Legume Consumption Improves Cellular Health and Autonomic Function in Competitive Swimmers.

Area of Science:

• Sports Nutrition
• Dietary Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is linked to numerous health benefits.
• Legumes are a staple of the MD, rich in nutrients essential for athletes.
• Optimizing nutrition is crucial for enhancing athletic performance and recovery in swimmers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of increased legume consumption within an MD framework on functional, autonomic, and performance parameters in competitive swimmers.
• To evaluate if higher adherence to the MD, specifically through legumes, improves key physiological markers in young athletes.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-nine competitive swimmers were monitored over five months.
• Participants were divided into three groups based on legume intake: Control, 3Legumes/week, and 6Legumes/week.
• Evaluations included bioelectrical impedance, heart rate variability (HRV), cardiac coherence, and critical swimming speed (CSS).

Main Results:

• The 6Legumes group showed significant improvements in phase angle, intracellular water, and reduced extracellular water, indicating better hydration.
• Statistically significant increases in heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiac coherence were observed in the 6Legumes group.
• A positive trend in critical swimming speed (CSS) was noted, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• Increased legume consumption within the Mediterranean Diet framework positively impacts cellular hydration status in swimmers.
• Adherence to an MD rich in legumes is associated with improved autonomic regulation and a trend towards enhanced functional performance.
• These findings suggest legumes are a key component of an optimal diet for competitive swimmers.