New Delhi: A new study published in the journal Human Reproduction suggests that girls who eat a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, and whole grains during childhood may begin menstruating later.
Delay Not Linked to Weight or Height
Researchers found that this delay in the onset of menstruation happens regardless of a girl’s body mass index (BMI) or height. These two factors have often been connected to early puberty, but the study shows diet plays an independent role.
Health Benefits Later in Life
Early menstruation is linked to a higher risk of health problems later in life, including obesity, diabetes, breast cancer, and heart disease. By delaying menarche, a healthy childhood diet could help lower these long-term health risks.
Call for Nutritious School Meals
Dr. Holly Harris, Associate Professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle and a lead author of the study, stressed the importance of healthy food for children. “Our findings highlight the need for all children and adolescents to have access to healthy meal options,” she said. “School breakfasts and lunches should follow evidence-based nutrition guidelines.”
Study Involved Over 7,500 Children
The study examined data from more than 7,500 children aged 9 to 14. Researchers used two tools to assess their diets: the Alternative Index (AHEI) and the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern (EDIP).
Understanding the Diet Scores
The AHEI scores diets higher when they include more nutritious items like vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. The EDIP, on the other hand, measures how inflammatory a diet may be. Diets high in red meat, processed foods, and sugary drinks score higher on this scale.
Linked to Later Menarche
“We observed that these two dietary patterns were linked to the age at menarche,” Harris said. “Importantly, these findings held true even after accounting for BMI and height. This shows the strong role of diet, no matter the child’s body size.”
Type of Food May Matter More Than Size
Researchers believe that the kind of food children eat—and its impact on inflammation in the body—may influence the timing of menstruation more than their physical growth, such as height or weight.
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