Want to reduce your risk of early menopause?
These 3 foods could help delay the loss of reproductive function, as well as hot flashes and night sweats. Just as little as 2 per day could make a big difference.
Here’s what works, according to research:
1. Whole grains. Whole grain products such as whole wheat bread and rice help reduce early menopause by increasing the presence of phytoestrogens, believed to benefit reproductive health. It may also help alleviate or stop hot flashes, according to limited research. Your best bet: Switching from simple grains to whole wheat varieties during breakfast, lunch, or dinner should help boost its ability to protect against menopause.
2. Soy products. Referred to as “vegetable proteins,” soy products such as tofu are shown to reduce the risk of early menopause, though it is not clear how it specifically works. Here’s what researchers do know, however: Replacing just 6.5 percent of your daily caloric intake with these proteins may reduce early menopause by 16 percent. Now that’s a good reason to switch to tofu.
3. Add flax seed to your diet. Like whole grains, these are a rich source of phytoestrogens, which may reduce menopause symptoms as well as its onset. It’s best consumed when mixed into smoothies, oatmeal, or even incorporated into desserts. Some food companies also produce breakfast and dinner meal items that already contain this healthful seed.
Remember, only a few servings per day will do–and as an added bonus, are healthy for your heart and blood pressure as well! Bon appetit!
