You are here: Home News

Eat Fruits and Vegetables for Better Vision

Posted by SoundHealth on Monday, January 18, 2010
© HealthyMuslim. See Terms and Conditions

 Copy Link
   Email    Print 
Carotenoids, found in green leafy vegetables and colored fruits, have been found to benefit eye health and are associated with preventing age-related eye diseases, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Georgia compiled the results of multiple studies on the effects of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin on visual performance.

Carotenoids are a group of pigments found mainly in green leafy vegetables and colored fruits, and are deposited selectively in different tissues. Lutein and zeaxanthin, found in kale and spinach, are deposited in the retina while others like lycopene, for example, found in tomatoes, is concentrated in the prostate.

After reviewing the various studies, the authors concluded that the pigments lutein and zeaxanthin do have an effect on visual performance. In particular, they are associated with reducing glare, enhancing contrast, as well as improving light absorption and increasing the visual range. Simply put, these nutrients improve vision.

The lead author noted that the research of the effects of lutein and zeazanthin are important because "it is clear that they could potentially improve vision through biological means. For example, a study conducted in 2008 suggests that the pigments protect the retina and lens and perhaps even help prevent age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataract."

Studies show that the retina contains high concentrations of these two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin.

lutein is a yellow or orange pigment found in some fruits and vegetables, including carrots, squash and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, as well as green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.

zeaxanthin is found in dark green leafy vegetables, including kale and spinach, as well as in some yellow fruits and vegetables, and egg yolks.

Research Paper Details:

J. Stringham, E. Bovier, J. Wong. B. Hammond. The Influence of Dietary lutein and zeaxanthin on Visual Performance. Journal of Food Science, December 2009.


Link to this article:   Show: HTML LinkFull LinkShort Link
Share or Bookmark this page: You will need to have an account with the selected service in order to post links or bookmark this page.

                 
  
Subscribe via RSS or email:
Follow us through RSS or email. Click the RSS icon to subscribe to our feed.

     
  

Related Articles:
Add a Comment
You must be registered and logged in to comment.
Most Popular

Latest Articles

Popular Subjects
fluoridewater fluoridationcolicfruitexercisetoothpastealmondsmilkpHalkalineacidVitamin Ccancerlinus paulingwatercell phonemobile phoneraw milkaspartamesweetenersuperfoodsbrainlong lifelive longlongevityresveratrolblueberriesraspberriesgreen teaavocadosfatsnutritiondigestion research

Health, fitness and longevity
 Based upon the principles of health
 in the Qur'an and Prophetic Traditions.
HealthyMuslim.Com

There are two bounties in which
most people lose out: good health
and free time. Al-Bukhari.
The information on this site is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind.