New Delhi, May 11, 2025 — A new study published in Human Reproduction suggests that diets rich in vegetables, legumes, and whole grains during childhood may delay the onset of menstruation in girls, potentially supporting long-term reproductive and metabolic health.
The study, which followed over 7,500 girls aged 9 to 14, found that healthier eating habits were associated with later menarche, even when accounting for factors like body mass index (BMI) and height. This highlights the critical role of diet quality in puberty timing, separate from body size.
Dr. Holly Harris, Associate Professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, emphasized the importance of access to nutritious food and evidence-based nutritional guidelines in school meal programs.
The study used two established dietary frameworks: the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), which scores diets based on the consumption of nutrient-dense foods, and the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern (EDIP), which measures food-related inflammation.
The findings suggest that delaying menarche through healthier eating habits could reduce the risk of chronic health conditions later in life, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer. The study further supports public health strategies that encourage anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich diets among young people.
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