The main cause of poor vision as people grow older is age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.But this disease can be avoided — and a recent study of the journal Nutrients It suggests that the popular superfood goji berry could be a powerful preventive tool.
Researchers asked 13 healthy people aged 45-65 years to take about 1 ounce of dried goji berries five times a week for three months, with the other 14 participants seeing during the same period. I took an over-the-counter supplement for my health. Comparing the density of eye protection pigments before and after the study period, researchers found beneficial changes only in the Gojiberry group, but the supplement group showed no improvement.
Lead author of the study, Xiang Li, Ph.D. (C) At the University of California, Davis Nutrition Biology Program.
“These two compounds are like sunscreen in your eyes,” she says. “The higher the amount of retina, the stronger the protection. This is important in the early stages of AMD, but it also helps people with healthy eyes because it removes harmful blue light and provides antioxidant protection. increase.”
Related: No. 1 of the best juices to drink every day, says Science
One of the advantages of dried goji berries is that they only take very small amounts to make a difference and the compounds are highly bioavailable. Lee says it means that they are usually well absorbed by the digestive system so that the body can use them.
Is there no reliable source of dried goji berries where you live, or do you just like the taste? Good news: You can get the same properties from other foods. British Ophthalmology Journal..
Lutein and zeaxanthin are usually paired with certain foods. The best sources are egg yolks, corn, orange peppers, spinach, zucchini, and several types of squash.
Whatever you choose, Lee says it’s important to focus on protecting your eyes for nutritious aging. AMD can affect central vision and reduce the ability to recognize and read faces. In the early stages, there are usually no symptoms. Therefore, thinking about eye health can greatly help protect your eye health as you get older.
For more information, check out the six best supplements for your eyes, experts say.
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