Two Tasty Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
By
Natalie Moore
Posted October 26, 2016
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
“Pass the bagels… I want to go blind.”
Said no one, ever.
But if you’re skipping over certain breakfast options for bagels, doughnuts, muffins or any other processed food, you might as well be wishing your eyesight away.
According to new research, eating one type of food and drinking a common morning beverage may be the key to keeping your eyes young and healthy by warding off age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.
AMD is a debilitating condition that can ruin your eyesight by attacking your macula, a tiny part of your retina that’s vital for sharp vision and focus.
And what’s even more alarming — advanced AMD leaves you unable to see the things directly in front of you. This means that eventually, you will no longer be able to drive, cook or even see the faces of your loved ones. This condition won’t leave you totally blind, you won’t be able to see the things you treasure the most.
Fortunately, researchers at the University of Coimbra, in Portugal, have found a few tasty ways to help you keep your vision crystal clear…
Eat This, Drink That, Keep Your Sight
The study, which was published in the journal Ophthalmology, involved 883 participants that were age 55 years or older. Of those, 449 were already suffering from the early stages of AMD and 434 did not have AMD. Scientists evaluated their diets using a questionnaire gauging how often they ate foods associated with a diet rich in fruits and veggies.
Next, the participants were assigned a score based on how closely they were following the produce-generous diet. The range of scores was 0–9. The higher the score, the more closely the participant followed the diet.
After crunching the numbers, the researchers were blown away with what they had discovered…
Folks who followed the diet closest slashed their risk of AMD by a whopping 35 percent!
When they took a closer look, they found that folks who ate more fruit (five ounces or more daily) and consumed caffeinated beverages (78 mg) were at an even greater advantage when it came to warding off AMD.
This is the equivalent of eating a navel orange and drinking a six-ounce cup of coffee.
This means if you’re having this healthy combo for breakfast, you’ve reduced your risk by 35 percent before noon!
Dr. Rufino Silva, lead author of the study and professor of ophthalmology at the University of Coimbra, reports, “This research adds to the evidence that a healthy, fruit-rich diet is important to health, including helping to protect against macular degeneration… We also think this work is a stepping stone towards effective preventive medicine in AMD.”
Of course, you can eat five ounces of any fruit you wish and drink any type of caffeine anytime you want and still see results.
I should also mention there is no proof that bagels or other carbs can make you go blind… yet, anyway.
But these processed-carb-riddled choices certainly don’t provide the healthy vitamins and powerful antioxidants that fruit can. These potent nutrients are just what your body needs to boost your overall health and protect your eyesight.
So skip those bagels and scoop up some fruit to keep those peepers in perfect shape.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Sources
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...
Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk
We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth. But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health. Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities… Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking...
Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It
Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body. The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes....
Study Reveals Not All Generic Drugs Are Created Equal
Like most folks, you probably don’t think twice about whether you’re getting a brand-name or generic drug when you pick up a prescription. After all, the FDA insists generics are just as safe and effective as their pricier brand-name counterparts. But what if that’s not always true? A disturbing new study has uncovered evidence that...
Feed Your Good Gut Bugs with this Produce Aisle Staple
Improving your health doesn’t always have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and tasty—as a handful of berries. We’ve long known that blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch. But this latest research takes things by revealing exactly how these berries enhance your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive system....
Harness the Forgotten Superpower of Boredom
From the moment we crawl out of bed in the morning until we hit the hay again at night, we’re bombarded with stimulation. With screens everywhere, including in our pockets, we’re surrounded by entertainment. But with constant notifications and endless scrolling, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. In fact, most of us avoid it at...
The Forgotten Nutrient That May Save Your Memory
Some nutrients, like vitamin D and vitamin C, get all the attention. But almost no one’s talking about vitamin K. However, this overlooked nutrient could be key to preserving your memory as you age. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests vitamin K plays a critical role in keeping your brain sharp well...