Blood Type AB

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

 

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