Blood Type A

Blood Type A: The Cultivator

 

  • The first vegetarian
  • Sensitive digestive tract
  • Tolerant immune system
  • Responds best to stress with calming actions
  • Requires an agrarian diet to stay lean and productive

The Type A Diet – Overview

Type A’s thrive on vegetarian diets, the inheritance of their settled farming ancestors.  It is important that you recognise your genetic heritage and adjust your diet away from meats, dairy and other foods that will disrupt your metabolism.  It is also beneficial, due to the sensitivity of the Type A digestive tract, to obtain organic, unprocessed foods whenever possible.  Type A’s are biologically predisposed to heart disease, cancer and diabetes.  If you follow this diet you can enhance your health and immune function, which may reduce your risks of developing these problems.

Foods below are presented under their broad headings as either beneficial, neutral or avoid.  Try to eat as many of the beneficial foods as possible, the neutral foods to fill out your diet and avoid the rest as often as possible.  Following the diet accurately will lead to benefits within 1-2 weeks of greater energy, reduction in symptoms of illness and fat loss (should that be necessary for your body).

Stress Profile

Stress is a highly personal experience, and what is incredibly stressful for one person may not create any problems for another.  How we deal with stress is more important than the absolute level of stressful events that occur in our lives.  Your blood type influences how you deal with stress and should guide your stress management techniques.

Type A’s tend to react to the first stage of stress (threat or alarm) intellectually.  This over-intellectualising can lead to anxiety, irritability and hyperactivity if unchecked.  Ongoing stress for a Type A will eventually weaken the immune system and lead to a increased susceptibility to infectious illness, heart disease and cancer.  You will not cope well with continued confrontation or exposure to stress, as Type A’s require time alone to process and deal with life events

You will benefit from approaching stressful situations calmly and using techniques to reduce the overexcited nerves.  Negative stress can be countered with ‘quieting’ techniques, such as Yoga, Tai Chi or meditation.  Other moderately intense activities such as hiking, bicycling or brisk walking are also beneficial, so long as your mind is engaged by the activity.  However, intense, competitive exercises will only leave you drained and more stressed than before you began.

 

Exercise

 

Type A’s should exercise at least 3-4 times per week to get the best results.

Exercise Duration (minutes) Frequency per week
Tai Chi 30-45 3-5
Yoga 30 3-5
Martial Arts 60 2-3
Golf 60 2-3
Cycling 60 2-3
Brisk Walking 20-40 2-3
Hiking 40-60 3
Brisk Walking 30-40 2-3
Dancing 30-45 2-3
Swimming 30 3-4
Aerobics 30-45 2-3
Stretching 15 3-5

Weight Loss
You will tend to be leaner on the Type A diet.  If you are currently eating meat, you will lose weight rapidly as you eliminate toxic foods from your system.  You have probably already noticed that you feel sluggish and fatigued after you eat red meat, whilst vegetable proteins tend to enhance your energy levels.  Typically you will be unable to burn meat efficiently for fuel, and will instead store it as fat.

Foods increasing Fat Loss Foods interfering with Fat Loss
Vegetable oils Meat (poorly digested, stored as fat)
Soya beans and soya products Dairy
Vegetables Kidney beans, lima beans
Pineapple Wheat (in excess)

Meat, Offal, Poultry and Game

 

To receive the greatest benefits from the diet, type A’s should eliminate all meat from their diets, as there are no beneficial meats for type A.  This will be the most difficult part of the diet if you currently do eat meat.  You may choose to begin by substituting red meats for chicken or fish, until you become more accustomed to the diet.  Immediately, you should avoid all red meats, and all processed meat products such as ham, salami and frankfurters as the high nitrate levels can irritate the stomach.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
None Chicken Bacon Mutton
Poussin Beef Oxtail
Turkey Buffalo Partridge
Duck Pheasant
Goose Pork
Ham Quail
Heart Rabbit
Kidney Sweetbreads
Lamb Tripe
Liver Veal
Venison

 

Seafood

 

You can enjoy seafood 3-4 times per week, but you should avoid flat fish like sole and plaice as they contain a lectin that can irritate the Type A digestive system.  It is best to have seafood baked, grilled or poached for maximum health benefits.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Carp Abalone Anchovy Herring
Cod Mahi mahi Barracuda Lobster
Grouper Pike Bluefish Mussels
Mackerel Porgy Catfish Octopus
Monkfish Sailfish Caviar Oysters
Red Schnapper Sea bass Clams Plaice
Rainbow trout Shark Conch Scallops
Salmon Smelts Crab Shad
Sardines Schnapper Crayfish Shrimp
Sea trout Sturgeon Eel Smoked salmon
Snails Swordfish Frog’s legs Sole
Tuna Haddock Squid
Hake Striped bass
Halibut

Dairy Food and Eggs

 

You can tolerate small amounts of fermented dairy products (yogurt etc) but you should avoid anything made with whole milk.  Type A blood creates antibodies to the primary sugar in milk and will react to it negatively when consumed.  Eggs should be limited and only use organic if possible.  Raw goats’ milk and soy products are excellent alternatives to dairy for the Type A diet.  Type A’s will also tend to produce excessive amounts of mucus, which will interfere with and aggravate allergy symptoms

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Soy cheese Egg Blue cheese Gouda cheese
Soy milk Feta cheese Brie Gruyere cheese
Goat’s cheese Buttermilk Ice cream
Goat’s milk Camembert Jarlsburg cheese
Greek-style yogurt Cheddar cheese Skim milk
Kefir Cottage cheese Munster cheese
Mozzarella cheese Crème fraich Parmesan cheese
Quark Edam cheese Provolone cheese
Ricotta cheese Emmenthal cheese Neufachatel
Yogurt Fromage frais

Oils and Fats

 

Type A’s need very little fat to function well.  A tablespoon of olive oil per day in salads or cooking will be sufficient.  Olive oil has a positive effect on the heart and may reduce cholesterol levels and it is more stable during cooking than linseed, which is your other beneficial oil.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Linseed (flaxseed) oil Canola oil Corn oil Sunflower oil
Olive oil Cod liver oil Cottonseed oil Safflower oil

Nuts and Seeds

 

Nuts and seeds can be beneficial to the Type A diet, and because they are a reasonable source of protein, are useful meat substitutes.  If you have gall bladder problems, you should eat small amounts of nut butters, rather than whole nuts.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Pumpkin Seeds Almonds Pecans Brazil nuts
Almond butter Pine nuts Cashews
Chestnuts Poppy seeds Pistachios
Hazelnuts Sesame seeds
Hickory nuts Sunflower seeds
Macadamia nuts Tahini
Walnuts

Beans and Pulses

 

Type A’s thrive on the proteins found in beans and pulses.  Along with the soy bean and soy products, many others are considered beneficial.  Not all are recommended however, as some like kidney and navy beans and chickpeas contain a lectin that interferes with blood sugar levels and insulin regulation.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Aduki beans Broad beans Chick-peas
Black beans Cannellini beans Kidney beans
Black-eyed beans Green beans Lima beans
Lentils – brown, green & red Sugar-snap beans & peas Navy beans
Pinto beans Peas – green Red beans
Soya beans White beans

Cereals

 

Type A’s generally do very well on cereals and grains, and can eat these foods one or more times per day.  It is generally better to select whole grain versions of the various grains, rather than processed refined ‘white’ cereals.  If you have a condition such as Asthma, which is associated with excessive mucus production, then it is wise to limit wheat consumption, as this will aggravate your condition.  As wheat is acid forming, it is necessary to balance its consumption with alkaline-forming fruits and vegetables.  You will function most effectively if your tissues are slightly alkaline

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Amaranth Barley Cream of wheat
Buckwheat Cornflakes Familia
Cornmeal Granola
Cream of rice Weetbix
Millet – puffed Wheat bran
Oat bran Shredded wheat
Oat meal
Rice – puffed
Spelt

Bread, Crispbread and Muffins

 

Similar to cereals and grains, Type A’s will generally benefit from consuming breads.  Anyone who produces excess mucus or is overweight however, should avoid wheat.  Soy and rice flours are good substitutes.  Wheat is listed as a food to avoid, but most Type A’s who are healthy will tolerate small amounts.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Rice cakes Brown rice bread Durum wheat bread
Soy flour Corn muffins English muffins
Sprouted wheat bread Cornbread Multi-grain bread
Gluten-free bread Pumpernickel bread
Millet bread Wheat bran muffins
Oat bran muffins Whole-wheat bread
Polenta
100% rye bread
Rye crisps
Spelt bread
Ryvita crispbreads
Wasa bread

Grains and Pastas

 

Type A’s have a large choice of beneficial grains and pasta’s.  These foods are good sources of complex carbohydrates and protein.  To achieve maximum benefit from the protein component, it should be consumed along with beans or legumes  (eg lentils and rice).  As always, it is best to stay away from processed and refined grains, and choose the whole varieties, organically grown if possible.

 

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Buckwheat flour Barley flour Spelt flour Plain flour
Oat flour Bulgar wheat flour Sprouted-wheat flour Self-raising flour
Rice flour Couscous Quinoa Semolina flour
Rye flour Durum wheat flour Rice Spinach flour
Soba noodles Gluten flour Tapioca Wholemeal flour
Graham flour Wild rice

 

 

Vegetables, Sprouts, Soya Products and Fresh Herbs

 

Vegetables are essential to the Type A diet, providing minerals, enzymes and antioxidants.  Most are suitable, however there are a few exceptions.  Chilli’s will aggravate your sensitive stomach lining, and the mould in fermented olives is not beneficial.  You will also need to avoid potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams and tomatoes.  Tofu should be a staple of the Type A diet, having a high level of many nutrients including quality protein.  If you are not accustomed to eating Tofu, it may take a little while to get used to.  It is essentially tasteless and takes on the flavours of what it is cooked with.  Generally people prefer to have it in stirfrys, with vegetables and spices for flavour.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Alfalfa sprouts Asparagus Mung bean sprouts Broad beans
Beetroot leaves Avocado Mushrooms: Cabbage
Broccoli Bamboo shoots – abalone Chilli pepper
Collard greens Beetroots – chantarelles Eggplant
Cos lettuce Bok choy – enoki Mushroom – cultivated
Dandelion greens Carrots – porcini Olives – black
Endive Cauliflower – portobello Olives – greek
Escarole Celery – shiitake Olives – spanish
Garlic Chicory – tree oyster Peppers
Globe artichokes Coriander Olives – green Potatoes
Horseradish Courgettes Onions – spring Sweet potato
Jerusalem artichokes Cucumber Radicchio Tomato
Kale Daikons Radish Yam
Leeks Fennel Rocket
Okra Jicama beans Seaweeds
Onions Lettuce Squash
Parsley Mesclun salad mix Swedes
Parsnips Sweetcorn
Pumpkins Water chestnuts
Spinach Watercress
Swiss chard
Tempeh
Tofu
Turnips

Fruits

 

You should eat fruit 3 times per day.  Whilst most fruits are acceptable, you should try and emphasise the alkaline-forming fruits such as berries and plums, to balance the acidifying grains.  Melons, whilst alkaline, are also high in mould and should be avoided.  Those listed as neutral can be eaten occasionally.  Tropical fruits such as mango and paw paw are not suitable for the type A diet.  Pineapple however is an excellent source of benefical enzymes to enhance digestion.  Oranges should be avoided, as they will tend to irritate your stomach lining.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Apricots Apples – Crenshaw Bananas
Cherries Blackberries – Christmas Coconuts
Figs – dried or fresh Blackcurrants – musk Mangoes
Grapefruit Blueberries – spanish Melons:
Lemons Boysenberries Nectarines – cantaloupe
Pineapple Cranberries Peaches – honeydew
Plums Dates Pears Oranges
Prunes Elderberries Persimmons Papayas
Gooseberries Pomegranates Plantains
Grapes Prickly pears Rhubarb
Guava Raisins Tangerines
Kiwi Raspberries
Kumquat Redcurrants
Lime Star fruit
Loganberries Strawberries
Melons: Watermelons
– canang
– casaba

 

Juices and Other Fluids

 

Type A’s will benefit from starting each day with a small glass of warm water (from the kettle) with the juice of ½ a lemon squeezed into it.  This can help to reduce mucus that has accumulated overnight in your digestive tract.  Alkaline (low sugar) juices such as black cherry juice concentrate diluted with water, should be consumed in preference to more acid-forming, high sugar juices.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Apricot juice Apple cider Orange juice
Black cherry juice Apple juice Papaya juice
Carrot juice Cabbage juice Tomato juice
Celery juice Cranberry juice
Grapefruit juice Cucumber juice
Pineapple juice Grape juice
Prune juice Juices of allowed vegetables
Lemon juice (and warm water)

Spices, Dried Herbs and Flavourings

 

Many herbs can be beneficial for Type A, particularly those that boost immune function.  Blackstrap molasses is a very rich source of minerals, especially iron, which is often low in the Type A diet.  Sugar and chocolate are allowed, but should be consumed in small quantities.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Barley malt Agar Cornflour Peppermint
Blackstrap molasses Allspice Corn syrup Pimento Gelatin – plain
Garlic Almond essence Cream of tartar Rice syrup Chilli flakes
Ginger Anise Cumin Rosemary Pepper – ground
Miso Arrowroot Cinnamon Saffron Peppercorns
Soy sauce Basil Sage Vinegars
Tamari Bay leaf Dill Salt
Bergamot Honey
Brown rice syrup Horseradish Spearmint
Capers Maple syrup Sugar – brown
Caraway Marjoram Sugar – white
Cardamom Mint
Carob Mustard – dry Tamarind
Chive Nutmeg Tarragon
Chocolate Paprika Thyme
Cloves Parsley Turmeric
Coriander Vanilla essence
Vanilla pod

Condiments

These are not recommended for any blood type, but Type A in particular needs to be careful of condiments with a vinegar content as it may aggravate the stomach lining.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
None Jam (from acceptable fruits) Tomato sauce / ketchup
Mustard Mayonnaise
Salad dressing Pickles
Relish
Worcestershire sauce

Herbal Teas

 

Type A’s can benefit from herbal teas in a number of ways.  Herbs like Echinacea, Burdock, and Aloe will boost immune function, hawthorn is a heart tonic and ginger can be used to boost digestion.  When stressed, you can benefit from chamomile or valerian tea.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Alfalfa Chickweed Peppermint Catnip
Aloe Coltsfoot Raspberry leaf Cayenne
Burdock root Dandelion Sage Cornsilk
Chamomile Dong Quai Sarsaparilla Red clover
Echinacea Elderflower Senna Rhubarb
Fenugreek Gentian Shepherd’s purse Yellow dock
Ginseng Golden seal Scullcap
Ginger Hops Spearmint
Green tea Horehound Strawberry leaf
Hawthorn Licourice Root Thyme
Milk Thistle Linden Vervain
Rose-hip Mullein Yarrow
St John’s wort Parsley
Valerian

Beverages

Red wine is beneficial for Type A’s due to it’s cardiovascular benefits.  A glass or two of red wine most days is believed to lower the risk of heart and blood vessel disease.  Coffee can also be beneficial in moderation as it increases the levels of stomach acid, which assists digestion.  As with all blood types, pure fresh water should be consumed liberally.

Highly beneficial Neutral Avoid
Coffee – regular or decaf White wine Beer
Green tea Distilled spirits
Red wine Tea – black, decaf, regular
Soft Drinks

 

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