What does A+ blood need to eat?

December 3, 2025 •

2 min read

Approximately 34% of the world's population has blood type A. For those asking, "What does A+ blood need to eat?", the popular Blood Type Diet theory suggests a predominantly vegetarian approach focusing on fresh, organic foods for overall well-being.

Quick Summary

Based on Dr. Peter D'Adamo's theory, the blood type A diet recommends a plant-focused plan rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting red meat and most dairy.

Key Points

Plant-Based Focus: The A+ blood diet theory suggests a predominantly vegetarian diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins.
Immune System Support: Emphasis is placed on immune-boosting foods like specific vegetables and berries.
Protein from Plants and Lean Meat: Primary protein sources include tofu, lentils, and beans, with limited lean poultry and cold-water fish.
Limit Red Meat and Dairy: The diet recommends avoiding red meat and most cow's dairy.
Science is Debated: The scientific community has largely debunked the core claims linking blood type to optimal diet. Benefits may stem from the healthy nature of the eating plan.
Organic and Fresh: The diet values organic and fresh foods.

The Agrarian Approach to Eating for A+ Blood

According to the Blood Type Diet, developed by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo, dietary needs are linked to blood type. Type A individuals, sometimes called "Agrarians," are theoretically better suited for plant-based foods. The diet emphasizes fresh, organic produce, whole grains, and plant proteins, while reducing red meat and certain dairy. It's important to note the scientific basis for the blood type diet is limited.

Prioritizing Plant-Based Foods

The Type A diet favors fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for nutrients and antioxidants. A variety of produce is encouraged, especially leafy greens, and whole grains provide energy and fiber.

Recommended Foods for A+ Blood:

Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, kale, carrots, garlic, onions, pumpkins, and artichokes.
Fruits: Berries, plums, figs, and cherries.
Grains: Whole grains like oats, brown rice, spelt, and sprouted bread are preferred.
Legumes: Lentils, black beans, and black-eyed peas.
Proteins: Tofu and tempeh, with limited lean poultry and cold-water fish.
Nuts and Seeds: Peanuts, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
Fats and Oils: Olive oil and flaxseed oil are considered beneficial.

Foods to Limit or Avoid for Optimal Digestion

The theory suggests Type A individuals have lower stomach acid, making animal protein and fat harder to digest. Certain foods are advised to be limited or avoided.

Foods to avoid for A+ Blood:

Red Meat: Beef, pork, and lamb are generally discouraged.
Dairy: Most cow's milk products are not recommended.
Specific Vegetables: Foods like cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers are believed by some to be problematic.
Certain Fruits: Oranges, bananas, and cantaloupe are sometimes listed for avoidance.
Processed Foods and Refined Sugars: Generally discouraged.

Understanding the Scientific Context

The Blood Type Diet lacks strong scientific backing. Research hasn't consistently linked blood type and optimal diet, and benefits may come from emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods. Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting this diet. You can find more information about the theory on the official Blood Type Diet website {Link: dadamo.com https://www.dadamo.com/}.

Comparison Table: A+ Blood Diet Foods


Category	Recommended (Eat More)	Avoid/Limit (Eat Less)
Vegetables	Broccoli, spinach, kale, carrots, pumpkin, garlic, onions, artichoke	Cabbage, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, tomatoes, peppers, lima beans
Fruits	Berries, plums, figs, cherries, lemons, pineapple	Oranges, bananas, cantaloupe, mangoes
Proteins	Tofu, tempeh, lentils, beans, salmon, cod, mackerel, chicken, turkey	Red meat (beef, pork, lamb, venison), many seafood types like shrimp, crab
Grains	Oats, brown rice, spelt, rye, soy flour, essene bread	Wheat-based foods (refined flour), high-gluten pasta, cream of wheat
Dairy	Goat cheese, kefir, low-fat yogurt (in moderation)	Most cow's milk, ice cream, butter, most cheeses
Nuts & Seeds	Peanuts, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, flaxseeds	Cashews, pistachios, Brazil nuts

Conclusion

The diet for A+ blood type emphasizes a plant-focused approach, aligning with general nutritional guidelines. While the specific link between blood type and diet is not scientifically proven, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean plant proteins is widely recognized as beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary recommendation is to follow a primarily plant-based diet, focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins like tofu and legumes.

According to the theory, Type A individuals have lower levels of stomach acid, which can make it harder to digest animal protein and fat.

Some lean poultry, such as chicken and turkey, and cold-water fish like salmon and cod are permitted in moderation.

Yes, most cow's milk and dairy products are recommended to be limited or avoided. Some alternatives like goat cheese and kefir are sometimes considered acceptable.

No, a review of scientific literature found no evidence to validate the health claims. Benefits observed are likely due to adopting generally healthier eating habits.

No, according to the Blood Type Diet theory, the Rh factor does not significantly impact the dietary recommendations.

Foods such as cabbage, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, tomatoes, and peppers are among those recommended to be limited or avoided.

Green tea and coffee are sometimes listed as beneficial. Alkaline fruit juices, such as diluted black cherry juice concentrate, are also recommended.