Age related macular degeneration is the primary cause of blindness in older people, Science Daily states, resulting from oxidation damage to the eye. Age, tobacco use, stress and physical activity are involved in AMD risk and progression of the disease. It appears that certain diets can significantly reduce the risk and slow the progression of AMD.
Mediterranean Diet
People living in countries like Italy and Greece eat what's commonly known as the Mediterranean diet. The foods included in the Mediterranean diet like fish, vegetables and extra virgin olive oil are particularly beneficial in reducing AMD risk. For example, consumption of just two servings of week of fatty fish like salmon reduces AMD risk by 50 percent, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. In addition, antioxidant rich vegetables common eaten in the Mediterranean diet, like carrots and green leafy vegetables, can shield the eyes from the damage that causes AMD. Research published by Elaine W.T. Chong of Centre for Eye Research Australia in the May 2009 issue of the "Archives of Ophthalmology" found that a diet rich in olive oil significantly reduced AMD risk.
American Heart Association Diet
The American Heart Association diet is low in saturated and trans fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The AHA emphasizes eating colorful fruits and veggies like tomatoes, blueberries, and mangoes. Colorful fruits and vegetables are particularly rich in compounds known as antioxidants. Antioxidants shield your eye from the free radicals that cause AMD, the National Eye Institute reports. Johanna M. Seddon of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary's Department of Ophthalmology found that a diet high in antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables significantly reduced AMD risk. In her research published in the November 1994 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association," people who ate the highest amounts of the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E had the lowest AMD risk.
Low Carb Diets
Obesity is a primary risk factor for AMD. Anna Peeters of Monash University found that abdominal obesity contributed to blockage of the arteries that supply the eye with blood. In her study published in the November 2008 issue of the "Archives of Ophthalmology", she found that a 3 percent reduction in abdominal fat resulted in a one third risk reduction of AMD. Because low carb diets promote fullness and control appetite, they may aid in weight control, reports MayoClinic.com.
References
- National Eye Institute: Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- "JAMA": Dietary Carotenoids, Vitamins A, C, and E, and Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- "Archives of Ophthalmology" :Fat Consumption and Its Association With Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- UMMC: Macular Degeneration
- "Archives of Ophthalmology":Changes in Abdominal Obesity and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- AHA: Suggested Servings from Each Food Group
