Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, May 20: Contrary to the age-old belief that a healthy diet only ensures a healthy life, a new study has unveiled a surprising twist it may also delay the onset of menstruation in girls.

Published in the journal Human Reproduction, the study followed over 7,500 girls aged 9 to 14 to explore the connection between dietary patterns and the timing of their first menstrual period.

Researchers found that girls with the healthiest diets were 16% less likely to start their periods early, while those consuming more inflammatory foods like sugary drinks and processed snacks were 15% more likely to experience early menstruation.

Typically, puberty begins between ages 8 and 13, with menstruation following about two years after breast development. Early puberty, however, has been associated with long-term health risks including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and breast cancer.

Holly Harris, the study’s lead author and associate professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre, stated that the findings remained consistent regardless of height or weight. “This shows the importance of a healthy diet irrespective of body size,” she said.

However, some experts have urged caution. Dr. Imogen Roger, a research fellow at Brighton & Sussex Medical School, warned of potential “reverse causation.” She noted that dietary habits might be influenced by puberty itself rather than being a cause of it.

“There is evidence that diet quality tends to decline from childhood into adolescence,” she explained, indicating that puberty could be shaping eating behaviours.

Despite the need for further research, Harris stressed the importance of providing nutritious food options to children during critical growth years. She also advocated for evidence-based nutritional policies in school meal programmes.

The study shines a new light on how childhood diet may impact not just immediate health, but developmental milestones with long-term consequences.