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Published on: July 5, 2017
Better muscle strength with healthy eating
Yahya Pasdar1, Shima Moradi2, Mehdi Moradinazar3
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Adhering to the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 is linked to better hand grip strength (HGS). Higher intake of whole fruits and less added sugar positively impact muscle strength.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hand grip strength (HGS) is a key indicator of physical function and overall health status.
- Nutritional status significantly influences HGS, highlighting the importance of diet in maintaining muscle strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and hand grip strength (HGS).
- To determine if adherence to dietary guidelines, as measured by HEI-2015, correlates with muscle strength.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 4010 participants from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort.
- Hand grip strength (HGS) was measured using a hydraulic dynamometer.
- The Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 was calculated based on food frequency questionnaire data.
Main Results:
- Participants with optimal HGS had significantly higher total HEI-2015 scores compared to those with weak HGS.
- Higher adherence to healthy eating patterns was associated with optimal muscle strength (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.02-1.62).
- Specific HEI-2015 components, whole fruit intake and added sugar consumption, showed significant associations with HGS.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to the HEI-2015 dietary recommendations can promote muscle strength.
- Increased consumption of whole fruits and reduced intake of added sugars are positively associated with improved hand grip strength (HGS).
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