You’ve probably heard about the Blood Type Diet and how you can actually eat foods that are better for your blood type than others. This theory comes from Dr. Peter D’Adamo, author of the best-selling book Eat Right for Your Type.
On Dr. D’Adamo’s website, he explains how our blood type and genetics stem from our ancestors, according to this theory. He answers the question, “what makes me me and you you?”
“This is the question that is at the heart of the genetic puzzle. It is also central to our exploration of blood types. The key is genetic heritage – the story line of your life. Even though you are living in the 21st century, you share a common bond with your ancestors. The genetic information that resulted in their particular characteristics has been passed on to you. People who are A blood type have a different set of characteristics than people who are Type O – they are susceptible to different diseases, they should eat different foods and exercise in a completely different manner. Some believe that personality is influenced by blood type!”
Doctor D’Adamo says there are more than 13,000 articles on Medline regarding blood type and disease. Since the 1950’s,Âthere have beenÂat least 60 articles that prove people who have type A blood have a much higher risk of heart disease and cancer. But with the right foods, blood A types can have better mental clarity, greater vitality and increased longevity.
For people with type A blood, D’Adamo’s theory explains how our history plays into our biological makeup and digestive structure.
“The cultivation of grains and livestock changed everything. For the first time, people were able to forego the hand to mouth lifestyle of the hunter/gatherer and establish stable communities. Over time the adaptations that produced Blood Type A were based on the need to fully utilize nutrients from carbohydrate sources. These biological adaptations can still be observed today in Type A’s digestive structure. Low levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and high intestinal disaccharide digestive enzyme levels permit the more efficient digestion of carbohydrates. According to Dr. D’Adamo, these are also the very factors, along with low levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase, that make it difficult for Type As to digest and metabolize animal protein and fat.”
There are definitely plenty of experts who agree and disagree with the blood type diet theory. But, if you happen to be curious about it, you could get Dr. D’Adamo’s book, listen to this fascinating interview with Dr. Oz to learn more, and even test out your own Blood Type Diet to see how it makes you feel.
Food Charts for Blood Type A: Best on a Mostly Vegetarian Diet
When I first saw the foods that should be avoided for people with type A blood, I was taken back. I can’t believe some of the nutritious foods that are on there! Tomatoes? I love tomatoes. Vinegar and coconut oil? What!?
Well, Dr. D’Adamo has reasons for it all. For instance, there are certain enzymes we may not produce well that make it harder for us to break some foods down.
Following this diet, for me, would be difficult when it comes to some of the foods I’d have to avoid. But I must say, I’m still curious about it. Maybe one day I’d try it for a month just to see. Perhaps you might, too?ÂEither way, If you’re blood type A like me, here is a chart of the beneficial foods for your type as well as the foods you should avoid, according to Dr. D’Adamo’s theory.
Living Naturally also put together a more detailed list including more foods that can be eaten regularly, occasionally and rarely.
Beneficial Foods for People With Blood Type A
Foods People With Blood Type A Should Avoid
7 Recipes for People With A Blood Type
Just in case you are interested in trying the Blood Type Diet, I’ve gathered some recipes, that would suit the standards for Type A, with as many beneficial foods as possible. Let us know if you feel better, lose weight or experience any other benefits from the diet that are worth mentioning. And don’t forget to start by getting Dr. Peter D’Adamo’s book!
1. Avocado Black Bean Burger
The secret to making this veggie burger, is adding the avocado right into the burger batter. Alexis, a registered dietitian from Hummusapien, says it makes the burger much more moist, creamy and almost cheesy-like.
If you’re going to abide by the Type A Blood Diet, there are a few simple things you should know. First, Score! This recipe includes five ingredients on the Type A beneficial foods list: flax, black beans, lemon, onion and garlic. The rest are things that are just fine to eat, except for the cayenne pepper, so you’ll have to omit that. Instead, you could try adding in some turmeric or cumin!
This is a super simple recipe that makes a quick lunch or dinner anytime. Eat it on top a bed of spinach or with a slice of Manna bread!
- Find the recipe and directions atÂHummusapien.com.
2. Blueberry Pineapple Green Detox Smoothie
Smoothies are the way to go sometimes! They are a delicious and easy way to get a ton of nutrients all at once.
This Blueberry Pineapple smoothie has several foods on the Type A good list like spinach/kale, flax seeds, ginger, lemon and blueberries. ItÂwould be great for breakfast, a snack or even for lunch along with a handful of peanuts!
- Get the entire recipe and tips from LifeMadeSweeter.com.
3. Pumpkin Seed Dried Cherry Trail Mix
This crunchy sweet and salty trail mix only calls for six simple ingredients, all with wonderful health benefits! Plus, while all of them are on the okay to eat for Type A’s list, two of them are especially beneficial to this blood type. Those include pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and dried cherries.
All you have to do is mix the nuts and seeds together with the pure, organic maple syrup and salt, spread it on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Mix in the cherries, and you’re done! Keep these crunchy munchies around the house and take a bag for on-the-go, and you’ll always have a healthy Type A Blood food ready for snacking!
- You can get the recipe from FoodNetwork.com, and watch this quick video on how to whip it up in a flash.
4. 3-Ingredient Vegan Buckwheat Galettes
Recipes with few ingredients are the best. This recipe, from Whole New Mom, combines buckwheat flour, salt, water and an egg substitute (1 tbsp ground flaxseed Âand 3 tbsp water) together to make more of a crepe-like pancake or wrap.
They also make a fantastic snack, and they travel well too. If you’re not following the Type A Blood Diet, you could use a regular organic egg, but otherwise, the egg substitute works great. Besides, both buckwheat flour and flaxseeds are on the A+ list for Blood Type A.
Try them with some maple syrup, honey or add another A-food and lather on some peanut butter!
- Get the entire recipe and tips from WholeNewMom.com.
5. Healthy 1-Minute Blueberry Muffin
Can something so delectable really only take one minute? Yes, if you plan to use the microwave, that is. But, don’t worry, you can bake it in the oven for 12 minutes if you don’t like the idea of cooking things in the microwave!
Consider this recipe like a healthy bakery style treat that’s light, moist and fluffy – and will satisfy your muffin craving, too. Although the recipe calls for coconut flour, you’re better off using almond or rice flour to satisfy the Type A Food Diet.
Instead of granulated sweetener, which is okay for Type-A’s, I suggest pure maple syrup, simply because it’s a healthier choice. You’ll have to use the flax egg substitute and pumpkin for your mashed starch. For the dairy free milk of choice, Dr. D’Adamo says type A’s do best with soy products, but almond milk would work fine too.
Give it a whirl and see what you think… The flavor and texture is supposed to resemble a blueberry muffin you’d get at Starbucks. Enjoy!
- Get the entire recipe and directions from TheBigMansWorld.com.
6. Roasted Whole Artichokes
Artichokes are one of the best vegetables, according to Dr. D’Adamo, for Blood Type A’s. If you’re like me, you’ve probably had plenty of experiences with creamy, cheesy spinach and artichoke dips in your lifetime, but have you ever tried roasting a whole artichoke and eating it just like that? I can’t say that I have!
This is so easy to do and combines the simple flavors of lemon, olive oil and garlic – all of which are on the beneficial Type A Food List. Nicole from Pinch My Salt says these are delicious but next time she’d add more garlic because that was one of the best parts.
- Get Nicoles take on it from PinchMySalt.com, and check out this quick how-to-video to see how to prepare your artichokes!
7. Ginger Garlic Baked Salmon
This recipe includes salmon, ginger, garlic and soy sauce, which are all on the Type A good list. But, you will have to make a couple substitutions as well. The first substitution is for oyster sauce, since oysters are on the no-no list. Here, your best bet is to just use more soy sauce. You’ll also need to use olive oil, black current seed oil or flax oil instead of sesame oil, and avoid using the white pepper.
Other than that, you’re good to go! Enjoy your salmon on top a bed of rice with a side of steamed broccoli and you’ll have yourself tasty meal for the Blood Type A.
- Get the entire recipe and directions from RasaMalaysia.com.
There are several ingredients used throughout these recipes that you can order from Natural Healthy Concepts with free shipping! That way, you know they’re high quality.
Here’s the list:
- Turmeric
- Organic Maple Syrup
- Organic, raw flax seed
- Wright Salt
- Organic Honey
- Raw, Pumpkin Seeds
- Roasted Sunflower Seeds
Leave a comment below and tell us what you think of this whole Blood Type Diet thing! Would you ever give it a try? If you’re not blood type A, stay tuned… we’ll be covering the other blood types soon!
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