Legume Consumption Improves Cellular Health and Autonomic Function in Competitive Swimmers

Nutrients 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Elisabetta Camajani, Valerio Caporali, Stefania Gorini, Alessandra Feraco, Chiara Quattrini, Luigi Procaccio, Andrea Armani, Elvira Padua, Massimiliano Caprio, Mauro Lombardo
DOI: 10.3390/nu18020274
Cited by: 0
References: 59

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated whether higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), specifically through increased legume consumption, is associated with improved functional, autonomic, and performance parameters in adolescents and young adult competitive swimmers. Methods: Thirty-nine swimmers (mean age 19.7 ± 2.3 years; 22 men, 17 women) monitored over a five-month period under standardized training conditions. Based on baseline dietary assessment, participants were allocated into three groups according to habitual legume intake: Control group (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Nutritional Studies and Diet Muscle metabolism and nutrition Sports Performance and Training

Publication details

Journal / source
Nutrients
Volume
18
Issue
2
Pages
274–274
Publication date
14 January 2026
Language
EN