The O's blood type diet

Knowing your blood type can often be thought of as useful only if you need a blood transfusion. However, there is another argument that says eating for a specific A, B, AB, or O blood type may offer health benefits.

Research has shown that some blood types are a risk for developing certain diseases or conditions.

People with type O blood have been shown to have higher levels of stomach acid than those with other blood types, which make digesting proteins and fats easier for this group.

O blood is unique in that it has both A and B antibodies in its plasma, although not on the cells themselves, so it will not attack A or B blood types as foreign invaders.

Meats and animal products, such as fish and poultry, are at the top of the go-to list for type O blood types, as they are metabolized well by this blood group.

What is the O blood type?

Blood is comprised of many vital components, including plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets.

In addition, the blood contains antigens. These substances trigger the body's immune system to attack foreign invaders, such as bacteria. Antigens can also attack "foreign" blood types that have different antigens.

Blood types are classified as A, B, AB, and O and are further grouped by the presence or absence of the Rh factor antigen, making them Rh positive, or Rh negative.

For example, O+ blood does not have A or B antibodies on the surface of the cells, but it is positive for the presence of Rh factor. In contrast, O- blood does not have A or B antibodies or Rh factor. For this reason, type O- blood is considered a universal red cell donor type.

Why do you need to eat for your blood type?

Different blood types make people more or less susceptible to certain conditions. In this respect, certain blood types have been linked to a higher incidence of pancreatic cancer, blood clots, and heart attacks.

As an example of this, some research has indicated that those with O type blood are at a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease but at a higher risk of peptic ulcers.

Dr. D'Adamo explains that when the blood comes in contact with certain foods, a chemical reaction happens, specifically with a protein called lectin.

Lectins, which are found in food, have a direct effect on the blood and the digestive tract. The protein binds to cells within the body, causing them to clump together and, potentially, to cause hormonal disruptions. This is effect on the body is similar to a foreign substance being present.

What foods should people with blood type O eat?

According to the Blood Type Diet, for the best dietary health based on blood type, certain foods should either be eaten or avoided in the type O group, as described here:

Animal proteins

It is recommended that people with O blood types should consume "beneficial" animal products, including:

1. beef
2. lamb
3. mutton
4. veal
5. venison
6. cod
7. herring
8. mackerel

People with type O blood are allowed to consume most meat products, including cold-water fish. Exceptions are listed further down this article.

Dairy

Although dairy and eggs should be avoided, type O's can occasionally consume products including:

1. butter
2. cheeses, such as farmer, feta, mozzarella, and goat cheese
3. soy milk 
4. Nuts

Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats, and type O's can typically have most nuts, except for the ones listed in the "avoid" list. Pumpkin seeds and walnuts are found to be the most beneficial for type O's to eat.

Beans

Most beans are well tolerated by type O's, the most beneficial being:

1. aduke beans
2. azuki beans
3. pinto beans
4. black-eyed peas

Grains

Only a few types of grains, including buckwheat, barley, rice, and millet are acceptable in a type O diet.
While most grains should be avoided by type O's, there are a few that are tolerated, including:

1. amaranth
2. barley
3. buckwheat
4. rice
5. kamut
6. kasha
7. millet
8. rye
9. spelt
10. essene and ezekiel breads

Vegetables

Except for a few that should be avoided, many vegetables are well tolerated.
 Some of those recommended for type O's include:

1. tomatoes
2. artichoke
3. chicory
4. dandelion
5. garlic
6. horseradish
7. kale
8. okra
9. onions
10. parsley
11. parsnips
12. red peppers
13. sweet potatoes
14. pumpkin
15. seaweed
16. turnips
17. Fruits

As with vegetables, fruits are well tolerated except some that need to be avoided. Some of the recommended fruits for type O's include:

1. plums
2. prunes
3. figs
4. grapefruit
5. most berries
6. Spices and condiments

Spices that type O's can enjoy include:

1. kelp-based seasoning
2. iodized salt
3. parsley
4. curry
5. cayenne pepper
6. chocolate
7. cocoa
8. honey
9. Beverages

Drinks that type O's can enjoy include:

1. seltzer water
2. club soda
3. tea
4. wine

What foods should type O's avoid?

People with type O blood may experience unwanted weight gain when they eat food groups, such as dairy and gluten-containing wheat products. These foods may lead to an inflammatory and autoimmune response.

Animal proteins

It is recommended that people with type O blood should avoid:

1. pork, including ham and bacon
2. goose
3. barracuda
4. pickled herring
5. catfish
6. smoked salmon
7. caviar
8. octopus
9. conch
10. Dairy

Typically, people with type O' blood should avoid dairy products, specifically:

1. yogurt
2. Nuts

Certain nuts should be avoided by type O's, including:

1. Brazil nuts
2. cashews
3. peanuts
4. pistachios
5. poppy seeds
6. Beans

Because typo O's do not utilize all beans equally, certain ones should be avoided, including:

1. beans, such as copper, kidney, and tamarind beans
2. lentils, such as domestic, green, and red
3. Grains

Type O's are known for their inability to tolerate gluten-based grains, so it is recommended that they avoid:

1. corn
2. gluten
3. graham
4. bulgur, durum, sprouted, white and whole wheat, wheat germ, and bran
5. farina
6. oat
7. seven-grains
8. Vegetables

Although many vegetables are well tolerated by type O's, it is recommended that they avoid:

1. vegetables including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and mustard greens
2. alfalfa sprouts
3. shiitake mushrooms
4. fermented olives
5. vegetables from the nightshade family, including eggplant and potatoes
6. corn
7. avocado
8. leek
9. Fruits

As with vegetables, type O's typically tolerate most fruits except:

1. melons, cantaloupe, honeydew
2. oranges
3. tangerines
4. strawberries and blackberries
5. rhubarb
6. coconut and products that contain coconut
7. Spices and condiments

Spices and condiments to be avoided by type O's include:

1. pepper, both white and black
2. vinegar
3. capers
4. cinnamon
5. cornstarch and corn syrup
6. nutmeg
7. vanilla
8. ketchup
9. pickles
10. mayonnaise
11. relish
12. Beverages

Drinks type O's should avoid include:

• beer
• coffee
• distilled liquor
• black tea

There has yet to be any rigorous scientific study on the blood-type diet, as stated by Dr. D'Adamo himself.

As with any diet or exercise program, it is important to speak with a doctor before embarking on a specific diet for blood type.