Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving eye health. Common eye problems, such as cataracts, cloudiness of the eye and age-related macular degeneration, which damages the macula of the retina and can lead to vision loss and blindness over time, can disrupt everyday activities. Evidence indicates that certain foods can lower the risk of developing eye problems.
Spinach
Increasing your intake of spinach might boost eye health. Lead author Dr. Ian Murray and fellow researchers from the University of Manchester discovered that spinach is a rich source of a chemical called lutein, which reduces the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Although these findings are promising, further research is needed, according to the Science Daily website. Lutein can also be found in other vegetables, including kale, broccoli and sweet corn.
Green Tea
Green tea might protect the eye against diseases, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Eye Hospital. They discovered that green tea contains antioxidants called catechins, which are absorbed by the tissues of the eye. Catechins protect the eye from damage by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, reports the April 2010 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry."
Salmon
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts and herring, might decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Researchers studied the relationship between fat intake and age-related macular degeneration risk. The report, published in the May 2007 issue of the journal "Archives of Ophthalmology," revealed that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a reduced risk for age-related macular degeneration.
Dairy Products
Researchers from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey studied the relationship between vitamin D status and the risk of age-related macular degeneration. They discovered that subjects with adequate vitamin D levels were less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration compared to subjects with inadequate levels. Vitamin D rich foods include salmon, green leafy vegetables and dairy products.
References
- Science Daily: Why Popeye Only Has Eyes For Spinach
- Nutra Ingredients: Study finds green tea could reduce glaucoma risk
- PubMed: The relationship of dietary lipid intake and age-related macular degeneration in a case-control study: AREDS Report No. 20
- PubMed: Association between vitamin D and age-related macular degeneration in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 through 1994
