by Roy Jacobs

Created on: August 05, 2006   Last Updated: December 25, 2008

As strange as it may sound, there is research that claims a link between a person's blood group and the type of diet that one should be on. The theory is that our blood group influences how our body handles nutrients. By eating according to your group, you could benefit from proper weight control, mental health and a reduction in the risk of several diseases.

Human blood is typed based on the presence of specific proteins on the surface of the red blood cells, called antigen. There a several groups of these called a system of antigens. The major blood group system in humans is the ABO system. That means a person can have any combination of A and/or B on their blood cells. If they have neither then they are classified as O. According to the above theory, it is thought that the different antigens interact with certain foods in a negative way, therefore predisposing to illness. It is also believed that the various types influence the functioning of the gastrointestinal system enhancing or inhibiting proper utilization of foods.

So how does this help you in practice? Here is where the theory gets even more interesting. It is thought that the right type of diet for any blood group is the one that existed during the evolutionary period that the blood group developed. As a result the associations are as follows;

1. Group O developed about 50,000 BC during the hunter/gatherer period. This suggests that persons with this blood group should be eating a high protein, low carbohydrate diet with alot of meat and fish.

2. Group A developed about 15,000 BC during the farming period. This suggests that persons with this blood group should be eating a vegetarian diet.

3. Group B developed about 10,000 BC during the nomadic period. These ancestors thrived on a varied diet. This suggests that persons with this blood group can eat most types of foods.

4. Group AB developed about 1,000 BC during the modern period. This suggests that persons with this blood group can eat a diet compatible with either group A or B.

The medical community has dismissed this theory. However, it does get you thinking about diets and food types. It may even result in some weight loss as you are decreasing certain types of food. However, the scientific evidence is lacking. You will also need to get a blood test done. Finally, it would be very hard to cater for a household where everyone is a different blood group.

References http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/blood_grou p_diet.htm http://www.dadamo.com/

Yours in Health

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