Kara-bout Your Body
By Kara Fragale, Nutritionist, Certified Holistic
Nutritionist, Certified Fitness Expert
karafragale@gmail.com
Sharing my opinion on The Blood Type Diet and keeping it simple.
Along my nutrition journey, I had to take a course on our different blood types (this involved me pricking all my friends and family’s fingers, squeezing their blood into my blood type kit, and figuring out what blood type they had! I was so excited, although none of my victims shared the thrill). We learn our blood type usually for medical reasons only. But in the nutrition world our blood types mean so much more.
Growing up in Asia, I had always heard murmurings of the importance of knowing one’s blood type, but I was a kid and paid little attention. In Japan, your job may depend on your blood type and many women choose their future husband based on blood type. They believe your blood type is the foundation of your personality. I am sharing the personality part, not because I believe in this, but because I found it interesting and fun and thought you may too:
Type A (+ or -): Consider things carefully, they are kind, they do not express themselves to avoid a possible quarrel, they can be calm- even when accidents happen, they are hard workers and safe drivers.
Type B (+ or -): They like to go their own way, they do not like to be alone, they are not always considerate of rules and feelings, they are friendly, they are quick to adapt, they love festivals and parties, they are optimistic.
Type AB (+ or -): They chase ideals and dreams, they have a strong spirituality, they are calm and rational, sensitive, and their feelings are easily hurt, private life is important, they do not like interference from others, bookworms, and they do well in long relationships.
Type O (+ or -): They are realistic, vigorous at earning a living, go straight toward the goal, very cautious, ambitious, and devoted.
Now what does all this have to do with nutrition? Not only does Japan feel you can figure out our personalities, but also the right nutrition for our bodies based on blood type. Two decades ago a Doctor named Peter D’Adamo wrote a book on the blood type diet. Some agree, others do not, but again it is an interesting theory.
It is thought that the foods you eat react chemically with your blood type. If you eat the right foods for your body you will have more energy, lose weight, be able to fight disease better and be all around healthier. It also determines the right exercise for your body.
So, again for fun, here is a sample (according to Dr. D’Adamo) of what you should eat or avoid for your blood type:
Type O: This group is known as the hunters. They are the earliest human blood group, they should have a meat rich diet. Foods that promote good health are kelp, seafoods, red meat, kale and broccoli. Foods that harm health are wheat, corn, gluten, kidney and navy beans, and cabbage. Exercise recommendations are: intense workouts like aerobics, running and martial arts.
Type A: This group are the cultivators. They are a more recently evolved blood type dating back to the beginning of agriculture. Their diet should emphasize vegetables, fruit, turkey, select beans and seafood. They should avoid red meat, dairy wheat, and corn. Exercise should be calming, like yoga and Tai Chi.
Type B: This group are known as the nomads. They have a strong immune system and great digestion. This is claimed to be the only blood type that can thrive on dairy products. Fish, and vegetables are great. Avoid chicken, corn and peanuts. Exercise is moderate workouts like hiking, tennis and swimming.
Type AB: This group is the enigma, the youngest of blood types. This group can eat the good foods of A and B and avoid chicken, corn and buckwheat. Exercise should be centering like yoga, cycling and tennis.
The Blood Type Diet book has pages on diet, exercise, medical risks, strengths, supplements and weight loss ideas. I only wrote a very simple version. I do not condone or condemn this concept. I just wanted to give you an interesting read.
Hard to match a recipe with so many blood types, so I picked one of my favorite snacks. ( I am AB blood type ):
Maple Roasted Nuts:
Coconut oil non-stick spray,3 egg whites, ½ cup of maple syrup, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, pinch of ground cinnamon and 6 cups of pecans or almonds.
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Whisk together the egg whites, maple syrup, salt and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the nuts to the mixture and toss. Spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes stirring a couple of times. When golden brown, remove and let cool. Store in an air-tight container and enjoy no matter what your blood type may be!