There are a number of different proteins hidden in food that cause chemical reactions with our blood. Depending on our blood type, some foods can be incompatible and cause a negative reaction, such as clotting. We take a look at the foods you should really be eating to keep your blood happy.

Cultured and soured products are easily digested by type AB, meaning cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta and goat’s cheese are all a great addition to the diet.

While lamb is recommended for type AB, it is only recommended in small portions, as type AB individuals don’t produce enough stomach acid to be able to digest too much animal protein.

Like many fresh vegetables, cauliflower is an important source of phytochemicals, which can help to fight off cancer and heart disease – diseases that are more common among group AB as a result of a weaker immune system.

Yep, these little critters are great for type AB blood. It is particularly worth considering introducing snails into your diet if you have a family history of breast cancer as they are known to contain some cancer-fighting cells.

Beans are also an important cancer-fighting food for this group as they are known to contain antioxidants than can work to beat off cancerous cells.

Nuts are a powerful immune booster for group AB, but nut butters are better than whole nuts, as they can help to prevent the risk of gallbladder problems, which type ABs are often susceptible to.

While some meats, such as lamb, are fine for the AB group, meat lovers should try to stick to a more vegetarian diet as type AB blood struggles to metabolize meat properly due to low stomach acid.

Rabbit is among one of the most beneficial meats for type B blood as dark meats help to improve the immune system. Other possibilities are lamb, venison and beef. Try to avoid too much chicken, duck and pork as these meats contain a chemical that is more likely to cause blood clots.

White fish such as cod is great for type B as it contains a component that can help prevent cancer and diabetes. Avoid shellfish, though, as seafood such as crab, shrimp and lobster are much more difficult to digest by Type Bs and are disruptive to the system.

The good news for anyone with type B blood is that they can eat as much dairy as they like as they are the only blood type that can process it well. Cottage cheese contains plenty of D-galactosamine, which is the primary sugar in the type B antigen, which induces an immune response to the production of nasty antibodies.

Leafy greens obviously have a lot of health benefits, but these vegetables contain magnesium, which is an important antiviral agent to help type B blood fight off viruses and autoimmune diseases.

Generally speaking, people with type B blood don’t gain any real benefits from most herbal teas, but ginseng is highly recommended for its positive affect on the nervous system.

For weight loss, try to avoid corn, lentils and peanuts as they have a different protein that can affect metabolism. It's also recommended to refrain from eating too much chicken as it contains a protein that can clot blood in the muscle tissue.

Beans, lentils and black-eyed peas are all great for type As as they contain vegetable proteins that type A thrives on.

Artichoke and dozens of other vegetables are all fantastic for a type A diet as they provide minerals, enzymes and antioxidants that are all essential to good health and digestion. Try and eat these vegetables as raw as possible to reap the full benefits though.

While it can be an acquired taste, grapefruit (and lemons too) contain alkaline tendencies that, once digested, have a really positive effect on the type A stomach. Stay clear of melons, however, as they contain higher mold counts and are harder to digest.

Fortunately for type As, carbohydrates are very easy to digest, meaning these people can eat as much bread as they like (within reason). Soya flour and sprouted wheat are particularly recommended.

Like most grains and cereals, buckwheat is great for type As as it preserves the acid/alkaline balance in muscles. Just try to select the most concentrated whole grains instead of instant and processed cereals.

Carnivorous type As should avoid eating too much meat, as they are generally unable to digest animal protein very well. If eating meat, it’s best to stick to those such as chicken and turkey, and stay away from too much beef, pork and lamb.

The high levels of protein contained in veal is vital for type Os, particularly for those who have a stressful job. Generally speaking, the more demanding your work life and exercise regime, the higher the grade of protein you should be eating, as it increases lean muscle mass.

Kale and other leafy greens are beneficial to almost all blood types, but they are particularly important for type Os as this blood type lacks several clotting factors and these vegetables contain Vitamin K to help prevent the blood clotting process.

Like most red, blue and purple fruits, plums usually cause an alkaline reaction in the digestive tract, which is great news for type Os as their digestive tracts contain high acidity and the alkaline will balance this out, reducing ulcers and irritations of the stomach lining.

Parsley is a great way of soothing the digestive tracts of type Os. This is in stark contrast to seasonings and spices such as vinegar, cinnamon and corn starch, which are all irritants to the type O stomach.

Unlike most other blood types, type Os can find it more difficult to digest dairy, so try to keep consumption of cheese and milk to a minimum. To prevent weight gain, cut back on certain grains, beans and breads as the gluten slows down the rate of metabolism.