Eating according to blood type may keep one healthy

New Delhi: Various studies indicate that blood group is the main genetic factor that affects the health and well-being to a large extent.

There are mainly four types of blood group-A, B, O, and AB. It is very important to take diet according to the blood type because people with different blood groups digest lectins in a different way.

Some people have the tendency to lose weight easily while some of them find it as a battle. Also, some people suffer from chronic illnesses frequently while others stay healthy. According to the blood type, the mood swings and temperament of the person also fluctuate and differs from person to person.

To throw light on the relationship between the blood group and nutritional aspect, Deepika Dua Arora, Dietitian Mutation Diet Clinic, Gurugram shares some valuable information.

What is 'Blood Type' diet: The 'Blood Type' diet is based on eating specific foods that allow better digestion, increase the energy levels, and prevent disease & illnesses, in addition to help in losing weight. Eating different foods help maintain a healthy diet which provides different nutrients to the body.

Blood group, on the other hand, determines how the body deals with different nutrients. Blood group diet differs from the body type genetically but it is not 100% share theory. The blood group diet helps us to control our hereditary medical problems like diabetes, kidney problem, GIT, cholesterol, hypertension etc."

Considering Rh factor while planning diets: Rhesus factor is a type of protein available on the surface of red blood cells. People who have Rhesus factor are Rh positive and who does not are Rh negative. Rhesus factor matter while planning diets as the blood type RH negative has more IgE allergies than RH positive.

Rh negative reacts to the nuts, beans, eggs, some meats, gluten grains and the worst allergen is peanuts! Rhesus factor matter because negative and positive factors differ a lot. For negative blood group, more of starches are good as compared to the positive like brown rice, wheat burger, poha etc.

Right food for your blood type: It is recommended by the dietitians to eat food which is suitable for your blood type otherwise health issues may arise because there are several nutrients which do not get absorbed by different blood groups.

Here's a list of foods on should consume according to their blood groups.

• Blood Group: O

Meat, Fish, Eggs, Kale, Lettuce, Broccoli, Onions, Pumpkins, Turnip, Red Peppers, Okra, Garlic, Ginger, Cherries, Figs, Plums, Prunes, Raspberries, Cranberries, Gooseberries. More of the animal protein, fermented foods are good - egg whites, fish, chicken, sandwich, dhokla, kulcha, dosa, idli, etc.

• Blood Group: A

Rice, Oats, Rye, Pasta, Pumpkin, Seeds, Peanuts, Apricots, Figs, Lemons, Raisins, Amaranth, Buckwheat. More of wheat based roughage based vegetarian food is good, animal protein does not suit - wheat bran, brown rice, wheat pasta, brown poha, soya, besan chilla etc.

• Blood Group: B

Green vegetables, Eggs, Low fat dairy. More of oats, milk & product and animal protein are good; wheat does not suit that much - oat bran, paneer, eggs, fish, oat meal, and quinoa.

• Blood Group: AB

Tofu, Seafood, Yoghurt, Goat Milk, Egg, Walnuts, Millets, Oats, Rye, Spelt, Sprouted Wheat, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Beets, Cucumber, Plums, Berries. - More of combination foods are good - rice + daal, roti + daal, dalia, khichdi, brown rice (pulav) etc.

Foods To Avoid As Per Your Blood Type

Eating food according to the blood type can help in reducing weight effortlessly, prevents various chronic illness and certain diseases. It is important to avoid several foods which do not suit the blood type in order to avoid health issues, stress, and weight gain or obesity.

• Blood Group: O

Spinach, cabbage, corn, cauliflower, eggplant, mushrooms, oranges, kiwi, strawberry, blackberry, coconut, green peas, peanut butter. More of wheat starches are not good.

• Blood Group: A

Banana, coconut, papaya, cashew, pistachios, beer. Avoid animal foods- chicken, fish, eggs/ oats does not suit.

• Blood Group: B

Corn, buckwheat, tomatoes, peanuts, sesame seeds. Avoid animal foods- chicken, fish, eggs/ oats does not suit.

• Blood Group: AB

Caffeine, alcohol, whole milk, buckwheat, corn, coconut, bananas, mangoes, black tea. Starving and the gap in the meals does not suit.

Dos and Don'ts For Your Blood Type

Always eat small, healthy meals throughout the day as it will help control hunger and manage insulin levels, giving you a constant source of energy.

Being active and regular exercise is the key to losing weight which provides numerous health benefits.

People sometimes confuse thirst and hunger and end up consuming extra calories when you only need a glass of water.

Read the labels on food products. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your calorie allowance on weight loss plan.

Commenting on the health regime, Deepika Dua, says "It depends on blood type what all exercises should be done like people with B+ blood group should do comfortable walk, yoga as vigorous exercises e.g. gymming, training, power yoga, aerobics are not good."