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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