
Blood Type AB
Blood Type AB: The Enigma
- Modern merging of A & B Types
- Chameleon-like response to changing environmental & dietary conditions
- Sensitive digestive system
- Overly tolerant immune system
- Responds best to stress spiritually, with physical verve and creative energy
- An evolutionary mystery
The Type AB Diet – Overview
Blood type AB is less than 1000 years old. It is very rare (2-5% of the world’s population), and biolgically complex. Type AB’s carry antigens for both A & B, and the diet is a fusion of the two, sometimes like one and then like the other. In general terms, a food which is bad for either of Type A or B, will most likely be unfavourable for type AB as well. There are some exceptions, such as tomatoes, which both Type A & B cannot tolerate, yet type AB can eat with no ill effects.
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 AB’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 AB 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 AB’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 you mind is engaged by the activity. However, intense, competitive exercises will only leave you drained and more stressed than before you began.
Exercise
Type AB’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
When it comes to weight gain, Type AB’s reflect the mixed inheritance of their A & B genes. This can lead to difficulties, for instance, they have low stomach acid (Type A) yet are adapted to eating meat (Type B). Meat requires good stomach acid levels to digest, so it is often poorly digested, which can lead to weight gain. For weight loss, consumption of meats should be restricted and supplemented with vegetables and tofu. Foods such as beans, corn, buckwheat or sesame seeds will interfere with insulin regulation and lead to weight gain. Like Type B, type AB should avoid wheat products when trying to lose weight, as the lectin in gluten can cause insulin imbalances.
Foods increasing Fat Loss | Foods interfering with Fat Loss |
Tofu | Red meat |
Seafood | Lima beans |
Green vegetables | Seeds |
Kelp | Sweetcorn |
Dairy products | Buckwheat |
Alkaline fruits | Wheat |
Pineapple |
Meat, Offal, Poultry and Game
You will benefit from some animal protein, but because of lower levels of stomach acid, need to be cautious in terms of portion size. Type AB’s find it easier to digest meats in smaller quantities, especially those that are in the beneficial column.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid | |
Lamb | Liver – calf, chicken, pig | Bacon | Heart |
Mutton | Pheasant | Beef | Partridge |
Rabbit | Buffalo | Pork | |
Turkey | Chicken | Poussin | |
Duck | Quail | ||
Goose | Veal | ||
Ham | Venison |
Seafood
Seafood is an excellent source of protein for type AB. You should avoid flat fish such as sole and plaice and also crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters and oysters.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid | |
Cod | Abalone | Salmon | Anchovy |
Grouper | Bluefish | Scallop | Barracuda |
Hake | Carp | Shark | Clams |
Mackerel | Catfish | Smelts | Conch |
Mahi mahi | Caviar | Schnapper | Crab |
Monkfish | Crockers | Squid | Crayfish |
Pike | Herring – fresh | Swordfish | Eel |
Porgy | Mussels | Frog’s legs | |
Red fish | Haddock | ||
Red Schnapper | Halibut | ||
Rainbow trout | Herring – pickled | ||
Sailfish | Lobster | ||
Sardines | Octopus | ||
Sea trout | Oysters | ||
Shad | Plaice | ||
Snails | Prawns | ||
Sturgeon | Sea bass | ||
Tuna | Smoked salmon | ||
Sole | |||
Striped bass |
Dairy Food and Eggs
For dairy foods, Type AB’s are similar to B. They can enjoy a full range of dairy foods, which are beneficial for their systems. The major factor to watch out for is the excess production of mucus, which may aggravate sinus, asthma or ear problems. If this is the case, you will need to reduce dairy until this improves.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein for type AB’s. They are high in cholesterol however, so some caution should be exercised if your cholesterol levels are already high. Often, high cholesterol is related to other factors besides how much you consume in your diet, and your practitioner will guide you on this issue. One technique you may try is to eat two egg whites (protein) to every one egg yolk (cholesterol).
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid | |
Cottage cheese | Cheddar cheese | Munster cheese | Blue cheese |
Feta cheese | Edam cheese | Nufachatel cheese | Brie |
Goat’s cheese | Emmenthal cheese | Quark | Butter |
Goat’s milk | Fromage frais | Skim milk | Buttermilk |
Kefir | Gouda cheese | Soy cheese | Camembert |
Mozzarella cheese | Gruyere cheese | Soy milk | Ice-cream |
Ricotta cheese | Jarlsburg cheese | Whey | Parmesan cheese |
Milk | Yogurt | Provolone cheese |
Oils and Fats
You will benefit from introducing olive oil to your diet. You can use one tablespoon every second day in cooking or salad dressing. Ghee (clarified butter) can also be used as a cooking oil. Avoid using sesame, sunflower or corn oils which are harmful to your digestive tract.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid | |
Olive oil | Canola | Corn oil | Safflower oil |
Cod liver oil | Cottonseed oil | Sunflower oil | |
Ghee | Sesame oil | ||
Linseed (flaxseed) oil |
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds present a mixed picture for type AB. They may be eaten in small amounts, and with caution. Although they can be a good source of nutrients, many contain lectins that interfere with insulin regulation. Conversely, Type AB shares Type A’s preference for peanuts.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid | |
Chestnuts | Almonds | Hazelnuts | Sesame seeds |
Walnuts | Brazil nuts | Poppy seeds | Sunflower seeds |
Cashew nuts | Pumpkin seeds | Tahini | |
Hickory nuts | |||
Macadamia nuts | |||
Pine nuts | |||
Pistachios |
Beans and Pulses
Similar to seeds and nuts, beans and pulses are a mixed bag for Type AB. Lentils, navy and pinto beans can provide quality nutrition, however kidney and lima beans can be harmful.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid |
Lentils – green | Broad beans | Aduki beans |
Navy beans | Cannellini beans | Black beans |
Pinto beans | Green beans | Black-eyed beans |
Soya beans | Lentils – brown, red | Chickpeas |
Peas – green, sugar snap | Kidney beans | |
Tamarind beans | Lima beans | |
Cereals
Generally you will do well on grains, even wheat. You may however have to limit wheat consumption as it can be acid-forming in excess. It is also not advised if you are trying to lose weight, as it negatively effects metabolism. If you suffer from mucus-forming conditions such as asthma or sinus, then you should experiment with wheat levels to see how much you can tolerate. You must avoid buckwheat and corn.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid |
Millet | Amaranth | Buckwheat |
Oat bran | Barley | Cornflakes |
Oatmeal | Cream of rice | Cornmeal |
Ricebran | Familia | |
Puffed rice | Granola | |
Rye | Shredded wheat | |
Spelt | Wheat bran | |
Wheat germ |
Bread, Crispbread and Muffins
The recommendations for breads and muffins are similar to cereals and grains. Generally they are beneficial foods for you, but you should minimize wheat products if trying to lose weight or suffering excess mucus. Soy and rice flour are useful substitutes. Avoid cornbread and corn muffins.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid |
Brown rice bread | Bagels | Cornbread |
Fin crisps | Durum wheat bread | Corn muffins |
Millet bread | Gluten-free bread | Polenta |
Rice cakes | Multi-grain bread | |
100% rye bread | Oat-bran muffins | |
Ryvita crispbreads | Pumpernickel bread | |
Soy flour bread | Spelt bread | |
Wasa bread | Wheat bran muffins | |
Wholemeal bread |
Grains and Pastas
You will benefit more from a diet rich in rice than pasta, although pasta 1-2 times per week is fine. Again, avoid corn and buckwheat in favour of oats and rye.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid | |
Oat flour | Bulgar wheat flour | Quinoa | Barley flour |
Rice flour | Couscous | Self-raising flour | Buckwheat flour |
Rice flour | Durum wheat flour | Semolina pasta | Soba (buckwheat) |
Rice | Gluten flour | Spelt flour | Tapioca |
Rye flour | Graham flour | Spinach pasta | |
Wild rice | Plain flour | Wholemeal flour |
Vegetables, Sprouts, Soya Products and Fresh Herbs
Fresh vegetables are a crucial source of protective antioxidants and phytochemicals which reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Type AB’s should consume 3-5 serves of vegetables per day, and just about all of the vegetables are acceptable. Unlike other blood types, you are able to consume tomatoes without harm due to the particular makeup of your blood type. Like Type B, you must avoid sweetcorn and any corn-based products.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid | |
Alfalfa sprouts | Asparagus | – cultivated | Avocado |
Aubergine (eggplant) | Bamboo shoots | – enoki | Broad beans |
Beetroot | Bok choy | – porcini | Chilli pepper, jalapeno |
Beetroot leaves | Brussel’s sprouts | – portobello | Capsicum |
Broccoli | Cabbage – chinese, red, white | – shiitake | Globe artichokes |
Cauliflower | Carrots | – tree oyster | Jerusalem artichokes |
Celery | Chervil | Okra | Mung bean sprouts |
Collard greens | Chicory | Olives – greek, green, spanish | Olive – black |
Cucumbers | Coriander | Onions (all) | Radishes |
Dandelion greens | Courgettes | Potatoes | Radish sprouts |
Garlic | Daikons | Pumpkin | Sweetcorn |
Kale | Endive | Radicchio | |
Mushrooms: maitake | Escarole | Rappini | |
Mustard greens | Fennel | Rocket | |
Parsley | Ginger | Seaweeds | |
Parsnips | Horseradish | Shallots | |
Sweet potatoes | Jicama beans | Swedes | |
Tempe | Kohlrabi | Spinach | |
Tofu | Leeks | Squash | |
Yams | Lettuce (all) | Swiss chard | |
Mangetouts | Tomatoes | ||
Mushrooms: | Turnips | ||
– abalone | Water chestnuts | ||
– chantarelles | Watercress |
Fruits
Type AB inherits mostly Type A preferences for fruits. You will benefit most from alkaline-forming fruits such as grapes, plums and berries which will balance any acidity from grains in your diet. You should avoid tropical fruits, such as mangoes and guava, but pineapple is an excellent choice as it boosts digestive powers. You will need to avoid oranges, as they are irritants to Type AB’s and interfere with digestion and absorption. Grapefruit or lemon is an alternative if you want to include citrus in your diet. Banana lectins will be problematic for you, and you may wish to substitute other high-potassium fruits such as apricots, figs or melons.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid | |
Cherries | Apples | – crenshaw | Bananas |
Cranberries | Apricots | – christmas | Coconuts |
Figs – dried, fresh | Blackberries | – honeydew | Guava |
Gooseberries | Blackcurrants | – musk | Mangoes |
Grapes (all) | Blueberries | – spanish | Oranges |
Loganberries | Boysenberries | Nectarines | Persimmons |
Plums (all) | Dates | Papaya | Pomegranates |
Elderberries | Peaches | Prickly pears | |
Grapefruit | Pears | Rhubarb | |
Kiwi | Pineapple | Star fruit | |
Kumquats | Plantains | ||
Lemons | Prunes | ||
Limes | Raisins | ||
Lychees | Raspberries | ||
Melons: | Redcurrants | ||
– canang | Strawberries | ||
– cantaloupe | Tangerines | ||
– casaba | Watermelons |
Juices and Other Fluids
You will benefit from starting each day with the juice of ½ a lemon squeezed into a small glass of warm (from the kettle) water. This will cleanse mucus from the digestive system and stimulate liver function. You can follow this with a dilute glass of any other juice from the beneficial list if you like.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid |
Black cherry juice | Apple cider | Orange juice |
Cabbage juice | Apple juice | |
Carrot juice | Apricot juice | |
Celery juice | Cucumber juice | |
Cranberry juice | Grapefruit juice | |
Grape juice | Other vegetables in list | |
Papaya juice | Pineapple juice | |
Prune juice | ||
Tomato juice | ||
Water (with lemon juice) |
Spices, Dried Herbs and Flavourings
You should use sea salt or kelp in place of regular salt as it is beneficial for your system to keep sodium levels low. The iodine in kelp has positive benefits in terms of metabolism and weight control. It is best to avoid peppers and vinegar as they are stomach irritants. You can use lemon juice and olive oil as an alternative to vinegar in salads etc. Garlic can be used generously, for it’s flavour and also immune system benefits. You may consume sugar and chocolate in small amounts.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid | ||
Curry powder | Agar | Dill | Saffron | Allspice |
Horseradish | Arrowroot | Garlic | Sage | Almond essence |
Miso | Basil | Honey | Salt | Anise |
Parsely | Bay leaf | Maple syrup | Seaweed | Barley malt |
Bergamot | Marjoram | Spearmint | Capers | |
Brown rice syrup | Mint | Soy sauce | Cayenne pepper | |
Caraway seeds | Molasses | Sugar | Cornflour | |
Cardamom | Mustard – dry | Tamarind | Corn syrup | |
Carob | Nutmeg | Tarragon | Chilli powder | |
Chervil | Paprika | Thyme | Gelatine | |
Chives | Peppermint | Turmeric | Pepper – black | |
Chocolate | Pimento | Vanilla | – white, ground | |
Cinnamon | Rice syrup | Vinegar: | Tapioca | |
Coriander | Rosemary | – balsamic | Vinegar – white | |
Cream of tartar | – cider | |||
Cumin | – red wine |
Condiments
These are not recommended for any blood type, but Type AB in particular needs to avoid all pickled condiments, including tomato sauce (ketchup).
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid |
None | Jam (from acceptable fruits) | Tomato sauce (ketchup) |
Mayonnaise | Pickles | |
Mustard | Relish | |
Salad dressing (no vinegar) | Worcestershire sauce | |
Herbal Teas
You will benefit from herbal teas that enhance immune function and protect against cardiovascular diseases. Alfalfa, aloe, burdock, Echinacea and golden seal are immune boosters. Hawthorn, green tea, ginger and ginseng can be used to protect the heart and blood vessels. Dandelion and strawberry leaf will enhance iron absorption and reduce the likelihood of anaemia.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid | |
Alfalfa | Catnip | Raspberry leaf | Aloe |
Burdock root | Cayenne | Sage | Coltsfoot |
Echinacea | Chamomile | Sarsaparilla | Cornsilk |
Ginger | Chickweed | Spearmint | Fenugreek |
Ginseng | Dandelion | St John’s Wort | Gentian |
Green tea | Dong quai | Strawberry leaf | Hops |
Hawthorn | Elderflower | Thyme | Linden |
Licourice* | Golden seal | Valerian | Mullein |
Rose hip | Horehound | Vervain | Red clover |
Parsley | Yarrow | Rhubarb | |
Peppermint | Yellow dock | Senna | |
Shepherd’s purse | |||
Scullcap |
* licourice can have effects on blood pressure and certain medications in high doses. Discuss this with your physician before using.
Beverages
Red wine is beneficial for your blood type due to it’s positive cardiovascular benefits. A glass or two of red wine most days is believed to reduce cardiovascular disease. One or two coffees per day can also be beneficial as it increase stomach acid secretions and enhances digestion.
Highly beneficial | Neutral | Avoid |
Coffee – decaf, regular | Beer | Distilled spirits |
Green tea | Soda water | Soft drinks |
Wine – red, white | Tea – decaf, regular |
Leave a reply
i am trying to establish if honey is to be avoided or consumed for both AB and A blood types
?
best
ReplyHi Sarah!
Thanks for contacting us – sorry it took so long to respond!
Our nutritionist Sarah would be the best person to help you with questions such as this. Please call the clinic (07 4946 7910) or book online to see Sarah 🙂
ReplyI am trying to establish why shepherd’s purse would not be beneficial. Is there a specific reason for this?
ReplyHi Victoria
ReplyPlease refer to Dr. Peter D’Adamo’s Blood Type Diet
This is the Doctor who did the most extensive amount of research in regards to what foods, herbs and drinks are suitable for which blood type.
Shepherd’s Purse is an excellent herb, particularly to reduce bleeding, heavy periods etc. Short term use on an AB blood type is fine but if we can find another herb more suited to a patient’s constitution we would do that.
Thanks for your question!
Hello, I’m one week into eating for my blood type. I’d like to know if lavender is good for AB to ingest for extreme anxiety. Thank you!
ReplyHi.
I was wondering if honey can be used for Type AB blood?
ReplyHi Chantel, Honey is a neutral food for type AB blood so is considered suitable for this blood type.
Reply