Bean boost: Swimmers' secret weapon?

This study looked at whether adding more legumes (like beans and lentils) to a Mediterranean diet could improve hydration, heart rate control, and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. Thirty-nine young athletes were split into three groups based on how many servings of legumes they ate each week. The study measured body water balance, heart health signals, and swim speed over five months. The goal was to see if a simple diet change could support athletic health without changing training.