What Should People With A+ Blood Type Eat? A Guide to the Blood Type Diet

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

Originating from a theory first published in 1996, the blood type diet suggests specific eating patterns for each blood group. For those curious about what people with A+ blood type eat, the guidance focuses heavily on plant-based foods, while limiting or avoiding others, based on the idea of a 'cultivator' ancestry.

Quick Summary

The blood type A diet recommends a predominantly plant-based plan, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting red meat, pork, and most dairy products.

Key Points

Embrace Plant-Based Foods: Focus your diet on vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains, which are staples of the recommended A+ blood type diet.
Avoid Red Meat and Pork: The diet advises eliminating red meat and pork due to supposedly poor digestion in Type A individuals.
Limit Most Dairy: The blood type A diet recommends limiting cow's milk and most dairy products, favoring soy milk or small amounts of goat milk and certain cheeses instead.
Choose Leaner Proteins Wisely: While primarily vegetarian, the diet permits moderate consumption of certain fish (like salmon and mackerel) and some poultry.
The Science is Unproven: It's important to remember that mainstream science does not support the blood type diet theory. Any health benefits are likely from eating a healthier, whole-foods diet generally.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to a doctor or registered dietitian before starting a restrictive diet to ensure you are meeting all your nutritional needs.
Focus on Organic and Fresh Foods: The diet emphasizes consuming organic and fresh produce to support a supposedly sensitive immune system, a healthy practice for anyone.

The concept of tailoring one's diet to their blood type was popularized by naturopathic physician Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo in his book Eat Right 4 Your Type. According to D'Adamo's theory, blood type A evolved with the transition to agrarian societies, suggesting a natural predisposition towards a vegetarian diet. The theory posits that people with type A blood have lower levels of stomach acid, making it harder to digest animal proteins, and possess sensitive immune systems that thrive on organic, fresh foods. The A+ blood type diet, therefore, heavily emphasizes consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins, while significantly reducing or eliminating red meat, processed foods, and certain types of dairy. However, it is crucial to note that this theory is widely debated and lacks robust scientific evidence, with many researchers debunking the core premise. Any health benefits are more likely linked to the adoption of a generally healthy, whole-foods-based diet.

Recommended Foods for the A+ Blood Type Diet

Following the recommendations for the blood type A diet means focusing on a rich array of plant-based foods and lean proteins.

Plant-Based Proteins

The diet encourages plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, lentils, aduki beans, black beans, and nuts and seeds such as peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds.

Vegetables and Fruits

Leafy greens like spinach and kale are recommended, along with broccoli and carrots. Alkaline fruits such as berries, plums, figs, and cherries are preferred, and citrus fruits like lemons and grapefruit are considered beneficial.

Whole Grains

Whole grains like quinoa, oats, and brown rice are suggested. Sprouted grain breads are also listed as beneficial choices.

Seafood and Other Proteins

Moderate amounts of cold-water fish like salmon, cod, and mackerel may be included. Some guides also permit small portions of chicken or turkey.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

For A+ individuals following this diet, several food groups are recommended for reduction or elimination.

Red Meat and Pork

Red meats, including beef, pork, and lamb, are to be avoided. This also applies to processed pork products like bacon and ham.

Dairy Products

Most dairy products like cow's milk, cheese, and butter are generally discouraged, with soy alternatives favored. Limited amounts of goat milk, yogurt, and specific cheeses like mozzarella and feta are sometimes noted as exceptions.

Certain Grains and Beans

Specific wheat products and processed cereals are on the list of foods to avoid. Garbanzo, kidney, and lima beans are also recommended against.

Fruits and Condiments

Tropical fruits such as bananas, coconuts, mangoes, and papayas are advised against. Corn, certain vegetable oils, vinegar, and some common condiments should also be avoided.

A Scientific Perspective on the Blood Type Diet

Despite its popularity, the blood type diet lacks broad support from the scientific and medical communities. A systematic review in 2013 found no evidence to validate its health benefits. Critics argue that the central theory about lectins is largely unsubstantiated, and cooking typically inactivates lectins. Studies suggest that any health improvements seen are likely due to the generally healthier eating patterns (reducing processed foods, increasing fruits/vegetables) rather than the blood type itself. Restrictive diets without professional guidance could potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Sample Meal Plan Comparison: A+ Diet vs. Standard Healthy Diet


Meal	A+ Blood Type Diet Example	Standard Healthy Diet Example
Breakfast	Tofu scramble with spinach, onions, and carrots, served with a side of sprouted grain toast.	Oatmeal with a variety of nuts, seeds, and berries, and a side of yogurt.
Lunch	Vegetarian lentil soup with a salad of mixed greens, beets, and cucumber.	Quinoa salad with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
Dinner	Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and brown rice.	Turkey meatballs with whole wheat pasta and a tomato-based sauce.
Snack	A handful of almonds and a plum.	An apple with peanut butter.

Conclusion: Making Informed Dietary Choices

While the blood type diet offers a structured approach for those with A+ blood, it's crucial to view it critically. The focus on whole, unprocessed, plant-based foods aligns with general healthy eating principles. However, scientific evidence does not support a specific link between blood type and dietary needs. Any observed health benefits are likely due to overall healthier food choices, not the blood type. Always consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes to ensure a balanced and sustainable plan. For more on the scientific findings, refer to the review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Blood type diets lack supporting evidence: a systematic review

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the blood type diet, including for A+ individuals, lacks scientific evidence. A 2013 systematic review found no studies to validate the purported health benefits.

The diet recommends alkaline fruits like berries, plums, and figs, while advising against tropical fruits like mangoes, bananas, and coconuts.

Dr. D'Adamo's theory suggests this, but there is no scientific consensus that people with type A blood have consistently lower stomach acid levels than other blood types.

Some versions of the diet allow for small amounts of lean poultry like chicken and turkey, while the strictest interpretation is fully vegetarian.

Certain wheat products, like shredded wheat and cream of wheat, are listed as foods to avoid on the diet.

The primary protein sources are plant-based, including tofu, tempeh, lentils, and other legumes.

Weight loss can occur because the diet is often restrictive and emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods, but it is not because of the specific blood type link.