Would you like to lose unwanted kilos, but are currently finding it difficult to lose weight? That’s where the idea of a diet comes in handy. One of many weight loss methods is the blood group diet. But how does eating by blood type work? We explain how useful and healthy the blood group diet is.
In times of the corona pandemic, many people work from home and the gyms are closed. Maintaining or even losing weight can be difficult, especially for those who don’t enjoy outdoor exercise. Most of us still struggle with those pesky winter pounds. Usually only a diet helps – one of them is the blood group diet. But how does it work and can it really help you lose weight?
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What is the blood group diet?
The blood group diet is a diet concept invented by the American naturopath Peter J. D’Adamo. It is based on his assumption that people tolerate food differently depending on their blood group. The diet is based on the assumption that certain blood groups developed at different times in human history. According to his assumption, certain proteins from food bind to different antigens, which causes the blood to clot. So if you avoid foods during the blood group diet that do not match your own blood group due to evolutionary reasons, this should help you lose weight, have a positive effect on your health and even reduce the risk of disease.
Don’t know what blood group you have? How to find out >>
How does the blood type diet work?
The principle of the blood group diet is very simple: you are allowed to eat the foods that your ancestors ate and therefore match your blood group – all others should be avoided. D’Adamo divides blood types and foods as follows:
- Blood Type 0 – Hunter
According to D’Adamo, blood type 0 is the oldest blood type. Because people used to eat a meat-rich diet, the Blood Type Diet recommends eating meat for this group of people every day. Cereals and milk should be avoided, since there was neither agriculture nor animal husbandry at that time. Fish, fruit and vegetables are also allowed. - Blood Type A – Farmer
According to D’Adamo, this blood type originated with the farmers who started cultivating grain and crops. People with this blood group should therefore eat mainly fruit, vegetables and grains and avoid meat and dairy products. Fish should occasionally be allowed. - Blood group B – Nomade
D’Adamo According to this blood group is said to have originated with the nomadic peoples of Asia. Because these animals ate and their products, people with this blood type are said to eat mostly meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables . Cereals, legumes and poultry should be avoided. - Blood group AB – modern man
According to the naturopath, blood group AB was the last to emerge after man began to eat a balanced mixed diet. For this reason, all foods are allowed.
Blood Type Diet: How useful is it?
According to the German Society for Nutrition (DGE), there is no scientific evidence for D’Adamo’s theories and therefore also not for the added value of the blood group diet. Antje Gahl from the DGE even says: “This diet lacks any scientific basis.” According to experts, many of the foods that the naturopath mentions do not have the blood group specificity he mentioned. In 2005, Stiftung Warentest evaluated the form of the diet: “Since we are still alive despite centuries of violations of these rules, the question arises as to the sense and nonsense of the diet.”
A positive aspect is that in the diet of almost every blood group, fruit and vegetables are on the menu. However, a healthy, balanced diet is not guaranteed for all blood types. In particular, the specification for blood group 0 contains too much meat and too little fiber . There could even be a nutrient deficiency . The blood group diet is not suitable for people who want to lose weight in a healthy way, as eating habits are not changed in a sensible way.
