Health experts have long advocated eating a diet rich in fish and veggies such as peas and green beans as a way to keep your weight in check and your body functioning at peak condition. A recent study finds that half of the population could see another result from this menu: A delay in the onset of menopause.

By contrast, the British researchers found that eating more refined carbs could actually bring on menopause earlier.

The team reviewed survey data on 35,000 women, ages 35 to 69, who answered questions about diet, weight, exercise, reproductive history and the use of hormone replacement therapy. They followed up four years later, and 14,000 of the women responded about the age they had reached menopause.

Eating an extra portion every day of oily fish, such as trout, sardines or mackerel was shown to delay menopause by about three years. An extra helping of legumes held off menopause by about a year. On the other hand, those who ate extra carbs saw menopause arrive about a year and a half earlier than the average age of 51.

The scientists suggested certain foods contain or stimulate antioxidants that could affect egg maturation and release. Also, refined carbs, they said, can boost estrogen levels and deplete a woman’s egg supply faster.

Early menopause is not always preferable. Some studies have shown it can help protect against breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer, but it has also been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and depression.

If you’re unsure whether you want to tweak your clock on menopause or let nature take its course, just remember that eating more veggies and fish is always preferable to dining on chips and cake.