A study has revealed that the girls who consume large quantity of meat during their early years tend to begin with their menstruation cycle earlier than other girls. A diet of more than 3,000 12-year-old girls was examined by UK researchers to conduct this study.

In this test, it was seen that the early periods are strongly linked to eating large amount of meat at the age of three (over eight portions a week) and at the age of seven (12 portions). This was explained by the scientists that a meat-rich diet sets up a body for pregnancy, which can therefore, prompt an advance puberty.

The recent preponing of the puberty age in girls is seen due to the increasing levels of obesity across the world, which also exerts an impact on hormones, resulting in early commencement of periods. But now, it has been said that for a successful pregnancy to take place, a meat-rich diet is one of the most appropriate nutritional conditions, which can thus effect the puberty age as well.

Study leader Dr. Imogen Rogers, Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition at the University of Brighton, said, “Weight could not be the only factor in girls having periods earlier as the average age had not gone down further with increasing levels of obesity. Meat is a good source of zinc and iron, requirements for which are high during pregnancy”.