Do you know your blood type? Although blood looks the same on the surface, there are eight different kinds of blood compositions according to the ABO system. They may seem arbitrary, but for blood transfusions and pregnancies, these blood types matter. But did you know that some believe you should eat different foods based on what kind of blood type you have?
When you think about it, it does make sense.
If your blood is built a certain way, wouldn’t there be specific types of habits that are most beneficial to it?
Science Explains What Foods To Eat According To Your Blood Type
Here’s how science explains what foods to eat according to your blood type.
1. What Is The Blood Type Diet, and How Does It Work?
The blood type diet was developed by Peter J. D’Adamo, a medical doctor and naturopath, in 1996. The theory goes that the foods you choose to eat will react in a specific way with the type of blood in your body.
Lectins, which come from protein sources in food, can bind with blood antigens, thus leading to agglutination. In layman’s terms, this is the clumping of blood cells. By staying away from agglutination, the human body becomes healthier and more robust. It can supposedly provide increased energy, stronger immunity, better positive thinking, and improved fitness.
Research has suggested that blood type diets can actually show positive results for more than just its specific blood type group. These diets all contain universally acknowledged healthy habits. As the diet is also somewhat calorie restrictive, you can even expect to lose weight on it.
2. O Blood Type Diet
The O blood type – the universal donor type – makes up 46% of the population. It has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies but without any A or B antigens. Supposedly, those who are of this blood group can very easily digest animal fats and animal proteins thanks to higher stomach acid levels.
The diet specific to those with O-positive and O-negative blood might be likened to a paleo diet or a low-carb diet as it should focus on consuming a good amount of protein. So what are the foods to eat, according to your blood type? Here’s a list of options.
a) Meats
Lean meat, poultry, and fish are great options for those with O-type blood. Examples include cold-water fish, beef, venison, lamb, veal, mutton, mackerel, cod, and herring. Lean meats and seafood are genuinely the best bet if you aim to lose weight with this diet.
b) Fruits and Vegetables
Those with type O blood can enjoy most, if not nearly all, fruits and vegetables. However, keep an eye on our list of foods to avoid, which specifies some veggies that should be left out of your diet.
c) Nuts and beans
Nuts are excellent sources of healthys fats and usually have lots of protein. Beans are also suitable for those with type O blood and are packed with fiber. Again, you’ll have to cross-reference our “not to eat” list to determine which ones work best for you!
d) Dairy
Dairy is a little tricky in a blood type O diet, as most kinds shouldn’t be eaten. However, you can enjoy cheeses, butter, and soy milk at your leisure.
e) Grains
Mostly, those with blood type O should eat very few grains. However, there are some tolerable options. Grains such as buckwheat, rye, barley, kasha, amaranth, and millet are safe for consumption.
f) Drinks
People often overlook beverages when planning a diet. Of course, water is always your best option, but club soda, seltzer water, wine, and tea are okay, too.
g) Sweets
Chocolate and cocoa are acceptable type O blood treats.
h) Add-ins
Seasonings such as iodized salt, curry, and parsley are all safe for use with this diet. Kelp-based seasoning options are also available, and honey is a good additive to most foods and drinks.
Of course, there are also some foods you should avoid if you are a type O. Carbs especially should be avoided, as they may easily be stored as fats within your body and are not as quickly processed. Here are foods not to eat if you’re blood type O.
- Wheat and other grains
- Most beans and lentils
- Legumes
- Cashews
- Pistachios
- Brazil nuts
- Peanuts
- Dairy and eggs (except as listed above)
- Pork, bacon, and ham
- Goose meat
- Conch
- Catfish
- Caviar
- Smoked salmon
- Barracuda
- Caviar
- Pickled herring
- Octopus
- Poppy seeds
- Brassica vegetables
- Nightshade vegetables
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Avocado
- Leek
- Corn
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
This diet is also recommended to be taken alongside aerobic exercise.
3. A Blood Type Diet
The A blood type contains A antigens and anti-B antibodies. Those with this blood type typically have lower stomach acid levels, meaning they are unable to process and digest animal fats and animal proteins properly. Their immune systems are also a little more sensitive.
This is why the A blood type diet involves a vegetarian diet, focusing on organic, fresh foods with minimal additional condiments. Whether A positive or A negative, here are the types of food you can go for.
a) Fruits and Vegetables
Those with type A blood can enjoy most, if not nearly all, fruits and vegetables. However, keep an eye on our list of foods to avoid, which specifies some that should be left out of your diet.
b) Grain and Bread Products
Most grains can be consumed if you have type A blood, but your best options are amaranth and buckwheat. Other options include rice cakes, a variety of flours (rice, soya, oat, rye), a variety of wheat (Ezekiel, soya flour, essence, sprouted), artichoke pasta, and soba noodles.
c) Nuts and beans
Nuts are great sources of healthy fat and usually have lots of protein. Beans are also good for those with type A blood and are packed with fiber. Again, you’ll have to cross-reference our “not to eat” list to determine which ones work best for you!
d) Dairy
This is not the best option for those with this blood type, but some varieties of dairy do yield positive benefits. Kefir, most cheeses, yogurt, and goat milk are okay to consume.
e) Animal Protein
Yes, most animal proteins are bad for those with type A blood. But those who do not wish to go vegetarian can opt for things such as chicken and turkey.
f) Drinks
People often overlook beverages when planning a diet. Of course, water is always your best option, but you have additional possibilities. Green tea, coffee, and red wine all work, as well as herbal beverages such as those made from ginger, aloe, slippery elm, hawthorn, and more.
g) Add-ins
Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, amari, and miso are all great flavoring agents for those with A type blood. Blackstrap molasses work too for adding sweetness.
Of course, there are also some foods you should avoid if you are a type A. Here is a list of them.
- Most animal proteins and seafood
- Eggs
- Cashews
- Pistachios
- Brazil nuts
- Grape nuts
- Oils (corn, peanut, cottonseed, sesame, safflower)
- Beans (garbanzo, lima, copper, red, kidney, tamarind, red)
- Granola
- Seven grain
- Wheat germ
- Cream of wheat
- Farina
- Wheat bran
- Shredded wheat
- Durum wheat
- Familia
- Wheat bran
- High-protein whole wheat breads
- Multi-grain breads
- English muffins
- Wheat bran muffins
- Pumpernickel
- Matzos
- Pasta
- Whole wheat flour
- White flour
- Nightshade vegetables
- Peppers and capers
- Olives
- Mushrooms
- Cabbage
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Citrus fruits
- Melons
- Berries
- Bananas
- Mango
- Coconut
- Bananas
- Rhubarb
- Vinegar
- Gelatin
- Most common hot dog condiments
- Alcohol
- Soda
- Seltzer water
- Black tea
4. B Blood Type Diet
The B blood type contains B antigens and anti-A antibodies. People with this blood type have it the easiest and can eat a lot of different food types. Essentially, they’re omnivores and have more freedom than other blood types. Here’s a good list of options for what to eat.
a) Meats
Meat such as rabbit meat, lamb, venison, and mutton are all acceptable options. Fish is also a good choice if you opt for white fish like cod, sole, salmon, and halibut. Try to steer clear of poultry, however, and stick to lean cuts of meats.
b) Dairy and Eggs
Low-fat dairy options are good for those with B type blood. Eggs are also an option.
c) Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables are safe for consumption for this blood type. Green vegetables are some of the best kinds you can consume if you have type B blood. Eat raw veggies for best results.
d) Grains and Cereals
These must be eaten in careful balance. Oat, spelt, and millet are great choices.
e) Seeds and Nuts
These foods are wonderful protein sources, and walnuts are your best option!
f) Legumes
Also rich in protein, these are low in fat and contain tons of fiber and minerals.
g) Drinks
People often overlook beverages when planning a diet. Stick to water for best results.
h) Add-ins
For better flavor, experiment with cayenne pepper, curry, ginger, and horseradish.
Of course, there are also some foods you should avoid if you are a type B. Eating these foods can lead to weight gain and cause tiredness, excess blood glucose, and decreased positive thinking. Here is a list of them.
- Chicken
- Duck
- Pork
- High-fat dairy products
- Shellfish
- Corn
- Black beans
- Garbanzo beans
- Lentils
- Peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Tomatoes
- Pomegranate
- Coconut
- Avocados
- Pumpkin
- Buckwheat
- Rye
- Wheat
- Pepper
- American cheese
- Blue cheese
- Ketchup
- Distilled liquor
5. AB Blood Type Diet
The AB blood type is the rarest of all and the newest addition to the ABO blood groups. People with these blood types may have both A and B antigens, but no anti-A or anti-B antibodies whatsoever, making them a universal recipient.
Those with AB blood types have lower stomach acid, much like those with A blood types. But they are able to eat more meats thanks to their blood B adaptations. This means they have more food options. However, it is recommended that those with this blood type eat in smaller portions so their digestion does not suffer. Here’s a good list of options for what to eat.
a) Meats
Most meats are perfectly fine for those with AB type blood. Turkey, mutton, rabbit, lamb, and white fish are good options, but go for lean cuts.
b) Dairy
You have many dairy options with AB blood. Cheeses, yogurt, sour cream, kefir, and goat milk are all fine and good, but try to go for low-fat options.
c) Nuts
Nuts are great sources of positive fat and usually have lots of protein. You’ll have to cross-reference our “not to eat” list to determine which ones work best for you!
d) Grains
A lot of grains and wheat products are good for AB blood types. Oatmeal, brans (rice and oat), spelt, rye, millet, rice, and rice flour – including things made from it – are safe bets.
e) Fruits and Vegetables
Those with type AB blood can enjoy most, if not nearly all, fruits and vegetables – leafy greens especially! However, keep an eye on our list of foods to avoid, which specifies some that should be left out of your diet.
f) Add-ins
If you need some spices and flavors, opt for curry, parsley, kelp, horseradish, garlic, or miso.
g) Drinks
People often overlook beverages when planning a diet. Of course, water is always your best option, but you have additional possibilities. Green tea, beer, and wine work in moderation.
Of course, there are also some foods you should avoid if you are a type AB. Here is a list of them.
- Beef
- Poultry
- Pork
- Most seafood
- Shellfish
- Cured meats
- Smoked meats
- Butter and buttermilk
- Whole milk
- Some cheeses (blue and American)
- Ice cream and sherbet
- Seed oils (sunflower, poppy, sesame, pumpkin)
- Seeds (same as above)
- Most beans
- Guava
- Mango
- Orange
- Banana
- Coconut
- Avocado
- Peppers
- Artichoke
- Radish
- Corn
- Buckwheat
- Soba noodles
- Wheat
- Vinegar
- Caffeine
- Soda
- Distilled liquor
Final Thoughts On What Foods To Eat According To Your Blood Type
If you’re looking to make a positive lifestyle change in a way that may be specifically beneficial to your unique body, the blood type diet is a good way to go. Knowing which types of foods work best for you and make you feel good is a great place to start on a journey to a happier, healthier life.
Talk to your doctor before switching your eating habits, of course. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, especially one that requires a certain diet, do not begin the blood type diet without a doctor’s agreement.
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