Red Peppers Good for the Eyes | Preserve Mac Forte Vision Support

Red peppers are not only useful for adding to salads or dishes, but also helpful for fighting diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to NDTV Cooks.

According to the article, the produce is an ideal source for lycopene, the red-colored carotenoid pigment. The article noted that some studies show that consuming foods containing lycopene can lower the odds of getting certain kinds of cancers. Moreover, some studies reveal that foods with lycopene and other cartenoids — zeaxanthin and lutein — can help to protect the retina, which in turn could help to ward off AMD. AMD, an eye ailment that generally only impacts the elderly population, damages central vision but leaves peripheral vision intact.

Red peppers, in addition to being loaded with lycopene, are also high in vitamin B6, otherwise known as pyridoxine, which helps with regards to brain function. The vegetable also has vitamins A and C.

According to the article, the elongated red peppers are tastier and healthier than are the bell-shaped kinds.

Meanwhile, various reports have noted that early diagnosis can greatly increase the odds of slowing down the progression of age related macular degeneration. There is no cure for the eye disease, but there are treatments that offer varying levels of improvement. People who go in for routine eye exams are more likely than those who don’t to have a wider range of treatment options available. However, those whose AMD condition is diagnosed too late may have few if any treatment options at their disposal. In such cases, vision loss might not be reversible. People who have a family history of AMD should be particularly diligent when it comes to regular eye care since they are more likely than those who do not have a family history of AMD to be diagnosed with the condition.

While AMD usually only impacts baby boomers and mature seniors, getting older need not necessarily include experiencing the eye disease that can make it hard or impossible to drive, read, watch TV, or even recognize the faces of friends or family. Going in for regular exams, exercising daily, steering clear of cigarettes and maintaining a healthy weight may lower your odds of suffering from age related macular degeneration.