As we all know human blood is grouped into four types: A, B, AB, and O with each letter refers to a kind of antigen, or protein, on the surface of red blood cells. The percentages of people having these blood groups in the United States is:

O – 45%
A – 40%
B – 11%
AB – 4%

These percentages may vary in certain sections of the country depending upon the cultural make up of the population. Various studies are being done which show that blood group and longevity have been linked. Research has shown that blood group O has the longest lifespan.

A’s live to be approximately 61.6 years
AB’s…………………………… 69.5
B’s……………………………… 78.2
O’s………………………………86.7

It has been seen that people with Blood group O have good capacity to eat meat protein, have a strong immune system and a robust digestive tract. They respond best to stress with intense physical activity. They are less prone to heart diseases as they have a thin blood, it is less likely to clot but they may be more prone to ulcers, blood-clotting disorders, arthritis, hypothyroidism and allergies. However, those who change their dietary lifestyle like eating less potatoes and diary products were less prone to arthritis and related ailments. O’s ailments are more painful but less life threatening.

Blood group A do well with vegetarian diet. They do not properly metabolize meat and diary products loaded with saturated fats. They can be more prone to coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, liver and gallbladder disorders and have a vulnerable immune system. It is interesting to note that Japan, a country which consisted of predominantly type A’s, holds the record for longest lifespan of any country in the world. (78 years for men and 86 years for women) The reason is that they eat in accordance with their blood type. Their staple diet is fish, rice, soy products and green tea. This diet consistently promotes good health and provides the greatest potential to avoid heart diseases.

Blood group B accept both meat and diary products well. They live the second longest. They have tolerant digestive tract, strong immune system, flexible adaptation to a new diet and environment. However, improper metabolism of some specific foods makes them susceptible to autoimmune disorders.

Blood group AB has mixed features from blood groups A and B. They might have a sensitive digestive system but overly tolerant immune system. Research shows that there life span is longer than A but not as much as B.

It has been found that the right diet can extend life span for each blood type. As Ben Franklin has said, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”, it is known that any food containing saturated fat has the greatest potential to harm the body in the long run, regardless of the blood type. There is a popular belief in Japan that the person’s ABO type is predictive of his or her personality, temperament, and compatibility with others. In Japan, the idea of blood type as personality type is so popular that Japanese ask, “What’s your blood type?” instead of asking “What’s your zodiac/astrological sign”. In short it is believed that Type A is calm and trustworthy; Type B is creative and excitable; Type AB is thoughtful and emotional; and Type O is a confidant leader.

Scientific inventions unravel the enigmas and startle even the most awakened and enlightened. This area of blood group and its links with longevity calls for more research so that our entire society will benefit by living more productive, healthier and longer lives.