
Neutral
Most fruits fall into this category.
Avoid
Blackberries, Coconut, Melon (cantaloupe, honeydew)
Oranges, Plantains, Rhubarb
Strawberries, Tangerines
Spices, Dried Herbs and Flavourings (type O)
Foolishly, I nearly omitted this section assuming that spices would not play a large part in digestion. But, if we are to take this diet for health seriously then, no stone should be left unturned.
Ironically, I knew curry powder to have strong health benefits. Furthermore, I knew that curry powder is a spice.
Your choice of flavourings can actually improve your digestive and immune systems. For example, kelp based seasonings are very good for type O because they are rich sources of iodine. Iodine can be a key element in regulating the thyroid gland.
Highly Beneficial
Carob, Cayenne pepper, Curry powder
Seaweeds (dulse, kelp (bladderwrack)), Turmeric
Neutral
Agar, Allspice, Almond essence
Anise, Arrowroot, Barley malt
Basil, Bay leaf, Bergamot
Brown rice syrup, Capers, Caraway
Cardamom, Chervil, Chive
Chocolate, Cloves, Coriander
Corn syrup, Cream of tartar, Cumin
Dill, Garlic, Gelatine (plain)
Honey, Horseradish, Maple syrup
Marjoram, Mint, Molasses
Mustard (dry), Paprika, Pepper (peppercorns, red pepper flakes)
Peppermint, Pimento, Rapadura
Rice syrup, Rosemary, Saffron
Sage, Salt, Savory
Soy sauce, Spearmint, Sugar (brown, white)
Tamari, Tamarind, Tarragon
Thyme
Avoid
Cinnamon, Cornflour, Nutmeg
Pepper (ground, black, white)
Blood Type “A” – The Cultivator
In line with our farming, settling ancestors. type “A” is best suited to being vegetarian. You may have difficulty adapting to a vegetarian diet if you are more accustomed to meat and potatoes.
Likewise, you may find it to be a big step to eliminate processed and refined foods.
However, it is very important for sensitive type “A” to get their foods in as natural a state as possible. This dietary adjustment could make all the difference to your sensitive immune system.
Meat, Offal, Poultry and Game (type A)
As was intimated earlier, type “A” is better suited to a vegetarian diet. So, it will come as no surprise that no meats are considered beneficial to people with blood type “A”.
Only chicken, poussin and turkey are thought to be neutral. All other meats are best avoided.
However, best avoided does not mean never. Small occasional meat portions can be tolerated.
Seafood (type A)
Type “A” can eat seafood in modest quantities, three or four times a week. Flatfish, like sole and plaice, contain a lectin that can irritate the type “A” digestive tract.
Fish is best baked, grilled or poached to get the full nutritional value.
Highly Beneficial
Carp, Cod, Grouper
Mackerel, Monkfish, Red Snapper
Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Sardine
Sea Trout, Snails
Neutral
Abalone, Albacore (tuna), Crockers
Mahi Mahi, Pike, Porgy
Sailfish, Sea Bass, Shark
Smelts, Snapper, Sturgeon
Swordfish
Avoid
All other fish and shellfish should be given a miss.
Dairy Products and Eggs (type A)
Type “A” like type “O” should consume dairy foods and eggs very sparingly.
Oils Fats (type A)
Those people with blood type “A” need very little fat to function well, but a tablespoon of olive oil on salads and steamed vegetables every day can aid digestion and elimination.
Highly Beneficial
Linseed (flaxseed) oil, Olive oil
Neutral
Rapeseed oil, Cod liver oil
Avoid
Corn oil, Cottonseed oil, Groundnut oil
Safflower oil, Sesame oil
Nuts and Seeds (type A)
Pumpkin, sunflower seeds, almonds and walnuts can all be very beneficial to those people with blood type A. Since type As eat very little animal protein, nuts and seeds provide an important protein supply.
However, if you are type A and you have gall bladder problems, you should limit yourself to small quantities of nut butter, rather than whole nuts.
Highly Beneficial
Peanuts, Peanut butter, Pumpkin seeds
Neutral
Almonds, Almond butter, Chestnuts
Hazelnuts, Hickory nuts, Macadamia nuts
Pine nuts, Poppy seeds, Sesame seeds
Sunflower margarine, Sunflower seeds, Tahini (Sesame seed paste)
Walnuts
Beans and Pulses (type A)
People with blood type A do very well on the vegetable proteins contained in the various beans and pulses.
Hence, finding a good selection of beans and pulses to incorporate in your blood type diet will be essential. If you are going to succeed in your health aspirations. As well as the soya bean and all of its associated products, many beans and pulses provide a nutritious source of protein.
However, kidney beans, navy beans and chick=peas contain a lectin that can produce a decrease in insulin production. Consequently, this can be a factor in obesity and diabetes.
Highly Beneficial
Aduki beans, Black beans, Black-eyed beans
Lentils (brown, red, green), Pinto beans, Red soya beans
Neutral
Broad beans, Cannellini beans, Green beans
Sugar-snap beans and peas, Peas (green), White beans
Avoid
Chick-peas, Kidney beans, Lima beans
Navy beans, Red beans
Cereals (type A)
People with blood type A thrive with cereals and grains. As a result, they can eat these foods quite regularly. While these foods tend to be acceptable, there are exceptions. Therefore, if you have a pronounced mucus condition caused by asthma, you should limit your consumption of wheat.
Furthermore, it is preferable to concentrate on whole grains. In addition to selecting whole grains, you should try to avoid instant and processed cereals.
Highly Beneficial
Amaranth, Buckwheat
Neutral
Barley, Cornflakes, Cornmeal
Cream of rice, Kamut, Millet (puffed)
Oat bran, Oatmeal, Rice *puffed)
Spelt
Avoid
Cream of wheat, Familia, Farina
Granola, Grape nuts, Wheat bran
Wheatgerm, Shredded wheat
Bread, Crispbreads and Muffins (type A)
For the person with blood type “A” the guidelines for eating bread, crispbreads and muffins are similar to the guidelines for eating cereals and grains.
While they are generally favourable, for anyone who produces excessive mucus or is overweight, wholegrain is inadvisable. Soya and rice flours can make good substitutes.
Highly Beneficial
Sprouted-wheat Essene bread, rice cakes, soy flour bread
Neutral
Brown rice bread, Cornbread, Corn muffins
Gluten-free bread, Millet bread, Oat bran muffins
Polenta, 100 per cent rye bread, Rye crisps
Spelt bread, Ryvita crispbreads, Wasa bread
Fin crisps
Avoid
Durum wheat bread, English muffins, Matzos
Multi-grain bread, Pumpernickel bread, Wheat-bran muffins
Wholewheat bread
Grains and Pastas (type A)
First of all, grains and pasta offer a cornucopia of choice to individuals with blood type “A”. These foods provide an excellent source of vegetable protein. They can provide many of the nutrients that the person with blood type “A” is no longer receiving from animal proteins.
However, you should stay away from processed products, such as frozen meals, prepared noodles with sauces. Another benefit would be to prepare all of the meals personally.
Highly Beneficial
Buckwheat flour, Oat flour, Rice flour
Rye flour, Soba (buckwheat) noodles
Neutral
Couscous, Barley flour, Bulgar wheat flour
Durum wheat flour, Gluten flour, Graham flour
Spelt flour, Sprouted-wheat flour, Quinoa (flour or grain)
Rice (basmati, brown, white), Tapioca, Wild rice
Avoid
Plain flour, Self-raising flour, Semolina flour
Spinach flour, Wholewheat flour
Vegetables, Sprouts, Soya Products and Fresh Herbs (type A)
Vegetables are vital to people with blood type “A”. They provide minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. You should eat vegetables raw or steamed to preserve the full benefits.
First of all, those with type “A” can eat most vegetables but, there are a few exceptions; peppers, tomatoes, even potatoes should be given a miss.
Furthermore, tomatoes are a rare food called a panhemaglutinan. This means its lectins agglutinate in every blood type. However, type O doesn’t produce antibodies to tomatoes, and they can eat them. Also, type AB behaves in a similar fashion.
Broccoli is highly recommended for its antioxidant properties. Since antioxidants strengthen the immune system and prevent abnormal cell division they can be eaten freely.
In addition, garlic should be used abundantly. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and immune system booster, and it’s good for the blood.
Highly Beneficial
Alfalfa sprouts, Beetroot leaves, Broccoli
Collard greens, Cos lettuce, Dandelion greens
Endive, Escarole, Garlic
Globe artichokes, Horseradish, Jerusalem artichokes
Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks
Okra, Onions (red, Spanish, yellow), Parsley
Parsnips, Pumpkins, Spinach
Swiss chard, Tempe, Tofu
Turnips
Neutral
Asparagus, Avocado, Bamboo shoots
Beetroot, Bok choy, Carrot
Cauliflower, Celery, Chervil
Chicory, Coriander, Courgettes
Cucumber, Daikons, Fennel
Jicama beans, Lettuce (butterheads, iceberg, Webb), Mesclun salad
Mangetouts, Mung bean sprouts, Mushrooms (wild)
Onions (spring), Radicchio, Radish sprouts
Radishes, Rappini, Rocket
Seaweeds, Squash (all types), Swede
Sweetcorn, Water Chestnuts, Watercress
Avoid
Aubergines, Broad beans, Cabbage (Chines, red, white)
Chilli peppers (jalapeno), Mushrooms (cultivated), Olives (black, Greeks, Spanish)
Peppers (green, red, yellow), Potatoes (red, white), Sweet potatoes, tomatoes, Yams
And, of course, tofu is one of the staples of the blood type “A” diet. Because tofu is often considered bland this, nutritionally complete, food is best prepared by being stir-fried with vegetables and flavourings.
However, because tofu does not look appetising, it is best bought in refrigerated form, from a health food shop.
Fruits (type A)
Another food type that people with blood type “A” thrive upon is fruit. While type “A” can and should eat fruit liberally, there are exceptions. Certain fruits, melons in particular, have a high mould count making them indigestible to type “A”.
Furthermore, type “A” does not do well on tropical fruit like mango and papaya. Although these fruits contain a digestive enzyme that is good for the other blood types, it doesn’t work for the type “A” digestive tract. Pineapple, on the other hand, is an excellent digestive for type “A”.
Highly Beneficial
Apricots, Cherries, Figs (dried or fresh)
Grapefruit, Lemons, Pineapple
Plums (green, purple, green), Prunes
Neutral
Apples, Blackberries, Blackcurrants
Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cranberries
Dates, Elderberries, Gooseberries
Grapes (black, green, purple, red), Grapes (Concord), Guava
Kiwi, Kumquats, Limes
Loganberries, Melons (canang, casaba, Crenshaw, Christmas, musk, Spanish), Nectarines
Peaches, Pears, Persimmons
Prickly pears, Raisins, Raspberries
Redcurrants, Star fruit, Strawberries
Watermelons
Avoid
Bananas, Coconuts, Mangoes
Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew), Oranges, Papayas
Plantains, Rhubarb, Tangerines
Spices, Dried herbs and Flavourings (type A)
Those people with blood type A should view these ingredients as more than just flavour enhancers. The right combination of spices can be a powerful immune system booster.
Highly Beneficial
Barley malt, Blackstrap molasses, Garlic
Ginger, Miso, Soy sauce
Tamari
Neutral
Agar, Allspice, Almond essence
Anise, Arrowroot, Basil
Bay leaf, Bergamot, Brown rice syrup
Capers, Caraway seeds, Cardamom
Chervil, Chives, Chocolate
Cinnamon, Coriander
Cornflour, Corn syrup, Cream of tartar
Cumin, Curry powder, Dill
Honey, Horseradish, Maple syrup
Marjoram, Mint, Mustard (dry)
Nutmeg, Paprika, Parsley
Peppermint, Pimento, Rice syrup
Rosemary, Saffron, Sage
Salt, Savory, Seaweed (dulse, kelp)
Spearmint, Sugar (brown, white), Tamarind
Tarragon, Thyme, Turmeric
Vanilla (essence, pod)
Avoid
Gelatine (plain), Pepper (black and white ground, cayenne, peppercorns, red flakes)
Vinegar (balsamic, cider, distilled white, herbs, red and white wine)
Blood Type Diet Review
This post is intended to be a review of the “Eat Right for your Type” book. I have extracted some of the lists of food types.
However, most of the wording is my own and original. The food type listings have been restricted to blood types O and A, for a few reasons:
- Type O and type A are the most common of the blood type
- I am blood type O and my wife is blood type A
The book provides recipe suggestions and meal plans for each blood type. Another thing the book details are exercise plans. Because, the right exercise needs to be matched to the nutrition plan to achieve weight management. The book provides detailed medical explanations regarding chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Finally, in a short blog post cannot hope to do justice to this dietary handbook. “Eat Right 4 your Type” should be essential reading for everybody.
Since this book was recommended to me by our chiropractor, I would hope that he was fairly knowledgeable about such matters.
Get the book. Read it, mull it over, think about your blood type diet and eat your way to better health.
Because I have multiple sclerosis, I take a particular interest in eating to improve my health.
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