"Eat Right 4 Your Type" by Peter J. D'Adamo

This is a book I've been interested in reading for a while, and I found it for 75 cents while out with my brother last weekend.

This is a summary of what I've learned:

O is the oldest blood type, possibly originating around 50,000 BC. Approximately 37% of the population carries this type, and they are usually strong, self-reliant leaders. They have very strong immune systems and natural defences, however, their immune systems can become so active that their immune system turns and begins to attack itself. Common problems with people who have this blood type are blood-clotting disorders, inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, ulcers, allergies and low thyroid production. The best foods for O, and the ones that can best help this type with weight loss are seafood, red meat, spinach, liver and broccoli. Foods this type should avoid are wheat, corn, kidney beans, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower. A regimen of rigourous exercise is recommended.

A came along right after O between 25,000 and 15,000 BC, and first originated in Asia or the Middle East. This type is the type that appears to benefit most from a vegetarian diet. Meat might make ths type feel sluggish, and could also affect the A's sensitive digestive tract. They adapt well to environmental changes, whereas the O type doesn't do as well. A's have a tendency to have a more vulnerable immune system than the other types. The best foods are vegetables, especially pineapple, vegetable oil and soy foods, and they should avoid meat, dairy, kidney beans and wheat. The best type of exercise for A's are calming exercises, such as Yoga and Tai Chi.

B developed around 10,000 to 15,000 BC in the region of present day Pakistan, India and Mongolia. Type B has been termed by D'Adamo as the Assimilator (and the Nomad), because they have the most flexible dietary choices and out of all the types, they do the best with dairy. They have strong immune systems and no natural weaknesses, but an imbalance in their diets could cause them to be more susceptible to auto-immune breakdowns (Lou Gehrig's disease, lupus and Multiple Sclerosis) and rare viruses. (They also seem to have problems with sinus infections). The most beneficial foods for B's are greens, eggs, some meats and licorice tea, and they should avoid corn, chicken, wheat and peanuts. Since they respond best to stress with creativity, moderate physical exercise such as swimming, hiking, cycling and tennis is recommended.

AB is the newest type, and also the rarest. It originated between 500 BC to 900 AD. This type seems to be designed for modern conditions and they have a highly tolerant immune system. However, they tend to have sensitive digestive tracts, and are prone to heart disease and cancer. The best foods for AB are seafood, tofu and pineapple, but should avoid red meat, seeds and corn. A combination of moderate exercise along with calming exercises are recommended for this type.

For mor information, go to D'Adamo's website. Or better yet, buy the book.