In the long term, a high intake of plant proteins from such foods as whole grains, soy and tofu may protect women from early menopause and may prolong reproductive function, a new study shows. Consuming fortified pasta, dark bread and breakfast cereals were especially associated with a lower risk, while they did not observe a similar relationship when eating animal protein sources.
Early menopause, the cessation of ovarian function before age 45, affects about 10 percent of women and is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and early cognitive decline, the authors say. Few studies have examined how protein intake is associated with menopause timing, they add, and in their opinion this is the first to look specifically at the onset of menopause.
