eating for your blood type

Question
Are certain foods better/healthier for an individual to eat, just because of their blood type?

Answer
Hi Konstantine,

The blood type diet is a concept that I find interesting, but personally don't put a huge amount of stock in. Here's why:

The theory is that the 4 different blood types (A, B, O, and AB) are associated with different period's throughout human history. So a type O individual, for example, being of the oldest blood type, would relate to a time when humans were strictly hunter gatherers, and thus do best on a diet of meat, nuts, seeds, fruits, etc. Conversely, someone with B blood type would be associated with a more agricultural era in human history, and thus is said to do well on a vegetarian diet of grains, vegetables, etc.

Like all dietary theories, there likely is some truth to it. If you are interested in it, I suggest you read the book and eat according to your type for a few weeks and see how you feel. My problem with this theory, though, is that it still places every individual in one of 4 categories, when in reality we are all very very different. There are also many other factors to be aware of, such as your lifestyle, stress levels, who you live with (what if everyone in your family has different blood types?), etc. It may simply not be realistic for many people, and also ignores personal preferences (what do you do if you're an O type, but have chosen to be a vegetarian?).

Meat (assuming it is good quality) has a very strengthening, grounding quality to it. It connects us with the physical, material world. Vegetarian foods are much lighter and keep us in alignment with our spiritual sides. As with everything, we need balance. You may find it helpful to use a food-mood journal for a short time to help become more aware of how different foods are making you feel. Not only will this help you decide for yourself if the blood type diet holds true for you, but it will also create more awareness around your food in general. I wish you well on your journey!


Warmly,
Melissa Furneaux

Vancouver, BC, Canada  

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