(PreserveMacForte.com) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that generally affects the elderly segment of the population.
While there is no foolproof way to avoid being diagnosed with the eye ailment, there are a number of foods that people can consume to cut their odds of getting the disease, reported The Huffington Post.
What follows is a rundown of the five consumables that can help people to safeguard their eye health and ward off diseases such as AMD:
ORANGE JUICE
Most people already understand that vitamin C is good for their health. But many may not grasp just how important it is to protecting their eyes. Vitamin C, which can be obtained by drinking orange juice, helps to keep ocular blood vessels in good repair. In fact, people who consume vitamin C amounting to 500 mg, or five cups, daily can delay the progression of AMD by around 25%, according to a portion of the article citing the Age-Related Eye Disease (ARED) Study.
OYSTERS
As it turns out, oysters are a great source for zinc, which is critical when it comes to promoting optimal eye health, according to a portion of the article citing WebMD. Zinc helps vitamin A to manufacture melanin, a pigment that safeguards the eye and is believed to promote better nighttime vision. A section of the article citing the ARED study noted that it is best to get between 40 and 80 mg of zinc — or about half a dozen oysters — each day.
KALE
When cooked, kale is extremely rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, which are a couple of antioxidants that are located in the eyes. Zeaxanthin and lutein work together to protect the eyes from harmful free radicals. The article added that leafy green produce like kale can boost the macula’s pigment density
PEANUTS
Peanuts contain loads of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are important when it comes to eye health. In fact, studies have shown that vitamin E can slow the progression of macular degeneration and that people with minimal omega-3 fatty acid levels are more likely to suffer from damaged blood vessels or diabetic retinopathy that can lead to vision impairment.
QUINOA
A portion of the article citing RealAge.com noted that people who adhered to a low-glycemic diet faced lower AMD risks. What this suggests is that eating quinoa and other whole grains is a good idea.