Research has found out that it’s possible for a diet to delay menopause. Find out how what you could serve up to stave off menopause…
A diet rich in oily fish and legumes may help to delay menopause.
On the other hand, a diet high in refined carbs, such as pasta and rice, may instead help to hasten it.
This is according to a new UK study which drew on data of more than 35 000 women.
The study participants provided information on their weight history, physical activity levels, reproductive history, and use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They also completed a questionnaire on what they ate.
Reaching menopause a year and half earlier
The study found that for each additional daily portion of refined carbs – specifically pasta and rice – was associated with reaching the menopause 1.5 years earlier.
Delaying menopause by more than three years
But each additional portion of oily fish and fresh legumes – like peas and beans – was associated with a delay of more than three years.
Higher intakes of vitamin B6 and zinc (per mg/day) were also associated with later menopause.
Eating meat was also associated with menopause arriving almost a year later than a vegetarian diet.
Among mothers, higher intake of oily fish and fresh legumes was associated with later menopause, while eating more grapes and poultry was linked to a later menopause for childless women.
How eating oily fish and legumes delays menopause
Since a women’s egg maturation and release are adversely affected by reactive oxygen species, a high intake of legumes, which contain antioxidants, may counter this and preserve menstruation for longer, suggest the researchers.
Omega 3 fatty acids, which are abundant in oily fish, stimulate antioxidant capacity in the body.
How eating pasta and rice speeds up the onset of menopause
Refined carbs – like pasta – boosts the risk of insulin resistance. This can interfere with sex hormone activity and boost oestrogen levels, both of which might increase the number of menstrual cycles and deplete egg supply faster.
Why menopause timing matters
Women who go through the menopause early are at increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Those who go through it late are at increased risk of breast, womb, and ovarian cancers.
This is why the researchers say timing matters.
While it is an observational study, the researchers conclude: “Our findings confirm that diet may be associated with the age at natural menopause. This may be relevant at a public health level since age at natural menopause may have implications on future health outcomes.”
Source: BMJ via
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