(WJBK) -
When it comes to ways to fight the monthly nuisance that comes with P-M-S symptoms, a new study says eating plant-based foods rich in iron might do the trick.
University of Massachusetts researchers followed about 3,000 women none of whom had P-M-S at the start of the study. Over the ten year study researchers found women who consumed the most iron-rich plant foods had a 40-percent lower risk of suffering P-M-S symptoms.
The researchers think iron may help reduce the pain and emotional symptoms of P-M-S by boosting levels of the brain chemical serotonin. The study also found women who had higher zinc levels were also less likely to have pre-menstrual symptoms.
Cooked legumes and beans like soy, lentils and chickpeas are all great plant-based sources of iron. Tofu, beans, seeds and nuts are all good sources of zinc.
