Most people don't even know their blood type and don't care to know but you'll be surprised to know all the secrets it holds to your health. Are you always sick and blame your immune system for it? Are you trying a new diet with no results?

Here are some of the interesting findings and research on blood type that could very well predict the results.

75% of American population is unable to benefit from high carb diet. Why? Well, their blood type might hold the key to that answer.
Obesity in American has risen 33% over the last 15 years despite a decrease in overall fat consumption. Japanese have lowest rate of cancer compared to other countries. If you're thin, people will tell you that you have a high metabolism rate. But is it that simple? You blood type might be the reason.

There are four blood types in humans: A, B, AB and O. Type O represents approximately 50% of the population of the world; Type A 40%; Type B around 8% and Type AB less than 2%.

Each blood type evolved as a result of environmental conditions and available food supplies. The oldest and original blood type group is type O. Considering that animal protein was most plentiful, it is consistent that individuals of blood type O would do well on a diet high in protein, supplemented by fruits and vegetables.

Here is a detail explanation of each blood type and why you should consider adopting a lifestyle that favors your blood type.

Due to the fact that type O blood is thinnest, it is lot more difficult for plaque to build up in arteries and it reduces the incidence of heart disease in type Os until later years. This is not to say that individuals of type O blood do not get heart disease or cancer, but research indicates the onset of heart disease is later than for all other blood types. Type O individuals are more susceptible to blood disorders such as hemophilia and leukemia. Arthritis or swelling and inflammation of the joints is also an area of concerns for type O individuals. Whether it is their thin blood, that tends to be protective against heart disease until later in life, or the fact that cancer is not as likely to attack this blood group, the statistics of longevity are clearly in favor of the Os.

Blood Type A

The first mutation from type O was A. Individual of type A have the thickest blood of all type. There are two types(A1 and A2). Since A2 is partial mutation of Type O, individuals of this trait carry much of the muscle genetics of Os and can eat a variety of animal protein that A1 can not tolerate. Vast majority of type A individuals are A1. Type A1 must avoid all animal proteins in favor of vegetarian diet. Meat eating type A2 individuals develop heart disease early and while they look strong physically, internally they are ticking time bombs. In United States, due to the meat enriched diet, Type A individuals live shortest life span today. When Type As continue to east meat diet that is inconsistent with their blood enzymes, agglutination or thickening of their already thick blood takes place and disaster follows. Type A are more susceptible to heart disease and cancer. But there is one exception. In Japan, where people east a staple of fish, rice and green tea - the perfect diet for type A individuals. In fact Japanese life span is longer, as a country, than any other.

When the type As eat animal fat, meat or diary food inconsistent with their blood type - their already thick blood agglutinates or get thicker and stickier. The thick blood requires the heart to pump harder, inevitably causing high blood pressure and enlarged heart muscle, and an increase in heart disease. Also, type A has very low stomach acid by genetic standards. Researchers agree that most cancers are type A related and when they eat meat diet, there are overwhelming number of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer cases. Type A individuals seem to be affected more by stress than any other blood groups. Stress is attributed as a great killer of type As.

Due to all these factors, individuals of type A blood are at higher risk for heart disease and cancer. Type A individuals should follow vegetarian diet with nutritional supplements such as vitamin E, resveratrol(plentiful in red wine and grape juice), which prevents clots from forming and appears to inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that offers protection from both heart disease and cancer. In addition, Type As should incorporate green tea, soybeans and tofu in their regular diets. These provide numerous antioxidants and estrogen that research has shown inhibit cancer.

Blood Type B

Type B is the third mutation through man's adaptation after type O and A. Type B blood is not as thin as type O blood, nor it is as thick as type A blood. For the most part type B can eat meat in moderation without great fear of developing heart disease. Although meat is not type B's best food, it is not particularly harmful either. On the other hand, type B individuals have the ability to eat and metabolize dairy products, which both type O and A do not tolerate well at all.

It is believed that improper foods, or the improper metabolism of specific foods, lowers the immune system of type Bs and makes them susceptible to auto-immune diseases. Some of these are life threatening, others just cause untold misery for life.

Another aspect of type B individuals that surprised researchers is the intelligence level. Almost all the type B individuals interviewed were highly intelligent. As a group they were deep thinking individuals who appeared to see the world from a slightly different viewpoint. Although they are obviously bright, they tend to be more introvert and disliked by other blood types. In spite of this, percentage-wise there are more B millionaires than any other blood type.

Type B individuals average second longest life span after type Os. This is probably due to the fact that animal protein, which contains all the essential amino acids, is good food for Bs. Additionally, since type Bs can eat a large variety of foods, they are able to acquire all or most of their essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids from food more easily than type As and ABs.

Research indicates that most type Bs are healthy with some unique medical problems. A large proportion of type B individuals tend to suffer from multiple sclerosis, skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema and fungus. Another problem that keeps popping up for type Bs is foot problem of one kind or another. Numerous subjects had required food surgery, or had problems with their feet that were painful and made everyday walking difficult.

Women of this blood type usually have many menstrual problems such as excessive bleeding, clotting, cramping and irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally, many women also experience migraine. Studies also suggest that type ABs individuals often suffer from hormonal imbalance more than others. Eating properly for an AB requires guidelines similar to As, but with small amounts of animal protein. Like As, type ABs should acquire their vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids through plants and vegetables. ABs should also incorporate green tea, soybeans, and tofu in their diet.

If you're interested in learning more about your blood type and the impact it has on your health, please refer to amazing book written by Steven M. Weissberg and Joseph Christiano. You can find a link to it on the left side on this page.

About the Authors - Steven M. Weissberg, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from New York University, graduate of New York Medical College, Board Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist, with a special interest in Sports Medicine. Dr. Weissberg, serves on numerous quality care committees for several major insurance companies, hospitals, and is active in community affairs. A world traveler, photographer, lecturer, and author.

Joseph Christiano, internationally known personal fitness trainer, and graduate of the Academy of Professional Personal Trainers, specializing in exercise application and nutrition. Personal trainer of swimsuit winners in the Miss USA, Miss America, and Mrs. Beauty Pageants. Former title holder of Mr. Florida Bodybuilding Championships, 1st runner-up in the Mr. USA Bodybuilding Championships, and 4th runner-up in the Mr. America Bodybuilding Championships. Lecturer and author.