TO Sometimes the revolutions start at the table, even if we don’t notice it immediately. This is what a recent US study suggests which, for the first time, has observed a direct link between the quality of the diet followed by girls and teenagers e the age in which the menarca appears, i.e. the first menstruation. A discovery far from marginal, given that a early menarca (before 12-14 years) is associated with greater risks for future health: from breast tumor to type 2 diabetes. The investigation is signed Fred Hutch Cancer Center by Seattle, who published the results in the magazine Human Reproduction.
Menarca and nutrition: the study
The work is based on Growing Up TODAY STUDY (GUTS)which involved 7,802 American girls between 9 and 14 years oldfollowed in two phases between 1996 and 2008. Before the arrival of the menarca, the participants compiled questionnaires about their eating habits, updated every one-three years. The data collected were analyzed according to two models: theAlternative Healthy Eating Index (Ahei)which evaluates the quality of the diet, and theEmpirical dietary inflammory pattern (edip)which measures the inflammatory potential of food.
The results: a healthier diet delays the menarca
The results? Rather clear. The Girls with a healthier diet – rich in vegetables, legumes and whole grains – they had 8% less likely to start the menstrual cycle in the following month Compared to those who followed a less balanced diet. On the contrary, an inflammatory diet (based on worked meats, sugars and refined cereals) was associated with a 15% increase in risk of early menarca.
Menarca: not only the weight counts, the diet is decisive
“It is important to underline that These results were independent of the body mass index and from height»He explained Holly Harrisepidemiologist and main author of the study. A relevant fact, because so far it was believed that they were proper Height and weight to determine the advance of puberty. In fact, food seems to have a decisive impact.
Food education: the importance of starting from the school
The indication of the experts is clear: Improving eating habits since childhood is a healthy investment. “All children and teenagers should have access to healthy meals»Underlines Harris, which relaunches the importance of School guidelines on breakfasts and lunches. Because what we put on the plate today can deeply influence our tomorrow.
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