There was a time in Japan when blood type matching became a popular trend, and people would ask each other’s blood types before going out on a date. (Seriously) Along with the popularization of blood type personalities, it was also suggested that there are suitable foods for each blood type. Dr. Peter D’Adamo conducted extensive research in this area.

Various theories exist regarding the emergence of the four blood types, with the theory of O-type origin being the most widely accepted. Dr. D’Adamo’s theory is also based on this theory. According to research conducted by the Behavioral Sciences Department at Palomar College, over 90% of Africans have blood type O. As humanity migrated to the Eurasian continent in search of food, people began consuming grains primarily in Asia. The transition from a carnivorous diet to an agricultural one led to the need to adapt to grains and plants in order to obtain sufficient energy. As a result, blood type A emerged. This explanation is supported by the distribution of blood types in the Middle East and Asia, where type A is most common. Type B is believed to have developed in response to colder climates, and individuals with this blood type tend to have greater tolerance for dairy products. It is widely known that type AB is the newest blood type, having emerged within the last thousand years.

(World blood type distribution: https://www2.palomar.edu/anthro/vary/vary_3.htm)

Each blood type has certain foods that are believed to be beneficial for their overall health and well-being. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Type O: This blood type is often associated with a strong constitution, high immunity, and lower susceptibility to diseases. The suggested diet for type O individuals is primarily focused on meat consumption. It is believed that a diet rich in lean proteins, such as meat, fish, and poultry, can be beneficial for type O individuals.
• Type A: People with blood type A are often recommended to consume a diet that includes a variety of vegetables and grains. It is believed that type A individuals may have relatively lower immunity and could be more susceptible to certain conditions like cancer and heart disease.

According to Dr. D’Adamo, these dietary recommendations are based on the idea that each blood group responds differently to lectin proteins, which have a significant impact on our health. Consuming appropriate foods for our blood type is believed to be a key factor in maintaining good health.

In terms of population distribution, the United States has a larger population of type O individuals, while type A is more prevalent in Japan. This may partly explain why popular diets like the paleo and ketogenic diets, which often emphasize meat consumption, may yield better results in the United States.

Understanding the dietary recommendations and health practices that suit your blood type may potentially be helpful in leading a healthier lifestyle. If you’re interested in delving deeper into this topic and discovering more about the appropriate diet for your blood type, you can consider reading Dr. D’Adamo’s book. However, it’s important to note that while these theories have gained some popularity, they may not have full scientific consensus or conclusive evidence supporting their claims. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is always recommended for personalized dietary advice.

From the research for Oishi! Holistic! Podcast by Shinya Yokota