What Should an A+ Blood Type Eat? The Complete Diet Guide

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

The concept of eating for one's blood type has been popular since the mid-1990s, when Dr. Peter D'Adamo proposed that specific foods react chemically with each blood type. For those wondering what should an A+ blood type eat, the diet suggests a primarily plant-based approach focusing on organic, fresh foods, based on the theory that type A individuals evolved from agrarian ancestors.

Quick Summary

The A+ blood type diet emphasizes a vegetarian plan of fresh produce, soy proteins, whole grains, and certain seafood, while limiting red meat and dairy. While this approach gained popularity, a scientific review found no evidence to prove its unique benefits for specific blood types.

Key Points

Embrace a Plant-Based Diet: The A+ blood type diet primarily recommends a vegetarian eating plan, emphasizing fresh, organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Focus on Tofu and Seafood for Protein: Plant-based proteins like tofu and lentils are central, supplemented by limited amounts of lean poultry and cold-water fish like salmon.
Avoid Red Meat and Cow's Dairy: According to the theory, individuals with type A blood should avoid red meat and most cow's milk products due to lower stomach acid levels.
Be Mindful of Certain Fruits and Vegetables: While most produce is encouraged, some diet versions advise against specific fruits like melons and oranges, and vegetables like potatoes and cabbage.
Lacks Scientific Evidence: The blood type diet theory is not supported by scientific research, and health benefits are more likely linked to eating healthier overall rather than blood type compatibility.
Prioritize Whole Foods: Any improvements in weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol from following the diet are likely a result of cutting out processed foods, refined sugars, and high-fat items.

Understanding the A+ Blood Type Diet

The blood type diet, outlined by Dr. Peter D'Adamo in his 1996 book Eat Right 4 Your Type, is a dietary and lifestyle plan tailored to an individual's specific blood type. The theory suggests that each blood type has different dietary needs based on ancestral eating patterns and digestive responses to certain lectins. For the A+ blood type, D'Adamo theorizes that this group descended from agrarian ancestors and therefore thrives on a vegetarian-based diet. People with type A blood are believed to have lower levels of stomach acid, which the diet claims makes it harder for them to digest animal proteins and fats. Consequently, the recommended diet focuses on natural, organic, plant-based foods to enhance digestive and immune system function.

Foods to Embrace on the A+ Diet

The A+ diet is rich in plant-based sources and low in animal protein. Focus on incorporating a wide variety of fresh, organic foods.

Vegetables: Almost all vegetables are beneficial, especially dark leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, and onions. Some variations suggest avoiding nightshade vegetables.
Fruits: An array of fruits is encouraged, particularly berries, cherries, plums, and apples. Citrus fruits, melons, and bananas should be avoided.
Proteins: Plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, lentils, and legumes are highly recommended. Small amounts of lean poultry and cold-water fish are permitted, while beef, pork, and lamb are avoided.
Grains: Whole grains are emphasized, particularly sprouted grains, brown rice, oats, and spelt. Wheat is debated, with some advising against it.
Fats and Oils: Olive oil is the primary recommended fat source.
Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds are considered beneficial protein sources.
Beverages: Green tea and ginger tea are recommended. Alkaline-forming fruit juices are encouraged, while coffee and beer should be limited.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Certain foods may not be well-tolerated by individuals with the A+ blood type.

Red Meat: Generally avoided.
Dairy Products: Many are discouraged, especially cow's milk. Alternatives are suggested.
Certain Fruits and Vegetables: Specific fruits like mangoes and melons, and vegetables such as cabbage and potatoes, are on the 'avoid' list.
Refined Carbohydrates and Sugar: Strongly discouraged.
Processed Foods: Best avoided.

Comparing Recommended vs. Avoided Foods for A+ Blood Type


Food Category	Recommended Foods	Foods to Avoid
Vegetables	Broccoli, spinach, kale, carrots, garlic, pumpkin	Cabbage, potatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes, eggplant
Protein	Tofu, lentils, beans, salmon, sardines, chicken, turkey	Beef, pork, lamb, most red meat, certain white fish
Grains	Spelt, brown rice, oats, sprouted grains	Wheat bran, durum wheat, most commercial wheat products
Dairy	Soy milk, goat milk, some low-fat yogurt	Cow's milk, most cheeses, butter
Fruits	Berries, cherries, plums, apples, figs	Oranges, melons, bananas, mangoes, papayas
Nuts & Seeds	Walnuts, peanuts, pumpkin seeds	Cashews, pistachios
Fats	Olive oil	Coconut oil, most commercial vegetable oils

Scientific Perspectives and Criticisms

The scientific community largely dismisses the blood type diet theory. A 2013 review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no evidence to validate the health benefits of blood type diets. Researchers suggest positive outcomes are likely due to generally healthier eating habits rather than specific blood type recommendations. The diet can also be restrictive.

Sample A+ Daily Meal Plan

Breakfast: Tofu scramble with spinach and onions.
Lunch: Vegetarian lentil soup with a side salad.
Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted vegetables.
Snacks: Walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or berries.

Conclusion

For those considering what should an A+ blood type eat, the diet suggests a plant-based approach emphasizing organic produce, whole grains, and soy proteins while limiting red meat, certain dairy, and processed foods. While some report benefits, scientific studies do not support the diet's core claims. Any health benefits likely stem from eating healthier overall. Consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

Blood Type Diets and Your Health

The blood type diet's promotion of whole foods is generally healthy, but its scientific basis is weak. A plant-based diet can lead to positive health outcomes for A+ individuals, but these benefits are not exclusive to this blood type. The diet's restrictive nature may pose challenges and potential nutritional imbalances. Following mainstream nutritional guidelines for a balanced diet is a scientifically-backed approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

The A+ blood type diet recommends a wide variety of vegetables, especially dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale, as well as broccoli, carrots, and garlic.

According to the blood type diet theory, A+ individuals should primarily focus on plant-based proteins and avoid red meat like beef and pork, while consuming very limited amounts of lean poultry and fish.

The diet suggests that A+ individuals limit or avoid most dairy products, especially cow's milk. Alternatives like soy milk and some goat milk products are considered more beneficial.

The blood type diet's theoretical basis lacks scientific evidence. A 2013 review found no proof to validate the health claims, and experts attribute any benefits to overall healthier eating patterns rather than blood type.

Any weight loss on the diet is likely due to its restrictive nature, which eliminates processed foods and sugars. It is not proven to be more effective than other healthy diets for weight loss based on blood type alone.

Dr. D'Adamo's recommendations include calming exercises like yoga or tai chi for type A individuals to manage nervous energy, though this is also not scientifically backed.

Nutrition experts advise caution, as the restrictive nature of some blood type diets could lead to nutrient deficiencies. It is best to consult a pediatrician or registered dietitian before putting a child on this diet.

References

1
Blood type diets lack supporting evidence: a systematic review