Diet for Blood Type O Positive

The link between blood type and diet is based on the work of Peter D'Adamo. The theories first propounded in his 1996 book "Eat Right For Your Type" are not universally accepted by scientists and are in fact routinely criticized for having inadequate testing through clinical trials. Nevertheless, the basic idea that different blood types have evolved on different foods persists in popular culture. According to D'Adamo, type O is the oldest blood type, descendant from the society of the nomadic hunter, and people with type O blood thrive on physical exercise and animal proteins.

Eat Protein

Type O people have particularly strong stomach acid and hardy digestive tracts, according to D'Adamo's theory. This makes them better able to digest meat than other types are. The most beneficial animal proteins for type O include beef, lamb, mutton, veal and venison; but pork, ham, bacon and goose should be avoided. Cold-water fish like cod, herring and mackerel are beneficial, while barracuda, catfish, smoked salmon, caviar, octopus and conch should be avoided.

Avoid Grains and Dairy

Because type O evolved before widespread agriculture, says D'Adamo, it is not well suited for the digestion of grains or dairy products. This means all but the most primitive forms of sprouted grain breads and grain products should be avoided. Amaranth, barley, buckwheat, rice, kasha, millet, rye and spelt are tolerated. Dairy products, including butter, eggs and milk, should be severely restricted.

Supplement Protein with Nuts and Seeds

D'Adamo does not recommend replacing animal protein with nuts and seeds, but he does allow supplementing with certain varieties. Pumpkin seeds and walnuts are the best for type O, he claims, while cashews, peanuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts and poppy seeds should be avoided. Type O also handles natural oils well, especially olive and flaxseed.

Moderate Legumes, Fruits and Vegetables

D'Adamo recommends that type O limit intake of legumes, especially most beans and lentils. Pinto beans and black-eyed peas are allowed. Type O should restrict vegetable consumption to certain greens (kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce and spinach), artichoke, broccoli, garlic, onions, red peppers, sweet potatoes, seaweed and turnips. Most fruits are acceptable, but the alkalinity of plums, prunes and figs is especially beneficial to the type O digestive tract.