(www.PreserveMacForte.com) Eating right can do wonders when it comes to safeguarding eye health and helping people to avoid feared ailments such as age-related macular degeneration, reported The Leader recently.
The article cited Jorge Martinez from Specsavers Opticas Benidorm as saying that proper health is critical to keeping the macula in tip-top shape. The macula, which is one component of the retina, helps people with vision tasks necessary for driving cars, watching television, reading books and magazines, and recognizing the faces of friends, family and colleagues. Martinez added in the article that research has demonstrated that a diet that is high in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids, is beneficial for eye health.
According to a portion of the article citing a National Institute of Health study, people who make liberal use of carotenoids are 43% less likely to come down with AMD than are people who make very little use of carotenoids.
The article added that studies have also demonstrated that people who take in more antioxidants — such as vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and beta-carotene — are apparently less likely to come down with cataracts. Foods like sweet potatoes, pepper, citrus fruits, spinach, broccoli and kale have lots of antioxidants, according to the article.
Martinez said in the article that AMD is the primary cause of vision loss in Europe. Zeazanthin, lutein, vitamins E and C and beta-carotene basically fight against so-called free radicals, which are molecules that are believed to damage the eye. This means that people need to ensure that they get enough produce and whole grains each day, according to the article.
Meanwhile, a portion of the article mentioned the top 10 foods that will help people to protect their eyes. These super foods include carrots, dark green leafy produce, peppers, broccoli, pumpkin, brussel sprouts, apricots, citrus fruits, sardines and nuts.
In other news, various studies have shown that people who make lifestyle changes, rather than just dietary changes, can also improve their odds of living their lives AMD-free. Exercising regularly, avoiding obesity, keeping cholesterol at normal levels and avoiding hypertension will help the eyes. Ging in for routine eye exams will also help.
Reference: http://www.theleader.info/article/39859/spain/national/a-feast-for-your-eyes/