SUPERFOODS THAT CAN HELP TO SAFEGUARD VISION
SUPERFOOD: Squash contains beta-carotene and lutein
By Paul Carroll
SAFFRON has been hailed as a weapon in the fight against one of the UK’s most common causes of sight loss.
A new study by Sydney University and the Italian University of L’Aquila discovered that animals fed on a saffron-rich diet were less likely to suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which causes the cells of the retina to die and if undiagnosed can lead to blindness.
This research is encouraging and may lead to new treatments. However saffron is not the only food we should be eating if we want to protect our vision.
The right diet is beneficial in protecting the macula, an area of the retina, from the effects of oxidation, which causes wear and tear to the cells in the eye.
This is the part of the eye that gives us our most acute vision for tasks such as reading, recognising faces and watching television.
For the sake of your eyesight eat a variety of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains and also have an eye test once every two years. Here is a list of top 10 foods to include in your diet:
CHICKEN: Has been shown to reduce the risk of AMD by as much as 57 per cent, according to a study by the Royal College of Ophthalmology. In contrast, eating too much beef, pork and lamb can raise your risk.
SAFFRON: Has beta-carotene that the body can convert to vitamin A. People who consume foods high in beta-carotene have been shown to have better night vision than those who don’t. Studies in animals found that saffron also regulates the levels of fatty acids in the retina making its cells more resistant to the effects of AMD.
DARK GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES: These contain beta-carotene and vitamin C. Early data shows that vitamin C can help slow the progression of cataracts once the lenses of the eyes have become cloudy.
PUMPKIN, YAMS, SQUASH AND SWEET POTATO: Contain beta-carotene and lutein.
APRICOTS AND CITRUS FRUITS: Another good source of beta-carotene.
PEPPERS: Provide lutein which scientists believe protects the retina from light-induced oxidation damage and may be responsible for reversing macular degeneration in its early stages.
BROCCOLI: Is rich in both beta-carotene and lutein.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS: This green veg also contains lutein.
SARDINES: A fish that contains zinc and vitamin E. Zinc maintains the immune system. The body needs zinc to form certain antioxidant enzymes in the eye. Studies say that vitamin E protects against the development of cataracts.
NUTS: Contain zinc, vitamin E and antioxidant selenium.
l Paul Carroll is head of clinical services at Specsavers. To book an eye test visit www.specsavers.co.uk
MORE THAN JUST PRETTY SPECS!
11.03.10, 5:54am
REF: "Paul Carroll is head of clinical services at Specsavers."
Fascinating research - my father always said: "Eat your carrots, they help you see in the dark. Have you ever seen a blind rabbit?"
I don't write adverts or endorsements [I'm a retired Journalist] but ... I must acknowledge the following.
Already blind for most of my life in one eye, it was a routine eye examination by Specsavers that revealed that without immediate eye surgery, I would become completely blind in a matter of months. They were right.
And then, after my GP commented [total words expressed on the subject] "It's got nothing to do with me", their optometrist helped me to navigate the NHS and finally get surgery. I can't imagine my life without reading and writing ... Thanks.
• Posted by: NEWSMAN42 • Report Comment
TODAY ...
10.03.10, 1:51pm
I noticed Peppers in the list so I got a nice red one and diced it up with mushrooms,leak and onion,add some real lemon juice and olive oil and reduce on a very low heat for a couple of hours... lovely... !
• Posted by: Moronamid • Report Comment
WELL BALANCED DIET
09.03.10, 6:21pm
I Can still see in the dark at my age, Need a torch of course but hey, Em mm.. Not tried that yet.
• Posted by: yeokelboy9 • Report Comment
EAT SMALL AMOUNTS OF HIGH QUALITY ...
09.03.10, 1:57pm
A varied diet is what I have,in a year I probably eat about everything I think is "really good for me" I keep finding things I hav,nt had for ages,at the moment its Pomegranate,Parsley and Pear... LOL
• Posted by: Moronamid • Report Comment
WHAT.....
09.03.10, 1:37pm
no supplements recommended if you dont eat sweet potatoes etc
• Posted by: ThomaT • Report Comment
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