If you don’t know your blood type, maybe it’s time you found out. Your blood could offer some important insights on your health like your susceptibility to disease, how you handle stress, how well you’ll age and much more. It can even tell you a little about your personality traits. So, read on and see what your blood type says about you.
Blood types and your health
All blood may look alike, but beyond the elements that make up blood there’s a distinction that makes up four principal blood types: A, B, AB and O. Blood type is determined by what kind of antigens the red blood cells have on the surface. Antigens are substances that help the body differentiate between its own cells and foreign ones that are potentially dangerous, says Healthline. If your body thinks a cell is foreign, it will try to destroy it. For this reason, you should know your blood type prior to donating or receiving. You can still safely receive another blood type, just as long as the blood you get doesn’t have any antigens that mark it as foreign.
Can blood type determine your personality?
In 1930, a Japanese professor by the name of Takeji Furukawa examined blood types even further. His published paper suggested that just like astrological horoscopes, each blood type reflected the personalities of those who possessed them. Since then, the Japanese have used blood types to identify personality traits — known as ketsuekigata. Most Japanese know their blood type. In fact, the information is used regularly by employers to assess job candidates, dating services for potential love matches and even companies for marketing products.
But blood type can reveal more than personality traits; it has the potential to also reveal patterns of personal health. Blood types can even offer a glimpse into certain diseases. So, let’s delve into your blood type and see what makes it so unique.
Type A
Antigens on red blood cells reveal how much of a certain hormone is released. So, if you have type A blood, according to Medical Daily, you’re more likely to have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. When the adrenal gland dumps more cortisol into the blood, your response to stress can turn you into a hot-head.
But, according to ketsuekigata, you’re still very level-headed, reliable and trustworthy. You often mull things over, plugging away steadily and tirelessly on projects. As a type A, you may appear aloof or distant to others because you tend to suppress your emotions. By doing this, it makes you appear strong. In actuality, you’re quite fragile. Over time, this can lead you down the road to depression and anxiety.
Type A has the A antigen
If you are type A, that means you can donate blood to other type A and type AB people. But you can only receive blood from other type A and type O people
There are several health risks associated with type A blood, like a 20 percent higher chance of developing pancreatic cancer and leukemia than other blood types, and a slightly higher risk of developing heart disease. According to the BBC, you are also more prone to smallpox infections and severe malaria. Yet, you’re less likely to be a mosquito magnet.
Type B
If you have type B blood you are curious and interested in everything. You enjoy many hobbies but can easily become bored. You’re a great friend and listener, but according to ketsuekigata you have no problem expressing your own emotions and putting yourself first when necessary. Some may call that, well, selfish. You’re highly tuned to body language and can read others intuitively.
Type B has B antigens
If you’re type B then you can donate blood to other B and AB types. But you can only receive blood from type B and type O individuals.
When it comes to health, you have a higher risk of heart disease. A study at Harvard University found that women with B blood have a high risk of developing ovarian cancer. But it’s not all bad news. Those with type B blood have up to 50,000 times the number of strains of friendly bacteria than people with either type A or O blood have. That means your nutrients will be more properly utilized, among other things.
Type AB
If you have type AB blood, your blood is the rarest of all blood types. It’s also thought to be the most spiritual as well. You love your freedom and can be very rational, cool, controlled and adaptable. But despite being of independent mind, you’re very popular, according to ketsuekigata. That said, you also need time alone, to think things through and just be in your own head.
Type AB has both A and B antigens
If you’re type AB then you can give blood only to other AB individuals. But you can receive blood from people with any other blood type.
People with type AB have been found to have a 23 percent increased risk of heart disease over people with type O blood. Unfortunately, AB blood can double the likelihood that a pregnant mother will suffer from the blood pressure condition called preeclampsia.
One study on blood type published in the journal Neurology found that people with type AB blood were 82 percent more likely to have cognitive difficulties — like memory recall, language and attention — than people with other blood types. Researchers think that the clotting protein known as coagulation factor VIII is to blame.
“Since factor VIII levels are closely linked to blood type, this may be one causal connection between blood type and cognitive impairment,” said Mary Cushman, study author. Another 2012 study from Harvard University found that people with “non-type O” blood have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. But those with type AB blood were more at risk, overall.
Type O
If your blood type is O, then according to ketsuekigata you are sociable, dramatic and an overachiever. You prefer harmony, peace and a carefree lifestyle. You’re also big-hearted and enjoy spending money on others. You’re popular amongst family and friends but have a stubborn streak. Be careful, however, not to be too easily influenced.
Type O has neither A nor B antigens
If you have type O blood then you can donate to anyone. But, you can only receive blood from other type O people.
If you have type O blood, you are more likely to get ulcers. And believe it or not, according to a study from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in Scotland, you’re more likely to rupture your Achilles tendons. You are also at higher risk of cholera. But the good news is, people with type O blood are at a lower risk for pancreatic cancer. You’re also a magnet for mosquitoes.
How to find out your blood type
If you don’t know what blood type you are, call your doctor and ask if they have your blood type on file. If not, then your options include requesting a blood test from your doctor or buying your own blood testing kit. If you don’t have a primary health physician you can always visit a health clinic, or simply give blood.
Knowing your blood type gives you an insight into your genetic blueprint. But, nothing has to be carved in stone. That means that although you can’t change your blood type you can certainly work towards changing any personality traits that are unappealing. Furthermore, if you are more susceptible to certain diseases like heart disease (as many blood types are), you can certainly steer you diet and lifestyle choices away from chronic conditions.
— Katherine Marko
