Eating lots of fruits helps prevent vision loss

Older people who have a diet rich in fruits such as citrus, leafy green vegetables, and fish oil - but have a low "glycemic index" - are less likely to suffer from the symptoms of macular degeneration. Old age (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people over 65 years of age.

That is the new research results published in the journal "Ophthalmology" in May 2009.

The macular degeneration is caused by cells in the black spot on the retina that are enlarged by blood vessels under the retina, causing the patient to lose sight of the center, leading to blindness.

A series of previous studies showed that eating a lot of green vegetables, supplementing with high doses of vitamins C, E, zinc and beta carotene - substances that make fruits and some vegetables red, yellow and orange - can inhibiting disease development.

In this study, scientists at Tufts University in Boston also examined the relationship between diets at 4,000 elderly people and the risk of developing AMD symptoms.

The results showed that people who regularly ate fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids or foods high in vitamin C, E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin had a lower risk for AMD. These substances are found in broccoli, spinach and leafy greens, as well as egg yolks.

The study also found that diets with foods with a low "glycemic index" also prevent AMD.

The "glycemic" index shows the ability of a food to increase blood sugar levels. Foods with this high index include bread, potatoes and low-glycemic indexes including lentils, soybeans, yogurt and high-fiber cereals.

Previously, a study by the American Brigham and Women's Hospital also found that eating just over 3 servings of fruit a day was effective in preventing AMD symptoms.