Diet recommendations

So what is right for your blood type?

In his book, Eat Right 4 Your Type, naturopath Peter D'Adamo prescribes diet, exercise and lifestyle plans for each of the four blood groups.

Based on the theory that all food contains lectins that are compatible or incompatible with each blood type, the diet recommends that certain foods should be included and others avoided in order to minimize negative reactions to lectins.

The theory goes further to say that since our blood types evolved at different times, our dietary requirements are determined by our ancestry and we should eat what our ancestors with the same blood types ate many years ago.

D'Adamo argues that managing our diets in this way can help lose weight, boost energy and lower the risk of contracting some diseases.

Blood Type O - The Hunter

It is recommended that those with the O blood type eat foods high in protein such as red meat, fish and poultry.

They should also include fruits and vegetables in their diet.

However, they should avoid grains, breads, legumes and beans as well as dairy products, caffeine and alcohol.

D'Adamo's health regime for O types includes vigorous exercise such as aerobics, running and contact sports.

Blood Type A - The Cultivator

For A blood types the Eat Right 4 Your Type diet suggests a predominantly vegetarian diet including soy, grains, fruits and vegetables.

However, D'Adamo warns that Type As have particularly sensitive digestive systems and should try to maintain a fresh and organic diet.

They should avoid dairy products and red meat.

In addition, Type As should engage in gentle and calming exercises such as golf, yoga and tai chi.

Blood Type B - The Nomad

Those with the B blood type have relatively tolerant digestive systems and can enjoy almost all foods including dairy, meat, eggs and vegetables.

Grains, lentils, nuts, tomatoes and processed foods should, however, be avoided.

D'Adamo recommends moderate exercise that requires mental balance for Type Bs, such as hiking, swimming, tennis and cycling.

Blood Type AB - The Enigma

Type AB's dietary and exercise requirements are a hybrid of type A and type B requirements.

The Eat Right 4 Your Type diet especially recommends seafood.

It also suggests that tofu, dairy foods such as yoghurt, and green vegetables are beneficial.

D'Adamo also suggests that type Abs should eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Those of blood type AB have a long list of foods that should be avoided including chicken, beef and pork as well as smoked or cured meat. Also on the to-avoid list are beans, corn, wheat and seeds, as well as caffeine and alcohol.

Like Type As, D'Adamo recommends calming exercises for type ABs.