Broccoli Consumption Reduce Premenstrual Tension

A published study in the American Journal of Epidemiology reported that broccoli consumption reduce premenstrual tension (PMT). The presence of abundant levels of non-heme iron in broccoli prevents the incidence of premenstrual syndrome. 

Several research studies found an association between incidence of premenstrual syndrome and lower blood levels of iron. Scientists believe that non-heme iron consumption increases the biosynthesis of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates the mood in humans.

A long-term clinical study with 3, 000 nurses as study participants have been conducted, and the participants were monitored over a period of ten years. In the initial stages of the study, all the participants complained symptoms of premenstrual tension, and they were given 20mg of non-heme iron by consumption of broccoli.

According to researchers, broccoli contains 1mg of non-iron heme per 100g and 6.3mg of non-iron heme per 100g in dried apricots while roasted sesame seeds contain 14.8mg of non-heme iron per 100g.

At the end of the study period, around two-third of the participants was free from symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. However, one-third of them were diagnosed with the persistence of the symptoms.   

The scientists said that the participants who consumed non-iron heme more than 20mg per day were less likely to suffer by 30-40%. However, an increased incidence of premenstrual tension is associated with low intake of non-iron heme.

The study results were confirmed by the studies conducted by Harvard medical school and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The studies found concrete evidence between decreased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and high consumption of non-iron heme.