Scientists from the University of Southern California have found that avoiding sugary drinks and red and processed meats improves the overall health of menopausal women. The study results were published in the European Journal of Nutrition (EJN).
The study involved 200 women with an average age of 51 years. The volunteers have already begun menopause – the final stop of menstrual cycles associated with natural aging of the body and depletion of the supply of eggs. The researchers analyzed the participants' diets and asked them to report whether they were experiencing any health problems.
The results showed that women who drank fewer sweetened drinks were less likely to report joint and muscle pain. It also found that reducing the proportion of red and processed meat in the diet was associated with improved overall health.
Scientists added that the best choice for increasing muscle strength, flexibility and endurance is the Mediterranean diet. It involves active consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, olive oil and fish.
