0
0
New Delhi, May 8: Girls who eat diets rich in vegetables, legumes, and whole grains may experience a later onset of menstruation, according to a new study published in the journal Human Reproduction. The research, led by Holly Harris, Associate Professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, suggests that overall diet quality-not just weight or height-plays a significant role in determining when girls begin menstruation, a milestone known as menarche.
The study followed more than 7,500 children aged 9 to 14, analyzing their eating habits using two dietary scoring systems: the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), which rewards consumption of plant-based, nutrient-rich foods, and the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern (EDIP), which measures the inflammatory potential of the diet. Girls with higher AHEI scores and lower EDIP scores-indicating healthier, less inflammatory diets-tended to start menstruation at a slightly older age than their peers with less healthy diets.
Researchers found that these associations were independent of body mass index (BMI) and height, both of which are typically linked to earlier puberty. Specifically, girls in the top 20% for healthy eating were eight percent less likely to have their first period in the subsequent month compared to those in the lowest 20%. Conversely, those with the most inflammatory diets were 15% more likely to start menstruation earlier.
Early menarche has been associated with an increased risk of chronic health conditions later in life, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer. “Our findings highlight the need for all children and adolescents to have access to healthy meal options and the importance of school-based breakfasts and lunches being based on evidence-based guidelines,” said Prof. Harris.
The study’s strengths include its large, prospective design and its ability to analyze diet independently of BMI and height. However, researchers noted some limitations: dietary and health data were self-reported, and the majority of participants were white, making it unclear if the findings apply equally across all racial and ethnic groups.
The results add to growing evidence that plant-forward, nutrient-rich diets during childhood and adolescence may have long-term health benefits, not only for chronic disease prevention but also for healthy development during puberty.
Disclaimer:
This article summarizes findings from an observational study. While the research suggests a correlation between healthy diets and later onset of menstruation, it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Individual health outcomes may vary, and dietary changes should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Citations:
