How a daily dose of tofu could boost a woman’s fertility

A diet rich in tofu may prolong fertility and protect women against early menopause, scientists are suggesting.

Eating three to four servings of vegetable proteins a day, which includes tofu, soya, enriched pasta, dark bread and breakfast cereal, lowered the risk of early menopause by 16 per cent. But animal proteins had no effect, the study by epidemiologists at the University of Massachusetts and Harvard School of Public Health found. Plant proteins contains a weak type of oestrogen, which may boost fertility hormones.

Professor Elizabeth Bertone-johnson, of the University of Massachusetts, said: “A better understanding of how dietary vegetable protein intake is associated with ovarian ageing may identify ways for women to modify their risk of early onset menopause and associated health conditions.”