Posts Tagged ‘vision’

All things related to health are related to nutrition. Any eye health guide has to emphasize this connection.

Vision 

Your eyes may the window to your soul; they are also a reflection of your health. Many eye problems are a refection of your nutritional status. As people age they may experience vision loss due to cataracts, macular degeneration (AMD) and other sight problems.

Eye Health Study   

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) – funded scientists at the Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research are finding that healthy eating can reduce health costs by protecting the vision and the quality of life. The laboratory study directed by Allen Taylor is part of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutritional Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. Mass.

One study indicated that regularly consuming a combination of protective nutrients and a low-glycemic-index, or “slow carb,” diet provided an AMD protective effect. A food’s glycemic index is an indicator of how fast the carbohydrate it contains will spike blood sugar levels. The macula is a 3-millimeter-wide yellow spot near the center of the retina responsible for the central field of vision.

For the study, the researchers analyzed dietary intake and other data from more than 4,000 men and women, aged 55 to 80, who had participated in the long-term Age-Related Eye Disease Study, or AREDS. Led by Chung-Jung Chiu, the researchers ranked intake of each of several nutrients consumed during the AREDS study, then calculated a compound score to gauge their combined dietary effect on the risk of AMD. The scoring system allowed them to evaluate associations between individual – and combined – dietary nutrients.

The nutrients that were found to be most protective in combination with the low-glycemic-index diet were vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and the omega-3 fatty acids known as DHA and EPA. The 2009 study was published in Ophthalmology

No Surprise

It’s no surprise that every cell, function, and organ is dependent on the nutrition that you supply them with. It is simply, disease can’t take root as easily in a healthy body. The way to good vision is by consuming a nutrient rich diet.

Most fruits and vegetables supply vitamin C in ample amounts. This list includes oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers, and tomatoes. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, and wheat germ. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are found together in many foods. Dark green leafy vegetables are a good source. It is also found in smaller amounts in broccoli, orange peppers, corn, peas, persimmons, and tangerines.

These are delicious ways to both general health and vision health.  Achieving the benefits of good eyesight supports vascular health within the eye and improves visual acuity. It has been found than carotenoids protect against free-radical induced DNA damage. The density of your macular pigments composed (composed of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin) is essential to proper vision.

These may be big words, but all one has to know is eating lots lutein and zeaxanthin containing vegetables can help maintain the structural integrity of the macula.

As We See It

Plant compounds halt the progression of both macular degeneration, and cataracts. These are a significant cause of decreased vision. To halt vision loss with nutritional interventions is a very attractive solution.

Eye health you can see is on your diner plate and in your shopping cart. Carrots are known to be good for the eyes, the same holds true for leafy green vegetables and fruit. University of Georgia scientists report that green leafy vegetables and fruits also may affect vision, and prevent age-related eye disease. This is according to a study in the Journal of Food Science.

Solid Evidence

These foods contain the carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which play an important role in vision and have a positive impact on the retina. Scientists led by Billy R. Hammond, PhD, a professor of neuroscience and experimental psychology at the University of Georgia, said in a review of previous research.

The evidence suggests that lutin and zeaxantine help reduce disability and discomfort from glare, enhance contrast, and reduce photo-stress recovery times, the researchers found. Also, at the same time may increase visual range.

Foods That Heal

Lutein and zeaxznthin are found in kale, spinach and other vegetables. For your health it pays to investigate the power of foods. A food saver isn’t only a way to store food, it is a way to save your life.

Researches write that their review on the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin is important because “it is clear that they could potentially improve vision through biological means.”

They cite a 2008 study that suggests the pigments protect the retina and lens, and may “even help prevent age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataract.”

Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in kale and spinach, among other vegetables. This points to the fact the pharmacy in your garden is the solution and your partner in building health.

New Zealand blackberries contain anthocyannis that help reduce eye fatigue. Plant food can improve the quality of your life.

Overview

From broccoli, Brussels sprouts, to cabbage and sauerkraut the health benefits have out performed any pharmaceuticals. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts have been linked to a lower risk of colorectal, lung and stomach cancer. 

Research from Michigan State University in East Lansing found that those who ate raw or lightly cooked cabbage and sauerkraut more than three times a week were 72 percent less likely to develop breast cancer than those who had 1.5 or fewer servings.

Seeing

Nature provides stable and potent antioxidant protection in the right concentration. The bioavailability of these compounds provides better absorptions. With so many conventional treatment failures, the natural protection of nature’s formulas provides phenomenal results. Seeing is believing and we will put the evidence in plain sight, so everyone gets it.