How To Prevent Macular Degeneration – “This is where spinach comes in. Spinach contains lutein – a compound that combines with zeaxanthin within the body to create a macular pigment—an oily, yellow substance that coats the retina. This pigment nourishes the retina and prevents deterioration common in macular degeneration.” …
How To Prevent Macular Degeneration? Spinach!
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Before discussing how to prevent macular degeneration, first let’s define macular degeneration. It is estimated by the Foundation Fighting Blindness that 10 million people in the U.S. either have macular degeneration or are at substantial risk of developing it. There are two types of macular degeneration, “dry” and “wet”. “Dry” macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease that causes vision loss in the center of the field of vision because of damage to the retina. “Wet” macular degeneration almost always begins as dry, but becomes more severe. Wet macular degeneration is typically caused by abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood into the region of the retina called the macula.
The macula is the central area of the retina, which provides the most detailed central vision. Macular degeneration causes the retina to deteriorate, which leads to blurred vision, or a blind spot in your central field of vision. It turns out that by nourishing the retina, you can prevent macular degeneration.
Here’s an article by Elizabeth Renter at “Natural Society” that will fill you in on a 10 year clinical trial, and the benefits of spinach to reduce the risk of macular degeneration:
One study, a 10-year clinical trial from the National Eye Institute, found that antioxidants themselves could reduce the progression of macular degeneration by 28% over a five year period. Another found that just three servings of spinach per week could reduce the risk of macular degeneration by 43%. […]
Best Vitamins For Macular Degeneration
Following is a list of vitamins that help prevent macular degeneration:
1) Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Spinach, carrots, eggs, tomatoes, blueberries, zucchini, collard greens, kale, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts.
2) Omega-3 fats – Salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flax seeds. Consider a quality omega-3 supplement.
3) Beta Carotene (vitamin A) – Apricots, carrots, kale, spinach, collard greens, thyme, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.
By including some of these foods into your diet, you’ll be taking the first step to prevent macular degeneration.
How To Prevent Macular Degeneration.