Blood type often correlates with body composition and ancestral background. As a result, author Peter J. D’Adamo claims that the perfect diet for your body can be created by paying close attention to your blood type. For example, people with nomadic origins often have a gene that enables lactic acid processing, which enables them to consume milk without ill effects. In addition, many people in this group have the B blood type, which developed around 10,000 years ago. By utilizing this theory, D’Adamo created a full set of dietary recommendations based on blood type alone. You can use the blood type diet to simply feel healthier or even lose excess weight. Here’s what you need to know.

Blood Type Groups

D’Adamo carefully researched the different ways blood types ran through the world. He used the origins of each blood type to create theories about its reason for developing. He closely links the blood types reason for existing with the different ways people from that era or location consumed nourishment.

There are four blood type groups outlined by D’Adamo:

A

The rise of agriculture about 20,000 years ago may have encouraged the A blood type to come into existence. As a result, people with type A blood may benefit from a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes and grains. Basically, if it comes from the ground, eat it. Avoiding excess meat and dairy is wise for this group, however.

B

As groups started moving around in a nomadic fashion, digestive systems toughened up a lack of a regular food source. The group may have brought cattle, goats and sheep along for the ride to subsist on their milk and manufactured dairy products. As a result, people with type B blood can consume dairy products alongside meat, fish and vegetables for their daily diet.

AB

Little is known about the AB blood type due to its relatively sudden appearance. D’Adamo suggests that people with type AB blood consume a balanced diet containing fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, grains, legumes and dairy products to stay healthy. A varied dietary plan is recommended for this group.

O

D’Adamo claims that type O blood developed about 30,000 years ago when people were still hunting and gathering for every meal. Hunters and gatherers survived on a diet heavy on meat with minimal fruits and vegetables. Before agricultural changes existed, fruits and vegetables were scarce and well under the sizes and amounts enjoyed today. A high protein diet usually works well for people with type O blood.

Expectations

Scientists and doctors offer counter arguments against D’Adamo’s blood type based diet plan. Researchers point out differences in blood type development timelines and a lack of clinical trials to prove effectiveness. Nonetheless, many people claim to have lost weight and just plain feel better eating according to their given plan. You can try out the blood type diet for yourself and see how you feel to make your own decision about this controversial way of eating.