Understanding the Blood Type B Diet
The Blood Type Diet, popularized by naturopathic doctor Peter D'Adamo, suggests that an individual's blood type dictates which foods they should eat to improve health and wellness. The diet's premise is that incompatible food proteins, called lectins, can cause harmful effects and that your dietary needs are tied to the evolutionary history of your blood type. For Type B individuals, whose ancestry is supposedly tied to nomadic and herding peoples, the recommended diet is a balanced omnivorous one. This means incorporating a wide variety of foods, including meat, fish, grains, dairy, and vegetables. However, the diet is highly specific about which sources of each food group are beneficial and which should be avoided.
Animal Protein Recommendations
For those following the Blood Type B diet, the claims around animal protein are very specific, emphasizing certain meats and avoiding others due to their perceived lectin content. The rationale is to choose proteins that promote efficient metabolism and avoid those that can cause inflammation or immune issues.
Highly Beneficial Meats
- Lamb
- Mutton
- Rabbit
- Venison
- Liver
Neutral Meats (allowed in moderation)
- Beef and ground beef
- Turkey
- Pheasant
Meats to Avoid
- Chicken
- Pork
- Duck and goose
- Bacon and ham
Seafood for Blood Type B
Seafood is another key protein source recommended for Type B individuals. The diet suggests focusing on deep-ocean fish while completely avoiding shellfish. This is due to claims about lectins and their effect on metabolism and blood.
Highly Beneficial Seafood
- Cod
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Tuna (Albacore, neutral)
- Sardine
- Halibut
Seafood to Avoid
- Shrimp
- Mussels and clams
- Lobster
- Oysters
- Anchovy
Dairy and Eggs
Blood Type B is unique in the diet's claims because it is the only blood type that can reportedly consume a wide variety of dairy products with no restrictions. Eggs are also considered beneficial.
- Beneficial Dairy: Yogurt, kefir, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and goat milk/cheese.
- Neutral Dairy: Butter, whole milk, casein cheeses, and Swiss cheese.
- Avoid: Blue cheese, American cheese, and ice cream.
- Eggs: Highly recommended and well-tolerated.
Plant-Based Protein Sources
For vegetarian or vegan Type B individuals, protein can be more challenging within the diet's constraints. Many common plant-based protein sources are listed as foods to avoid due to alleged lectin content.
Beneficial Plant-Based Proteins
- Certain beans, such as kidney, lima, and navy beans
- Millet and oat bran
- Almonds and walnuts (considered neutral, but preferred over others)
Plant-Based Proteins to Avoid
- Lentils
- Peanuts and peanut butter
- Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds
- Most cashews, pistachios, and beans like black-eyed peas
- Corn
- Buckwheat
Scientific Evidence and Controversy
It is critical to understand that the Blood Type Diet is highly controversial and not supported by mainstream medical or nutritional science. Extensive reviews and studies have found no evidence that eating according to your blood type provides any specific health benefits. A 2014 study compared various dietary biomarkers and found no significant interaction between a person's blood type and their adherence to the recommended diet. Any health improvements experienced by followers are most likely a result of the diet's general promotion of healthier eating habits, such as reducing processed foods and increasing fruits and vegetables, rather than the blood type-specific restrictions.
A Comparison of Protein Sources for Blood Type B
| Source Category | Beneficial (Per Blood Type Diet) | Avoided (Per Blood Type Diet) |
|---|---|---|
| Meats | Lamb, Mutton, Rabbit, Venison | Chicken, Pork, Duck, Goose, Bacon |
| Seafood | Salmon, Cod, Mackerel, Sardine | Shrimp, Mussels, Oysters, Crab |
| Dairy | Yogurt, Kefir, Goat Milk/Cheese | Blue Cheese, American Cheese, Ice Cream |
| Eggs | Well-tolerated | N/A |
| Legumes | Kidney, Lima, Navy beans | Lentils, Black-eyed peas, Pinto beans |
| Nuts/Seeds | Almonds, Walnuts, Brazil nuts | Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds |
Conclusion
For those exploring the Blood Type Diet's approach to nutrition, the recommendations for Type B protein include a mix of specific meats like lamb and mutton, a variety of deep-ocean fish, and a range of dairy products and eggs. The diet restricts many common proteins, such as chicken, shellfish, and specific legumes and nuts, based on an unproven theory about lectins. However, scientific consensus confirms there is no evidence to support the diet's core claims, and any health benefits are likely incidental to adopting healthier overall eating patterns. Always consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs. You can find more information about the scientific consensus on the Blood Type Diet by consulting reliable sources such as medical journals or health organizations, like the review published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
What is the best protein for blood type B according to scientific consensus?
According to mainstream nutritional science, there is no single 'best' protein for a specific blood type. A healthy, balanced diet with a variety of lean protein sources, including lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, and plant-based options, is recommended for all individuals, regardless of blood type.
