New information about the relationship between grapes and eye health

New information about the relationship between grapes and eye health

A balanced diet is essential for weight loss, but certain foods can help certain parts of the human body stay at their best for longer.

According to new research, eating grape fruit every day can help keep the eyes as healthy as possible, according to what was published by the British newspaper “The Mirror”, citing the “Food & Function” journal.

a cup and a half

The results of the new study showed that older adults who ate a cup and a half of grapes daily, or 46 grams of grape powder, over a four-month period actually saw an improvement in their eye health.

The study, the first of its kind, examined the effect of grape consumption on the accumulation of macular pigment, which are compounds found in fruits and vegetables, which are known for their benefits to vision.

“Very exciting”

“The study is the first to show that grape consumption beneficially affects eye health in humans, which is very exciting, especially with age,” said Dr. Jong-Eun Kim, the study’s lead researcher. “Grapes are a readily available fruit and studies have shown that they can have a beneficial effect in normal amounts of no more than one and a half cups per day.”

Harmful compounds

Eye diseases and vision problems are more prevalent in older adults, and according to researchers, one of the main drivers of these diseases are harmful compounds referred to as AGEs that can form when protein or fat combines with sugar in the bloodstream. These compounds contribute to disease by damaging the vascular components of the retina, which in turn impairs cellular function.

Antioxidants

Dietary antioxidants can prevent the formation of AGEs, which can benefit the retina by showing an improvement in macular pigment optical density (MPOD), an important measure of vision health. Grapes, as well as being a rich source of vitamin C, are full of antioxidants known as phenolic compounds, which can prevent the body from producing harmful AGEs.

Multiple benefits

The researchers conducted a randomized human study on 34 participants, some of whom ate a cup and a half of grapes daily for 16 weeks, and others were given a placebo. Those who consumed grapes showed a significant increase in MPOD, as well as improved plasma antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content.

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