EAT ACCORDING TO YOUR BLOOD TYPE

What's the secret to a fit body? Experts say it may be hidden in the blood type. The blood group diet is based on the premise that your blood type - A, B, AB or O - should determine your diet and exercise regimen.

Proponents of this type of diet say that food proteins called lectins are digested differently, based on your blood type. If you eat food that's not compatible with your blood type, you may experience many health complications. Hence, follow a diet that's tailored to your blood type, which will help you lose weight, improve chronic health conditions and prevent certain diseases. For instance, this diet suggests if you are blood type A, you should have a vegetarian diet with fresh, organic foods and do yoga to help avoid the conditions you're more susceptible to.

The blood group diet originated from American naturopath, Dr Peter D'Adamo, author of Eat Right for Your Type. According to him, a chemical reaction occurs between your blood and the foods you eat. His nutrition plan is based on the premise that our blood type reflects our internal chemistry. Instead of counting calories and fat grams, this diet provides a list of foods to be avoided or included.

Ekta Tandon, Delhi-based nutritionist says, "Your blood type diet is the restoration of your natural genetic rhythm. It works because you are able to follow a clear, logical, scientifically researched plan based on your cellular profile." She explains, "Each food group is should eat high proteins; Type A should avoid heavy proteins and have carbohydrates; Type B people should drink more milk and avoid fruits like corns, lentils and peanuts. Type AB blood group can have a combination of diet chart of both Type A and Type B.

Naini Setalvad, Mumbai-based nutritionist says, "This diet plan doesn't count calories and fat and is not as restricted as other fad diets such as Atkins and juice diets."

Dr Dilip Nadkarni, Mumbai-based orthopedic surgeon, says, "The blood group diet theory needs more scientific divided into three categories: Highly beneficial (food that acts like medicine), foods allowed (foods that do no harm to the blood type) and foods not allowed (foods that act like a poison)."

D'Adamo, in his website says, "People with blood type A have a different set of characteristics from people who are Type O - they should eat different foods." The blood group diet chart suggests that Type O people study to be accepted universally. D'Adamo prescribes exercises to go hand in hand with his diet, which is better than most diet books that don't emphasise this aspect. He advises different exercises for different blood groups - O groupers to run, B groupers to hike and golfing for blood group A."

But avoid getting into the deficiency trap, cautions Dr Nadkarni. Moderation is the key, excess of everything is bad. Consult a professional before following the plan.