The blood type diet

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It's the way stunner Cheryl Cole keeps her body trim and is apparently a big hit with stars Martine McCutcheon and Demi Moore too. The secret - it's the Eat Right 4 Your Type diet.

Based around the principle of avoiding certain foods according to what type of blood you have, the diet is also said to have been tried by Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr and Sir Cliff Richard.

National treasure and World's Sexiest Woman, Cheryl Cole told the Daily Mail: "My mother told me about Eat Right 4 Your Type, in which you're told what to eat and what to avoid depending on your blood type.

"It has made such a difference - not so much to my shape, but to how I feel and my energy levels. Before I was like 'energy schmenergy' and didn't believe it. But now I believe it 100 per cent.'

But what should you have and what shouldn't you be eating and what are the risk factors associated with not eating the right thing for your type? Here we have a guide to the basic principles based on the best-selling book by Dr D'Adamo, 'Eat Right 4 Your Type'.

Type O (most common)

Foods to eat: Low-carbohydrate, high in protein foods such as meat and fish

Foods to avoid: Avocados, Brazil nuts, and oranges. Dairy should also be kept to a minimum and wheat and grains should be cut out

Activity: Vigorous aerobic exercise is recommended for this type.

Risk factors: Ulcers and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis

Type A

Foods to eat: Largely vegetarian, high carbohydrate, low fat diet - so plenty of fish and vegetables, but with a low dairy intake

Foods to avoid: Red meat

Activity: Light exercise only, such as yoga or golf and meditate to relive stress

Risk factors: Cancer and heart disease

Type B

Foods to eat: This is the only blood type to be ok with dairy and should have the most varied diet. You should also eat plenty of meat, some fish, and plenty of fruit and vegetables

Foods to avoid: Chicken and bacon

Activity: Moderate swimming or walking

Risk factors: Slow-growing viruses that attack the nervous system

Type A/B

Foods to eat: A combination of most the A and B diets will work best for you

Foods to avoid: A combination of type A and B, including the benefits and intolerances of both types

Activity: Calming exercises and relaxation techniques

Risk factors:  You have the friendliest immune system